This is not an ordinary book about the Pope. It is a warmhearted and affectionate account in which Princess Alessandra Borghese guides the reader around the places where the Pope was born and grew up, and where he matured as a priest and as a man. This is the story of a journey – undertaken with camera and notebook in hand – into the ancient land of Bavaria, exploring its meadows and forests, walking round its many old towns, and visiting its beautiful Baroque churches and famous Marian shrines. It is a book full of profound reflections and genuine feeling. It helps us understand how the culture and faith of Bavaria helped nurture the Pope’s own faith. It also contains numerous accounts of meetings with people close to Benedict XVI who throw light on the less well-known aspects of his life and character.