Pope Benedict — having dashed off a long letter to the Chinese and then a shorter letter to everyone else about the Latin mass — has scurried off for his vacation. But he’s not planning to kick back and read the new Harry Potter book or see “The Simpsons” movie or go roller-blading with Cardinal Arinze.

No, he’s going to get busy:

Pope Benedict XVI said Monday he plans to use his nearly three-week-long vacation in the Italian mountains to write a new book and said he was also preparing a new encyclical.

Benedict spoke briefly to reporters as he arrived at a church-owned villa in Lorenzago di Cadore, in the mountains near Italy’s border with Austria. He said he hopes to work on the second volume of the book ”Jesus of Nazareth.” The first volume was published earlier this year.

”It’s in God’s hands,” he said. ”I hope to write some pages here.”

The first volume, Benedict’s first book as pontiff, offers a personal meditation on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The second volume is expected to explore the birth of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection.

Benedict was asked if he would use his time in between hikes through the mountains to also prepare a new encyclical. He laughed in response but said, ”Yes, eventually.”

Knock yourself out. But don’t overdo it, okay? Relax a little.

And, you know, a little roller-blading might be fun…