Ratzinger on Vatican II

For some time now I've been searching for a copy of the then Father Joseph Ratzinger's book, Theological Highlights of Vatican II. Published in 1966 by Paulist Press it offers the young theologian's impressions of the Second Vatican Council and his theological insights on the documents it produced. Because he attended all four sessions of the Council as a peritus, or advisor, to Cardinal Frings of Cologne, Germany, the future pope was certainly able to view the work of the Council from a privileged position. Unfortunately, the book has been out of print for years and used copies were difficult to obtain at a reasonable price. And so a few years ago I simply gave up looking for it. But then yesterday a friend sent me an email letting me know that Paulist Press had republished the book in 2009 and that it was once again available. I ordered it from Amazon this morning.

I look forward to reading it, since the Holy Father has really been very consistent in his support for the Council and its aims. In recent years one of his major concerns has been the misinterpretation of the Council's work by so many who oddly claim that the "spirit of Vatican II" can completely contradict what the Council Fathers actually wrote. It should be an interesting read.

Pray for our Holy Father.