Who said nobody cares about the Pope?

Rome, Apr. 30, 2007 (CWNews.com) - More than 1 million copies of the new book by Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news), Jesus of Nazareth, have been sold in just 2 weeks.

The Italian edition of Jesus of Nazareth has sold 510,000 copies, while the German edition has sold 480,000, and the Polish edition 100,000, the latest figures show. The book went on sale on April 16, the Pope's 80th birthday.

The English-language version of the book, to be published by Doubleday, is due to appear on May 15.

Introduction to Jesus of Nazareth

Zadok the Roman is provided excerpts and commentary on the His Holiness' Jesus of Nazareth. Thus far he's posted his own initial thoughts and something from the Introduction.

Hat tip to Berolinensis.

On Jesus of Nazareth

Sandro Magister has an excellent article on the Holy Father's Jesus of Nazareth. Have a read.

I wish I knew German or Italian...

Doesn't he look happy? If you look closely you can see a smile forming on his lips. I think it's a smile of humble pride at seeing this work in print, one that has been on his heart for many years. Pray the Lord to the give the Holy Father strength to complete the second volume of this work.

What I wouldn't give right now to read German or Italian. My English version is to arrive between May 24th and 26th. I really don't want to wait that long...

Jesus of Nazareth according to Benedict

Pope Benedict XVI's long-awaited 400 page book Jesus of Nazareth will be released in conjunction with his eightieth birthday on April 16th.

Vatican, Apr. 4, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict's book, Jesus of Nazareth, will be available for sale in Italy on April 16, the Pontiff's 80th birthday, the Vatican has announced.

Vatican officials will introduce the Pope's work to reporters at a Vatican press conference on April 13. The book will then be available on the following Monday in an Italian-language edition; the Vatican has not yet disclosed when the English translation will be available.

This will be the first book written by the Pope since his election in April 2005. He began the work last summer, and the work has reportedly consumed his spare time since that start. Prior to his election as Pontiff, then-Cardinal Ratzinger wrote numerous works on theology. [more]

Those of us in the English speaking world will - most regretably - have to wait a bit longer, I'm afraid. Ignatius Press says it will be available May 15th (though it is already on back order) while Amazon.com estimates my delivery date between May 24th and 26th (I ordered it back on January 4th).

For the curious among us, Jesus of Nazareth currently ranks as number 183 in their sales.