In his introduction, Cardinal Sarah describes why he wrote this moving tribute to Benedict XVI:

My purpose in writing this book was to reveal the power of his teaching, for Benedict XVI was a spiritual master. I think that his very precise and profound theological thought is rooted in an authentic mystical and spiritual experience. Therefore, you will find in this book a general idea of the soul of Joseph Ratzinger. I tried to recall the times when, furtively, he opened up the secret recesses of his heart.

These moments outline an original path to God. They compose the portrait of a saint. They invite us to follow him. To this I added various texts that I had published over the years. I revised, expanded and updated them. In them you may discover an unexpected, unknown Benedict XVI. In them you perceive the coherence of the immense treasure that he left to us. You sense that his teaching and his example are a continent, still unexplored, where the Church will be able to find nourishment for a long time.

Finally, I wished to offer to the reader several texts by Benedict XVI that accompany him on an itinerary, for he was and remains a shepherd of souls. In many cases these are forgotten, little-known texts that invite us to set out with him on a path toward God.