Pope John Paul II's Forthcoming Book Set toBecome a Best-Seller

Pope John Paul II's highly anticipated book, "Crossing the Threshold of Hope", is expected to be a massive success, releasing its first mass-circulation volume while the pontiff is still in office. The book, a compilation of papal thoughts on pressing global issues, will be translated into 20 languages and will be available in Australia from November. The publisher, Jonathan Cape, will join the ranks of notable authors Sidney Sheldon, Judith Krantz, and Danielle Steel, but all profits will be donated to a charity set up by the Vatican.

Key Takeaways:

• The book, "Crossing the Threshold of Hope", will be addressed to people of all nations and all faiths.
• The book will contain papal thoughts on the major issues facing mankind on the verge of the 21st Century.
• The book will be translated into 20 languages and will be available in Australia from November.
• The publisher, Jonathan Cape, has printed 250,000 copies for circulation in Britain, with 1% of the global Catholic population (approximately 9 million) estimated to buy the book.
• The publisher expects the book to be a best-seller, with recognition that "it's very nice to have the Pope on your list".
• The profits from the book will go to a charity set up by the Vatican.
• The book will be a first-time publication by a pope while still in office.

Statistics:

• 900 million Catholics worldwide.
• 1% of the global Catholic population estimated to buy the book (approximately 9 million).
• 250,000 copies printed for circulation in Britain.
• 20 languages into which the book will be translated.
• November: the expected release date in Australia.

Sources:

• "The Guardian"