How many books has Benedict XVI written and which are the most famous?
Benedict XVI wrote many books dedicated to religion before his time in the Vatican.
Among Benedict XVI’s most famous books are Introduction to Christianity, Called to Communion: Understanding the Church Today, The Spirit of the Liturgy, and the Last Testament: In His Own Words, which was published in 2016.
He has written a total of 66 books. He also wrote three encyclicals and four apostolic exhortations.
Papal encyclicals by Pope Benedict XVI
Deus caritas est (God is Love) (December 25, 2005)
Spe salvi (In Hope We Were Saved) (November 30, 2007)
Caritas in veritate (Charity in Truth) (June 29, 2009)
Apostolic exhortations written by Pope Benedict XVI
An apostolic exhortation is considered lower in formal authority than a papal encyclical.
Sacramentum Caritatis: On the Eucharist as the Source and Summit of the Church’s Life and Mission (February 22, 2007)
Verbum Domini: On the Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church (September 30, 2010)
Africae Munus: On the Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace (November 19, 2011)
Ecclesia in Medio Oriente: On the Church in the Middle East (September 14, 2012)
Latest condition of Benedict XVI
“The Pope Emeritus was able to rest well last night. He is absolutely lucid and alert today, although his condition remains serious, the situation at the moment is stable,” said spokesman Matteo Bruni.
“Pope Francis renews his invitation to pray for him and accompany him in these difficult hours.”
The 95-year-old is said to be receiving constant medical care and added that his condition was “under control”.
Resigned in 2013
Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, due to deteriorating health. He was 85 when at the time and surprised Catholics around the world with his decision, less than eight years after he had been elected Pope.
Not since Gregory XII stepped down in 1415 had a pope resigned.