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Lessons in Hope: My Unexpected Life with St. John Paul II
A preeminent authority on the Catholic Church and papal biographer describes what he learned from chronicling the life of Pope John Paul II
In Lessons in Hope, George Weigel tells the story of his unique friendship with St. John Paul II. As Weigel learns the pope "from inside," he also offers a firsthand account of the tumult of post-Vatican II Catholicism and the Cold War's endgame, introducing readers to the heroes who brought down European communism. Later, he shows us the aging pope grappling with the post-9/11 world order and teaching new lessons in dignity through his own suffering.
A deeply humane portrait of an eminent scholar learning a saint, Lessons in Hope is essential reading for anyone seeking a fuller understanding of a world-changing pope.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published September 19, 2017
30 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
George Weigel
121 books153 followersAmerican author and political and social activist. Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Weigel was the Founding President of the James Madison Foundation.
Each summer, Weigel and several other Catholic intellectuals from the United States, Poland, and across Europe conduct the Tertio Millennio Seminar on the Free Society in Krakow, in which they and an assortment of students from the United States, Poland, and several other emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe discuss Christianity within the context of liberal democracy and capitalism, with the papal encyclical Centesimus Annus being the focal point.
He is a member of the advisory council of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.
Each summer, Weigel and several other Catholic intellectuals from the United States, Poland, and across Europe conduct the Tertio Millennio Seminar on the Free Society in Krakow, in which they and an assortment of students from the United States, Poland, and several other emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe discuss Christianity within the context of liberal democracy and capitalism, with the papal encyclical Centesimus Annus being the focal point.
He is a member of the advisory council of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 17, 2021
A 13 hour unabridged audiobook.
The author is certainly a catholic scholar, and if the book is accurate then he arguably understood the philosophy of Pope JP2 better than any other American (perhaps even any other English speaker).
It seems that he uses this book to deflect criticisms he received relating to his biography on the Pope and goes into detail regarding all his related in person meetings and conversations. It shed useful light, but for a lay person it was a bit tough to follow all the encyclicals, moral and philosophical points mentioned without going into greater detail for those not adequately acquainted with them (i.e. me).
The author is certainly a catholic scholar, and if the book is accurate then he arguably understood the philosophy of Pope JP2 better than any other American (perhaps even any other English speaker).
It seems that he uses this book to deflect criticisms he received relating to his biography on the Pope and goes into detail regarding all his related in person meetings and conversations. It shed useful light, but for a lay person it was a bit tough to follow all the encyclicals, moral and philosophical points mentioned without going into greater detail for those not adequately acquainted with them (i.e. me).
August 28, 2018
Summary: George Weigel appears not to realize that the reading public is fully aware of what a thirsty bunch journalists and popular writers are. Thus in "Lessons in Hope: My Life with Jean Paul II" one finds a description of every alcoholic potion consumed by the author during the roughly ten year period that he spent writing and promoting the first volume of his biography of the late pontiff. In short the reader is treated to ghastly piece of gonzo Catholicism. To my mind, Weigel's biography is by far the best book to have been written on the life, pontificate and philosophy of John Paul II. "Lessons in Hope: My Life with Jean Paul II", then comes as a huge disappointment.
Weigel does indeed tell the story brilliantly of how he came to be chosen by John Paul II be his biographer and how he maintained his academic integrity while acting as his de facto as a spokes-person.
Weigel's argument is that he believed in the things that Karol Wojtyla believed in long before Karol Wojtyla became Pope and in fact long before he even knew that Karol Wojtyla existed. As an undergraduate Weigel became convinced that he was a misfit amongst North American Catholic theologians, writers and journalists who believed and hoped that in the wake of Vatican II the catholic would modify its doctrines further so as to align them with the "Liberalism" that prevailed in western society. Barred by virtue of his old-fashioned, rigorist values from teaching in Catholic universities or working in the Catholic media, Weigel found a home in conservative Catholic "Think Tanks". After Karol Wojtyla became Pope John Paul II, Weigel discovered that he shared both enemies and causes with him. While the mainstream Catholic intellectuals tried to ignore John Paul II's preaching and encyclicals, Weigel decided to promote them actively. Weigel was chosen to be the Pope's biographer because he truly believed in what the Pope believed in and had done so for a long period of time.
Weigel ultimately is better at arguing for his sincerity than his independence as a biographer. John Paul II clearly set out the basic framework. Previous biographer's had overstated his role in the victory of Solidarity over Communism asserting that he had provided significant financial assistance to Solidarity. John Paul II wanted to make it clear that he provided only moral support. He insisted that his philosophical writings and his career as an ethics professor at KUL (the Catholic University of Lublin) be treated in depth. Finally John Paul II wanted prominence given to his "środowisko" movement that he created at KUL to form young people the majority of whom would remain in the laity rather than entering the clergy.
Weigel followed John Paul II's fully which is one reason why his biography is such a masterpiece. Nonetheless, Weigel's claim that he was an independent rather than an "official" biographer has no credibility for me. Weigel was certainly not a sycophant. However, the fact that he truly believed in what John Paul II does not mean that he was not acting as John Paul's spokesperson. As Weigel makes it clear, he was in constant contact with Stanislas Dziwisz, the Pope's private secretary, constantly throughout the period that he was working on the biography and had twenty meetings with the Pope. His argument that he was acting independently because his final text was not reviewed and approved on a line by line basis does not hold water.
The problem for the reader of "Lessons in Hope: My Life with Jean Paul II" is that Weigel understanding the nature of his working relationship with John Paul II in the past now feels that he must refrain from commenting on certain events that have transpired since or address them in the most circumspect manner. He observes at one point that John Paul II was disappointed by much of what happened in Poland after the fall of communism but then adds no detail. Weigel' silence on the disgraced Lech Walesa is thunderous. His comments on the controversial Radio Maryja are hard to decipher. Weigel notes that the Jean Paul II expressed personal support to him after Radio Maryja attacked him but he refuses to elaborate on the thinking of either John Paul II or of Stanilas Dziwisz (who became the primate of Poland during the pontificate of Benedict XVI) toward Radio Maryja.
Weigel also suggests in several places that John Paul's program is meeting growing resistance within the American clergy and intellectual community but fails to add any detail.
Weigel is a superb and a very fine writer. In my view, he has failed to display any of his good qualities in this book which is simply not one of his better efforts.
Weigel does indeed tell the story brilliantly of how he came to be chosen by John Paul II be his biographer and how he maintained his academic integrity while acting as his de facto as a spokes-person.
Weigel's argument is that he believed in the things that Karol Wojtyla believed in long before Karol Wojtyla became Pope and in fact long before he even knew that Karol Wojtyla existed. As an undergraduate Weigel became convinced that he was a misfit amongst North American Catholic theologians, writers and journalists who believed and hoped that in the wake of Vatican II the catholic would modify its doctrines further so as to align them with the "Liberalism" that prevailed in western society. Barred by virtue of his old-fashioned, rigorist values from teaching in Catholic universities or working in the Catholic media, Weigel found a home in conservative Catholic "Think Tanks". After Karol Wojtyla became Pope John Paul II, Weigel discovered that he shared both enemies and causes with him. While the mainstream Catholic intellectuals tried to ignore John Paul II's preaching and encyclicals, Weigel decided to promote them actively. Weigel was chosen to be the Pope's biographer because he truly believed in what the Pope believed in and had done so for a long period of time.
Weigel ultimately is better at arguing for his sincerity than his independence as a biographer. John Paul II clearly set out the basic framework. Previous biographer's had overstated his role in the victory of Solidarity over Communism asserting that he had provided significant financial assistance to Solidarity. John Paul II wanted to make it clear that he provided only moral support. He insisted that his philosophical writings and his career as an ethics professor at KUL (the Catholic University of Lublin) be treated in depth. Finally John Paul II wanted prominence given to his "środowisko" movement that he created at KUL to form young people the majority of whom would remain in the laity rather than entering the clergy.
Weigel followed John Paul II's fully which is one reason why his biography is such a masterpiece. Nonetheless, Weigel's claim that he was an independent rather than an "official" biographer has no credibility for me. Weigel was certainly not a sycophant. However, the fact that he truly believed in what John Paul II does not mean that he was not acting as John Paul's spokesperson. As Weigel makes it clear, he was in constant contact with Stanislas Dziwisz, the Pope's private secretary, constantly throughout the period that he was working on the biography and had twenty meetings with the Pope. His argument that he was acting independently because his final text was not reviewed and approved on a line by line basis does not hold water.
The problem for the reader of "Lessons in Hope: My Life with Jean Paul II" is that Weigel understanding the nature of his working relationship with John Paul II in the past now feels that he must refrain from commenting on certain events that have transpired since or address them in the most circumspect manner. He observes at one point that John Paul II was disappointed by much of what happened in Poland after the fall of communism but then adds no detail. Weigel' silence on the disgraced Lech Walesa is thunderous. His comments on the controversial Radio Maryja are hard to decipher. Weigel notes that the Jean Paul II expressed personal support to him after Radio Maryja attacked him but he refuses to elaborate on the thinking of either John Paul II or of Stanilas Dziwisz (who became the primate of Poland during the pontificate of Benedict XVI) toward Radio Maryja.
Weigel also suggests in several places that John Paul's program is meeting growing resistance within the American clergy and intellectual community but fails to add any detail.
Weigel is a superb and a very fine writer. In my view, he has failed to display any of his good qualities in this book which is simply not one of his better efforts.
October 31, 2017
It is a great read. It took me about three days to finish this book as I had a hard time putting it down. George Weigel was Pope John Paul Il's biographer. This book describes his relationship with this holy, humble Pope. He writes about the many challenges Pope John Paul Il faced especially in the final years of his life. It also focuses on George's decades long friendship with Pope John Paul ll and some interesting facts about Karol Wojtyla's remarkable personality and his many accomplishments. All that this great servant of God had offered to the world, in the face of great suffering, especially in the last years of his life is astounding. Weigel is a great story-teller and he brings Pope, or I should say, St John Paul ll alive in a very personal way.
September 28, 2017
I have read all four of Mr. Weigel’s books on St. John Paul II. He is a consummate writer and his books are beautifully written.
I was a lapsed Catholic when Pope John Paul II was elected. I was more proud of his Polishness. Then, I read Witness to Hope and was immediately transfixed by the story of this great man. Lessons in Hope is a continuation of the life of this man.
I was a lapsed Catholic when Pope John Paul II was elected. I was more proud of his Polishness. Then, I read Witness to Hope and was immediately transfixed by the story of this great man. Lessons in Hope is a continuation of the life of this man.
June 7, 2020
Having read *Witness to Hope* a few years back and just finishing *The End and the Beginning* a few days ago, I was eager to dive into this book, the finishing touches on George Weigel's JPII triptych. I knocked off this substantial volume in just three days, so I clearly found it to be engrossing and a page turner.
The first hundred pages or so are somewhat autobiographical but always focused on how life events, personal interests, and various influences led Weigel -- much to his surprise -- to be a papal biographer. For much of the remainder of the book we get insights into the author's interactions with the pope, his closest advisers, and myriad others who helped shape the books. Wonderful anecdotes and interesting happenings enhance this insightful look into the author's research process. The events leading up to the pope's death and the immediate time after that are movingly covered. The final pages discuss the second book and how it was enhanced by new materials fortuitously coming into the author's hands.
While the book can be enjoyed on its own, I really must recommend reading the biographies before getting to this one in order to really appreciate it. If you have already read the biographies, this is a must read to round out the experience.
Without a smidgen of a doubt in my mind, providence shaped this collaboration between John Paul and George Weigel. We are the beneficiaries of this magisterial work of the greatest figure for good in the twentieth century.
The first hundred pages or so are somewhat autobiographical but always focused on how life events, personal interests, and various influences led Weigel -- much to his surprise -- to be a papal biographer. For much of the remainder of the book we get insights into the author's interactions with the pope, his closest advisers, and myriad others who helped shape the books. Wonderful anecdotes and interesting happenings enhance this insightful look into the author's research process. The events leading up to the pope's death and the immediate time after that are movingly covered. The final pages discuss the second book and how it was enhanced by new materials fortuitously coming into the author's hands.
While the book can be enjoyed on its own, I really must recommend reading the biographies before getting to this one in order to really appreciate it. If you have already read the biographies, this is a must read to round out the experience.
Without a smidgen of a doubt in my mind, providence shaped this collaboration between John Paul and George Weigel. We are the beneficiaries of this magisterial work of the greatest figure for good in the twentieth century.
January 15, 2019
A fascinating journey into the lives and of both St John Paul 2 and Weigel, from the man who wrote the authoritative biography on the great saint. Scattered with little gems of insight into the cultural, ecclesial and political challenges facing us today and holding up the 'Lessons of Hope' he learned at the side of JP2 as remedies for these ills- this book is rich on many fronts.
And as with any Weigel book, my reading list has doubled thanks to the many books/documents he references in here...I already took a detour mid way to read Centesimus Annus.
And as with any Weigel book, my reading list has doubled thanks to the many books/documents he references in here...I already took a detour mid way to read Centesimus Annus.
November 27, 2017
Pope St. John Paul II is a spiritual and intellectual hero of mine, and George Weigel is his definitive biographer. Reading Witness to Hope in 2000 was something of a turning point in my decision to become Catholic, so I am personally indebted to Mr. Weigel. This new book is something of a memoir of the process of writing the earlier biography, and it includes scores of interesting and very candid details about Weigel's interactions with the pope and his circle of friends and colleagues.
December 13, 2017
George Weigel is of course the author of the two definitive biographies of St. John Paul II. This is a journal (of sorts) of his long friendship of the saintly pope, set against some of the tulmultuous events of the past decades - the Solidarity movement in Poland, the fall of Communism in Europe, the assassination attempt on the pope's life, 911, the Gulf War, etc. Yet another glimpse into the life of one of the 20th century's most iconic figure.
August 26, 2019
Weigel has written a beautiful memoir of his unexpected life with Pope St. John Paul II. Weaving personal biography with theological depth, this book is a great complement to Witness to Hope and The End and the Beginning. There are new stories and new details on familiar stories. This is a great book.
My only quibble is that the narrator’s pronunciation of many words that will be familiar to Church nerds and JPII nerds will grate. The rest of his performance is fine.
My only quibble is that the narrator’s pronunciation of many words that will be familiar to Church nerds and JPII nerds will grate. The rest of his performance is fine.
August 11, 2019
While there are some beautiful insights into the person of St. JPII and some anecdotes, this book is about Mr. Weigel, his smarts, his intuitions, his correct interpretation of the Pope, etc. I was very disappointed. Not really worthwhile... unless you want to read Mr. Weigel's autobiography in which there is a lot of contacto with the Pope.
December 23, 2017
A very well written and intimate portrait of Pope St John Paul the Great. George Weigel gives us tremendous insight into the personal life of the late Pope as well as how his own life was influenced by the Holy Father. A fantastic read for those who want a trip down memory lane with JP2.
December 22, 2017
Excellent story of a friendship and John Paul II. Sorry that I did not finish sooner but was constantly interrupted.
February 20, 2018
Beautiful, conversational.
March 18, 2018
I wished I had been able to finish this but I had to get it back to the library.
July 29, 2024
While I thoroughly enjoyed "Witness to Hope" and I look forward to reading "The End and the Beginning", this book was not worth the read. It is more of George Weigel's autobiography than a reflection on Pope St. John Paul II and what went into the writing of his biography. I enjoyed parts of this book, but it required serious editing to skip past the uninteresting parts.
June 22, 2023
I was very interested in the Pope and found a lot of interesting and beautiful information that wouldn’t necessarily be found in a stand biography. It was a shame though that I had to trudge through the smarminess of Weigel’s self importance.
January 16, 2018
Too much biographical info about Weigel before he gets into the story about JP2. But lots of beautiful looks into John Paul II as a friend and his friendships with others.
September 16, 2020
I didn't finish. So take my review with grain of salt.
September 6, 2023
St. John Paul II was a wonderful pope. I love all the books about him and I feel a special connection to him. This was another great read!
March 22, 2018
George Weigel who introduced me to John Paul II years ago shares his personal reflections and stories about this wonderful man. A fantastic read that brought back all I miss.
April 28, 2018
Makes me want to re-read his biographies
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews