Pope Benedict's World Youth Day talks to be published by Ignatius Press!

Some fantastic news today: Ignatius Press is going to be releasing within the month a collection of Pope Benedict's talks and addresses given at last year's World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany entitled "God's Revolution"!

Ignatius Insight has a great article and introduction to the work.

Some quotes from the article:

"Christ takes from you nothing that is beautiful and great," he declares.

He dares young people to become "radicals"; to be part of "God's revolution." To commit themselves without reservation to Jesus Christ.

"Only from God does true revolution come," he declares, "the definitive way to change the world."

"It is not ideologies that save the world, but only a return to the living God, our Creator, the guarantor of our freedom, the guarantor of what is really good and true," Benedict says.

But God's Revolution also warns against abusing faith in God: "There are many who speak of God: some even preach hatred and perpetuate violence in God's Name. So it is important to discover the true face of God."

"In Jesus Christ," the Pope declares, "who allowed his heart to be pierced for us, the true face of God is seen."

Amazon.com is taking advance orders!

Since I attended this WYD, I was able to hear most of Papa Benny's talks and addresses in person - they were received with cheers and extended applause from (myself and) all the youth assembled. They loved him and loved his message. It was a very beneficial experience for anyone who was there, even if you only got about this close to him during the pilgrimage:

Pope Benedict is speaking from the top level of that boat in the background, I'm sharing earphones with my buddy as we listen to the live radio translation of his speech (which I'd guess will probably be in the book). My other two buddies in that photo are now studying to become priests!

And here's a photo of my entire group at World Youth Day after the Pope's boat had moved up the river and he had disembarked traveling towards Cologne's cathedral (visible in the background):

[A final quick note - thank you to everyone who has added links to my blog in the last few days - I appreciate that it takes time and effort, but it lets me know about your site and come visit it! - Thomas]