1st Book of Benedict XVI's Texts Published

The volume, published by the Vatican Publishing House and St. Paul's publishers, includes the text the Holy Father read at the Aug. 24 general audience, after his return from Cologne, in which he evaluated his first international apostolic trip.

The book was presented this morning in the Vatican press office by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope's vicar for Rome.

The cardinal said that the book focuses on the "revolution" the new Pope is promoting: the transformation of hearts and of the world through the love of Christ, who gave his life for men.

Also on hand was Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, who said that these papal addresses present a "pastoral program" summarized in three key verbs: "seek, find and adore Christ, the Redeemer of mankind."

It is not a "souvenir volume" but "above all, a guide to consolidate one's faith and learn how to announce Christ in the world today," he said.

The book will be printed in 18 countries, including the United States, Canada and Great Britain.