Pope Benedict XVI and the Future of the Catholic Church


godschoiceEPPC Senior Fellow George Weigel’s bestselling biography of Pope John Paul II, Witness to Hope, set the standard by which all portraits of the modern papacy are now measured. With his new book, God’s Choice, he gives us an extraordinary chronicle of the rise of Pope Benedict XVI as well as an unflinching view of the Catholic Church at the dawn of a new era.

After more than twenty-six years of John Paul II’s guidance, the Catholic Church is entering a new age, with its bedrock traditions intact but with pressing questions to address in a rapidly changing world. Beginning with the story of John Paul’s final months, God’s Choice offers a remarkable inside account of the conclave that produced Benedict XVI as the next pope, drawing on Mr. Weigel’s unrivaled access to this complex event.

Presenting his latest book in this evening discussion, Mr. Weigel will survey the Church’s current condition and reflect upon the Catholic future and the larger human future the Church will help to shape. A wine and cheese reception, during which Mr. Weigel will sign books, will follow the discussion.