3. Church History

A History of the Catholic Church by Hertling, L.

A Popular History of the Catholic Church by Hughes, P.

A Short History of the Catholic Church by Orlandis, J.

Official Vatican website - Books by Pope Benedict XVI

Christ and His Church by Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)

Church, Ecumenism and Politics: New Essays in Ecclesiology

Dominus Iesus is a 2000 declaration issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, then headed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, titled "On the Unicity and Salvific Universality of Jesus Christ and the Church."[^1] [^2] [^3] It counters relativistic theories seeking to justify religious pluralism not only de facto but also de iure, which undermine the definitive and complete character of Christ's revelation and the Church's missionary proclamation, while critiquing philosophical and theological presuppositions such as attitudes toward truth's elusiveness, subjectivism, and interpretations of Scripture outside Tradition and Magisterium.[^1] [^2] [^5] The document firmly upholds that the universal salvific will of God is accomplished once for all in Christ's incarnation, death, and resurrection, allowing for exploration of other religions' elements within God's plan only as participated mediations subordinate to Christ's unique mediation.[^3] [^4] Theologically, it holds profound significance by safeguarding Catholic faith against indifferentism and erroneous Christologies, reaffirming the Church's necessity for salvation, and guiding contemporary theological reflection on interreligious dialogue.[^2] [^3] [^4]

Bl. Álvaro del Portillo - Faithful and Laity

Four Witnesses: The Early Church in Her Own Words by Rod Bennett

God and the World: Believing and Living in Our Time is a 2000 book-length interview between Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) and journalist Peter Seewald, in which Ratzinger offers candid reflections on faith, the nature of God, revelation, and Christianity's encounter with modernity. Its main themes encompass the transformative and communal aspects of divine revelation, the intelligibility of creation as evidence of a Creator grounding natural law, liturgical renewal amid historical proscriptions, and the interplay of reason, truth, and love in human existence.Theologically significant, the work distills Ratzinger's mature thought into an accessible format, emphasizing faith's historical-eschatological orientation and the Church's mission to purify reason and conscience in a secular age, prefiguring key elements of his pontificate.

St. Josemaría Escrivá - In Love with the Church

"Milestones" by Benedict XVI, also known as Joseph Ratzinger, is a profound autobiographical account that chronicles the life and thought of one of the most influential theologians and leaders of the Catholic Church in the modern era. Through a reflective narrative, Ratzinger explores pivotal moments in his journey, from his early years in Bavaria to his ascension as pope, highlighting his theological insights and the challenges he faced within the Church and the wider world. The book delves into themes of faith, reason, and the interplay between tradition and modernity, offering readers a unique perspective on the complexities of contemporary Catholicism. As both a personal memoir and a theological reflection, "Milestones" serves as a significant contribution to understanding the life and legacy of Benedict XVI, inviting readers to ponder the deeper questions of faith and morality in a changing world.

Works of Bl. Álvaro del Portillo

Catholic Church teachings

The Church in the Theology of St Paul by Cerfaux, L.

The Church of God, Body of Christ and Temple of the Holy Spirit by Bouyer, L.

The Church of the Apostles and Martyrs vol. 1 by Daniel-Rops

The Fathers of the Church by Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger)

Benedict XVI. The Meaning of Christian Brotherhood.

The Mystical Body by Boylan, E.

The Ratzinger Report, the 1985 book in which Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) was interviewed by Vittorio Messori about the state of the post-Vatican II Church. The provided references consist primarily of Pope Benedict XVI's letters, addresses, and messages from 2005–2011 on topics such as ecclesial unity, the situation of the Church in China, priestly ministry, theological reflection, and dialogue with the world, which echo broader themes like fidelity to doctrine and reconciliation that characterize Ratzinger's writings but do not reference this specific book.[^1] [^3] [^4] Without direct supporting materials, I cannot provide a cited description of its content, main themes, or theological significance.

"The Salt of the Earth" is a profound exploration of faith and the role of the Church in contemporary society, authored by Joseph Ratzinger, later known as Pope Benedict XVI. Through a series of interviews, Ratzinger reflects on the challenges facing Christianity in the modern world, emphasizing the importance of truth, morality, and the necessity of a deep spiritual life. The book delves into themes such as the nature of God, the significance of the Eucharist, and the relationship between faith and reason, asserting that a vibrant faith can provide essential guidance in a secular age. Ratzinger's insights not only illuminate the Catholic faith but also serve as a compelling call for believers to engage thoughtfully and actively with the complexities of today's world.

Theology of the Church by Journet, C.

Encyclical letter calling for Christian unity, given by Pope John Paul II, at Saint Peter's on 25 May, 1995. Page numbers: 115