Pope, as author, portrays the 'real Jesus'
The pontiff's new book is a 'personal search for the face of the Lord.'
By Tracy Wilkinson, Times Staff Writer
April 14, 2007

A book launch by the pope carries a certain kind of fanfare.

The formal presentation Friday of Benedict XVI's first book as pope took place in a large, solemn auditorium. Cardinals in blood-red skullcaps sat in the front row, priests and nuns shared the rest of the leather-covered chairs with diplomats, two former Italian presidents and journalists.

The event was broadcast live on television, though the author was not in attendance.

The book, a long and dense theological treatise on Jesus Christ, is due to appear in bookstores Monday, the pope's 80th birthday. Publishing companies say they expect they'll have a bestseller on their hands. the rest

Pope Describes His Book on Jesus as a 'Personal' View, Not Doctrine