No-holds-barred, 239-page book reveals candid, explicit, and often surprising questions and answers

Contact: Lisa Wheeler, 678-990-9032 ext 102, LWheeler@MaximusMG.com; Timothy Lilley, 678-990-9032

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 23, 2010 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a book already getting worldwide attention for the disclosure of the answer to just one question asked of the Pope, one can be sure that "Light of the World: The Pope, the Church and the Signs of the Times" has much more to tell.

The book released globally today. And as readers have already observed, the condom question that is making headlines, is by far one of the least interesting pieces. From his views on the Church in the current time, to the controversy over his lecture at Regensburg, to questions on whether he ever considered resignation, and his thoughts on Pius XII, there are questions and answers that will surprise every reader. Here's a glimpse:

On page 23, the Pope describes learning of scandal and says, "It was really almost like the crater of a volcano, out of which suddenly a tremendous cloud of filth came, darkening and soiling everything, so that above all the priesthood suddenly seemed to be a place of shame and every priest was under the suspicion of being one like that too."

On page 147, the Pope answers a question about whether the Church opposes regulating conception. He says, "After all, everyone knows that the Church affirms natural regulation of conception, which is not just a method, but also a way of life. Because it presupposes that couples take time for each other."

On page 151, when asked about the acceptance of homosexuality in the West, the Pope affirms the "meaning and direction of sexuality" and that is "to bring about the union of man and woman, and in this way to give humanity posterity, children, a future. This is the determination internal to the essence of sexuality. Everything else is against sexuality's intrinsic meaning and direction. This is a point we need to hold firm, even if it is not pleasing to our age."

But the Pope also gets a bit whimsical and we get a peek at his personality. In the book, you learn what he does in the evening, whether he uses his exercise bicycle, what his favorite movies are, and if he's attached to any material possessions.

"Light of the World" is a must-read. In many ways, it is like sitting down with the Pope all alone and getting the opportunity to ask him every question that has been on your mind.

For more information on the book, please visit the book's website:
www.LightoftheWorldbook.com, or to read commentary on the book by various experts, visit lightoftheworldbook.blogspot.com.  

To schedule an interview with Fr. Joseph Fessio, the publisher and other cultural commentators who have been given access to the book prior to release, please contact Lisa Wheeler or Tim Lilley with The Maximus Group at 678-990-9032.