The Vatican Publishing House’s Italian translation of the bestseller “A Civilization of Love” by Carl Anderson was launched in Rome on December 9th.

Benedict XVI participated at the presentation, which was held at the Vatican Radio headquarters, by means of a telegram sent by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who wrote the book’s prologue. In his message, the Pope recommends the book.

This publication by the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus has also been translated and published in Polish. The author explained the topicality of the book’s message:

“The idea of a civilization of love, that we should act always on this fundamental responsibility of the Christian to love one’s neighbor, was central to the thinking of John Paul II, and now -- given what is happening in Europe today -- essential for the discussion of culture and Christianity in Europe.”

Also speaking at the presentation were Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; John Thavis, head of the Roman office of Catholic News Service; Salesian Father Giuseppe Costa, director of the Vatican Publishing House; Franco Miano, president of Italian Catholic Action; and Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican Press Office.

Carl Anderson highlighted the essential role of Christian lay people and invited them to take on a more active part, together with all men and women of goodwill, in building a civilization of love, an idea which stems from the teachings of both John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Cardinal Rylko thanked the author, head of the most numerous Catholic movement within the Church with 1.7 million members worldwide, and classified the work as a “handbook for Catholic laity who make an effort to build a civilization of love.”