Published in paperback Oct 2010, £12.99, ISBN 978-0-232-52835-0 The Catholic Church of the 20th Century was re-invigorated by the patristic, liturgical and biblical movements. It is the last which Josef Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict, appropriates in his understanding that his and the Church's priority is ' "Leading men and women to God..." ' (p. 43); 'we must once more make Scripture the soul of a theology that is simultaneously biblical and systematic.' (p. 44). However, Benedict 'does not give us a theological system.' Rather, he gives us 'an illuminating pathway', which helps us to realise what theology is, and how it 'might better proceed...to be effective.' (p. 71). The nine chapters are followed by scripture and subject indexes. The Pope's writings etc. quoted in the text form an introductory bibliography, while other authors are referenced in page notes. While this is an 'academic' book, Scott Hahn has an excellent style, which means that the general reader will not struggle. He modestly calls this 'essay' an introduction, 'an exercise in explanatory theology' (pp. 15-16) of a man whose thought patterns are more like those of the Church Fathers than of a mediaeval or modern theologian. Having read this book, one can better appreciate both what the Pope says, and why his teachings are pronounced as they are. The Pope's circle of former students is now widened, in a very effective way, to include all Christians for whom the Bible is the living Word of God.