Selecting the Pope: Uncovering the Mysteries of Papal Elections

by Greg Tobin, Robert J. Wister

Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation as the head of the Roman Catholic Church on Monday, February 11, 2013. His history-making announcement, being the first pope to resign in 600-years, kicked off one of the most secretive and selective processes--the election of a new Pope. Award-winning author Greg Tobin offers a compelling guide to what will surely be one of the most important and headline-making events in modern history. Every rule of this process receives close scrutiny, as does the rich history behind the conclave and the key issues that will shape the future of the Catholic Church at a time when it is in crisis, in the U.S. and abroad. Following the election of Pope John Paul II's successor and current Pope, Benedict XVI, you'll discover why the election always concludes with the rising of white smoke; what powers the Cardinals hold during the vacancy of the holy See; and what startling changes Pope John Paul II made to the centuries-old procedures. Look back at some of the more than 200 holy men and scoundrels, geniuses and mediocrities who have held the lofty position of Pope. In addition, there's a day-by-day account of the balloting inside the Sistine Chapel.
Whether your interest is historical, religious, or political, you'll enjoy a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Vatican.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Christian

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2003

About the author

Greg Tobin is the author of several books on the Catholic Church. He was the editor of The Catholic Advocate, and during the April 2005 papal transition he appeared frequently on national radio and TV programs as an expert commentator on the popes and the papal election process. His books Selecting the Pope and Holy Father were widely used as authoritative resources on the subject and were quoted in the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times, as well as the Associated Press. He lives in West Orange, NJ."

Reviews

[Daniel Kukwa]

It's fine for what it does, particularly in telling the historical tale of the development of the conclave and the evolution of papal elections. The rest is a fairly straightforward collection of anecdotes about papal history, though it deliberately steers clear of -- or underplays -- contentious/controversial items. My response: that's a rather safe & dull approach.

[Monica]

Great overview of the selecting of the Pope. Although it was written before the current Pope, it gives insight into how the pope is chosen and what are the considerations. Tobin writes in a very readable way . He has a vast knowledge of the history of the selection of popes throughout the history even citing as far back as 6th century.

[Al]

Excellent discussion of the process of electing a new pope. I just wish this had been written after the latest conclave that elevated Pope francis.

[Fredrick Danysh]

Tobin attempts to distill thousands of years of tradition and documentation regarding the election of a new Roman Catholic pope into an easy to understand procedure. The describes how the curia is organized as well as procedures to be complied with following the death or resignation of a pope. He also attempt to address some of the problems facing the Catholic Church and how they can influence the papal selection.

[Scott Reierson]

fun little book about men in dresses deciding who shall be the wardrobe queen. I found it easy to read and informative. funny thing I picked it up about twenty minutes before I heard about Benedict xvi's resignation.

[Michael]

Quick read and fascinating, but most likely I liked it because I like the subject so much. Great little extras, too - like a quick list of all the Pope's in history.

[Andrew]

Short book on how the Roman Catholic pope is selected. Written prior to the death of John Paul II.