- In the first part of the book,
long term observations and interviews with selected
Cardinals involved in the last papal election are
combined, giving the reader an inside view of of the
process, and of the events that made it a relatively
short conclave. He explains why Cardinal
Ratzinger was not a comprised or interim Pope.
- In the second part, he explores
the developement of Joseph Ratzinger, theologian and
teacher, and how Benedict XVI's theology will affect
the Church, just as his nearly quarter century
tenure as Prefect of the Sacred Confraternity for
the Doctrine of the Faith has affected te present
one..
- The last part of the book
discusses Benedict's well known opposition to
relativism, and Allen's prediction that in the
Pope's view the Church might become smaller in
numbers, but less bureaucratic, (while retaining a
strong central authority) and more focused on direct
pastoral activity, celebration of the Sacraments,
and preaching of the Gospel.
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