Yesterday's article by Timothy Kirchoff posed great questions about the role of the Church in the emerging (and even present) socio-political climate. The suggestion—that Francis is building Benedict's vision—is compelling.

To continue the conversation, we've decided to make this week's EP Free Read a copy of Pope Benedict's book-length interview with Peter Seewald, Light of the World: The Pope, the Church, and the Signs of the Times. Click here for a chance to get it!

From the publisher's website:

Never has a pope, in a book-length interview, dealt so directly with such wide-ranging and controversial issues as Pope Benedict XVI does in Light of the World.

Taken from a week-long series of interviews with veteran journalist Peter Seewald, this history-making book tackles head-on some of the greatest issues facing the world of our time. Benedict XVI is candid about the problems and the solutions. Twice before these two men held wide-ranging discussions, which became the best-selling books Salt of the Earth and God and the World. Then, Seewald's discussion partner was Joseph Ratzinger, head of the Vatican's chief doctrinal office. Now, Joseph Ratzinger is Pope Benedict XVI, the spiritual leader of the world's over one billion Catholics. Though Seewald now interviews the Pope himself, the journalist "pulls no punches," posing some of the thorniest questions any pope has had to address. Believers and unbelievers will be fascinated to hear Benedict's thoughtful, straightforward, and thought-provoking replies. This is no stern sermon or ponderous theological tract, but a lively, fast-paced, challenging, even entertaining exchange.

Andrew M. Haines is the editor and founder of Ethika Politika, and co-founder and chief operating officer at Fiat Insight.