This fine book is not, as the author makes clear, a biography of the Cardinal, nor is it a study of his work as a biblical scholar and pastor. Instead, it aims to be a portrait—one that offers a true and complete image of a man: a religious figure, a shepherd, devoted to God and to the Church.
It is difficult to highlight which themes or insights Aldo Maria Valli has explored to give us the most authentic picture, because everything feels essential, important, unique. To convey this great man's character, the author relies throughout nearly the entire text on words spoken by the Cardinal himself—phrases full of truth, confidence, faith, and love. I could cite several that moved me deeply, especially those in which Martini speaks in the first person, as if he wanted to confess his innermost thoughts to us. It seemed impossible to choose among them; all are vital in urging us to follow Christ's teaching and to learn to love him truly.
By browsing the table of contents at leisure, readers can choose which subject to explore first—if you prefer not to read straight through but in small portions. Anyone uncertain, angry, or indifferent about major questions of faith will find genuine, concrete help in these pages. Particularly striking is Chapter 9, and especially the section titled "The Gray Zones," which addresses "life, in which modern humanity can intervene with ever greater force and precision."
The Cardinal, now so close to death that it frightens everyone, speaks without fear: "What awaits us after death is a mystery that demands our complete trust." And when asked what question he would pose to Jesus if he could, he answers: "I would ask him if he loves me, despite my weakness and all my failings. I know that he loves me, and yet I would like to hear it from him one more time.
I would also ask him if he will come for me at the moment of death, if he will welcome me. In those difficult moments, in separation or at death's threshold, I would beg him to send me angels, saints, and friends to hold my hand and help me overcome my fear." This sentence, so full of human longing and trust in God, draws us all closer to this great man and invites us to follow his path.