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Heirs of the Fisherman: Behind the Scenes of Papal Death and Succession
The death of Pope John Paul II and consequent election of Pope Benedict XVI has shed light on a political process that the world has not been privy to for almost twenty-six years. People from around the world gathered in St. Peter's Square, wondering who the next Vatican leader would be and how the election process really worked, while everyone from international news correspondents to local priests added their own opinions to the debate.
In Heirs of the Fisherman , former Vatican insider John-Peter Pham presents a candid portrait of the modern Vatican, the only account to reveal the striking changes to papal succession procedures made by John Paul II. Blending political and ecclesiastical history, Pham goes beyond a mere description of the complex rituals to offer rare insight into the dramatic shifts inside the College of Cardinals, whose 100 members now hail from 50 nations around the globe. He takes us into the secret conclave, where the electors were kept under lock and key, until they had selected a new pope. He also includes a chapter devoted to the intrigues of the 20th century where the first conclave had an emperor's veto and the last was won by the first non-Italian in four centuries becauase the Italians were bitterly divided.
With a new Preface, Afterword, and appendices that include an English translation of the last will and testament of Pope John Paul II, Heirs of the Fisherman is an illuminating history and must-have guide to this vitally important world event. It will continue to be an indispensable reference to observers of future Catholic Church politics.
In Heirs of the Fisherman , former Vatican insider John-Peter Pham presents a candid portrait of the modern Vatican, the only account to reveal the striking changes to papal succession procedures made by John Paul II. Blending political and ecclesiastical history, Pham goes beyond a mere description of the complex rituals to offer rare insight into the dramatic shifts inside the College of Cardinals, whose 100 members now hail from 50 nations around the globe. He takes us into the secret conclave, where the electors were kept under lock and key, until they had selected a new pope. He also includes a chapter devoted to the intrigues of the 20th century where the first conclave had an emperor's veto and the last was won by the first non-Italian in four centuries becauase the Italians were bitterly divided.
With a new Preface, Afterword, and appendices that include an English translation of the last will and testament of Pope John Paul II, Heirs of the Fisherman is an illuminating history and must-have guide to this vitally important world event. It will continue to be an indispensable reference to observers of future Catholic Church politics.
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 2, 2018
A very complete book on the history of papal succession. This completeness ends up making it a little dry or repetitive in parts, such as when it lists out the causes of death of every pope, but the fascinating anecdotes and windows into the papacy make up for it. Pham writes with a great deal of knowledge and insight.
October 14, 2011
Given the events of February this year, it was pretty natural that I would be drawn to reading about the Vatican City and the Popes. As of this review, Pope Benedict XVI has abdicated his office, and now the college of cardinals are gathering to elect a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
What I was surprised by was that the actual narrative is only half the book. The other half is taken up by a sequence of appendices. I came away with a better understanding of what makes a pope a pope -- it has to do with the fact that the pope is the Bishop of Rome -- and the torturous path that the making of pope is decreed. While the writing is rather dry and nothing at all light, it is still a good read, and one that I would recommend if you can stand the sparse narrative.
Four stars over all, and recommended.
For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/John_P...
What I was surprised by was that the actual narrative is only half the book. The other half is taken up by a sequence of appendices. I came away with a better understanding of what makes a pope a pope -- it has to do with the fact that the pope is the Bishop of Rome -- and the torturous path that the making of pope is decreed. While the writing is rather dry and nothing at all light, it is still a good read, and one that I would recommend if you can stand the sparse narrative.
Four stars over all, and recommended.
For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/John_P...
January 8, 2016
Because of the research into past Papal elections this book remains current in many ways even though parts of it are outdated. Some of the historical stories of plots and counter plots are just downright fascinating and the author presents these stories in a very readable and sometimes humorous way. I found this book to be an extremely informative and enjoyable read and I will continue to use it as a resource for future Conclaves.
August 23, 2008
Good Catholic history, especially on the manner in which popes are and were elected.
November 1, 2015
Using this as a source for my Masters thesis. Was impressed with the information.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews