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The collaboration between a future pope and young prelate is transformed into profound friendship when circumstances thrust Joseph Ratzinger into the Apostolic Palace, even as he expected to be released in retirement to his beloved Bavaria. Monsignor Georg Gänswein never left his side, and witnessed one of the most influential people of this century conduct his papacy on both sides of the curtain. From his appointment as private secretary in 2003, which was meant to be temporary, until the abdication of the pope in 2013 and subsequent years as emeritus, Monsignor Gänswein walked the same steps and weathered the same storms as his dear friend, the Roman Pontiff Benedict XVI. Here he offers the truth regarding the man and the papacy as a spiritual testament of a pope whose formidable legacy is often subject to unfounded characterizations of rigidity and secrecy. 

Written with the involvement of the regarded Vaticanista Saverio Gaeta, Mons. Gänswein offers an account of a particular decade in history and confronts false claims of intrigue and cover-up (Vatileaks, the Orlandi abduction case, the sexual abuse scandal, among other issues) to tell the real story of a pope who faced a changing landscape and a public who largely misunderstood him and his style of governance. Here we meet one of the most affable and intellectually formidable popes the Catholic Church has ever known, and a priest who might also be considered a prophet of the post-modern age. Gänswein brilliantly contextualizes many of Benedict's most poignant theological positions, and in giving us a sense of their origin reveals that Benedict seamlessly lived everything he promulgated. His faith was the single bulwark upon which his personality as both teacher and leader were built. No biography has yet to establish the integrity and heart of Joseph Ratzinger as well as his friend, Georg Gänswein, does here.

As a spiritual testament more than just a journalistic exposé, Gänswein provides something only he can give––namely, the candid intelligence and sanctity witnessed up close. This is a remarkable and singular contribution to the history of the papacy and the record of the life of a saint. As Gänswein asserts, knowing this man is to encounter heroic virtue and an invitation to meet God, the greatest lover of mankind. Pope Benedict's own friendship with God will continue to provide warmth for as long as there are people on this earth who believe.  

Praise For…

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"Archbishop Gänswein offers us a beautiful illustration of the beautiful mind and even more beautiful person of Pope Benedict XVI––and in doing so makes a significant contribution to the contemporary history of the Church."

––George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow and William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies Ethics and Public Policy Center 

"Who Believes Is Not Alone is not only a finely drawn portrait of Pope Benedict XVI, but a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day workings of the Vatican bureaucracy. From his unique vantage point as the late Pope’s closest associate, Archbishop Gänswein provides new background and perceptive insights into the people, politics and events of a remarkable pontificate."   

––Mary Ann Glendon, Author of In the Courts of Three Popes (forthcoming, Penguin Random House)

"This book is a historical source for a momentous time in the life of the church written by a man of faith. It offers firsthand eyewitness testimony of the events surrounding the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Nobody who is interested in the pontificates of Popes Benedict XVI and Francis can ignore this book!"

––Msgr. Martin Schlag, Moss Endowed Chair for Catholic Social Thought at the Center for Catholic Studies-Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas

 "Archbishop Georg Gänswein has written a fascinating account of his more than twenty years of service to Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. The papacy depends upon the generosity of dedicated priests and bishops who answer the call to come to Rome from around the world to assist the Successor of St. Peter.  Archbishop Gänswein brings the reader behind the scenes in the Vatican. He is both forthright and charitable in describing his moments of joy and of sorrow in serving Christ in the person of His Vicar on Earth.  This is an important book for understanding the current history of the Holy See."

––Fr. Gerald E. Murray, Pastor, Church of the Holy Family, New York, NY, and member of EWTN's The Papal Posse

"Like many, I have sat uncomfortably with Pope Benedict XVI's resignation. Like undigested food, it churned in my soul as I looked for answers as history has continued to unfold. But those answers remained elusive. I hoped, but did not expect, to find the peace to this question in this book; and yet I did. It is a deep and hearty read, not skirting thorny issues, but often providing surprising details. More than anything, it has helped me to understand more deeply the heart and mind of Pope Benedict XVI in his pontificate and his resignation, in beautiful and satisfying ways." 

––Carrie Gress, Fellow at the Ethics & Public Policy Center, Editor of Theology of the Home series (TAN Books), and Author of The End of Woman (forthcoming, Regnery Publishing)

"Archbishop Georg Gänswein served Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI with great fidelity for decades, including up to the very end of the pope emeritus’s life. Gänswein’s devoted service to the memory of the brilliant theologian-pope continues through this valuable memoir of their close association. It not only sheds further light on Ratzinger’s notable intellectual contributions, but it also illuminates his personal and spiritual gifts. Joseph Ratzinger dedicated himself to Christ and His Church; Gänswein’s edifying portrait of his mentor calls readers to take heart from his unswerving witness to the Truth. Benedict’s influence on Gänswein pervades this work such that it is an important exercise in truth-telling in its own right."

Wilson D. Miscamble, C.S.C., Professor of History, University of Notre Dame, and Author of American Priest: The Ambitious Life and Conflicted Legacy of Notre Dame's Father Ted Hesburgh. 

"Who Believes Is Not Alone provides a privileged intimate portrait that, once again, confirms the consensus of esteem for Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI as a modern day Doctor of the Church and Church Father in the mold of Augustine, Ambrose, Jerome and Chrysostom. Archbishop Gänswein has placed us in his eternal debt as we continue to savor, for ages to come, the life and intellectual legacy of St. Benedict XVI, Pope and Doctor of the Church." 

––Rev. Maurice Agbaw-Ebai, St. John's Seminary, Boston, MA