Book Focuses on Benedict XVI's Inaugural Mass

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 22, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The Holy See has published a commentary on the installation rites used for the inaugural Mass of Benedict XVI.

The volume, published in Italian and entitled "Inizio del ministero petrino del vescovo di Roma Benedetto XVI" (Beginning of the Petrine Ministry of the Bishop of Rome Benedict XVI), offers liturgical, theological, historical and ritual commentary on the liturgical text followed for the inaugural Mass.

The Mass -- "Ordo Rituum pro Ministeri Petrini Initio Romae Episcopi" -- was approved by Benedict XVI days before the inaugural Mass took place April 24, 2005.

Benedict XVI and Archbishop Piero Marini, master of pontifical celebrations, appear on the cover.

The flap reads that "the rites of opening of a pontificate, celebrated in the spirit of the liturgy of the Second Vatican Council, remain as a sign and hope for the Church's journey in the world."

Archbishop Marini said that the text of the Mass itself, together with the commentary, have a "particular ecclesial and ecumenical value" and are a "gift and incentive not only for scholars, historians and faithful but for all the Churches of West and East."

The 565-page volume costs €40, and is published by the Vatican Publishing House.