Includes bibliographical references (p. 137-156) and index.

This is Ratzinger's first book as Pope. Written in conjunction with President of the Italian Senate, Marcello Pera--a partnering of the statesman and the holy man--the book is a reassessment of the European "West" and its struggle to define itself in the wake of war, terrorism, diplomatic and spiritual crisis. Pope Benedict reveals a thorough grasp of the contemporary global climate and the tentative and fractious bonds that tie Europe to the rest of the world. Though critical and cautionary, the new Pope ultimately offers an assertive message of hope to mend the West's fractured identity and reconnect with its spiritual roots.--From publisher description.