For the first time, the 10 great speeches of Benedict XVI's pontificate are collected. From the first homily delivered as soon as he became pope to the last public hearing, these speeches reveal the depth of his theological reflection in simple language that has nourished the faith of millions.

Since Pope Benedict XV1 died he has had a remarkably good press. Indeed many have argued that there is a natural evolution between Pope Benedict’s mission and that of his successor Pope Francis.

Dubbed and dismissed by many as an unrepentant traditionalist, we now see a man of profound intelligence and wisdom on matters relating not just to religion but to what is not termed 'The Common Good'. It is thus more important to read these texts carefully and with measure and not in garbled versions dreamt up by the Press. With this in mind, Benedict will be seen as an inspiring thinker who has a lot to teach us now and the future.

Included here are his speech on visiting Auschwitz, his address to the House of Commons and House of Lords, his address to the German Bundestag in Berlin, his address to the United Nations, his notorious Regensburg speech and his speech when he finally announced his resignation.