A History of the Popes tells the story of the oldest living institution in the Western world—the papacy. From its origins in Saint Peter, Jesus' chief disciple, through Pope Benedict XVI today, the popes have been key players in virtually all of the great dramas of the western world in the last two thousand years. Acclaimed church historian John W. O'Malley's engaging narrative examines the 265 individuals who have claimed to be Peter's successors. Rather than describe each pope one by one, the book focuses on the popes that shaped pivotal moments in both church and world history. The author does not shy away from controversies in the church, and includes legends like Pope Joan and a comprehensive list of popes and antipopes to help readers get a full picture of the papacy.
This simultaneously reverent yet critical book will appeal to readers interested in both religion and history as it chronicles the saints and sinners who have led the Roman Catholic Church over the past 2000 years. The author draws from his popular audio CD lecture series on the topic, 2,000 Years of Papal History, available through Now You Know Media (www.nowyouknowmedia.com).
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A History of the Popes: From Peter to the Present
A History of the Popes tells the story of the oldest living institution in the Western world—the papacy. From its origins in Saint Peter, Jesus' chief disciple, through Pope Benedict XVI today, the popes have been key players in virtually all of the great dramas of the western world in the last two thousand years. Acclaimed church historian John W. O'Malley's engaging narrative examines the 265 individuals who have claimed to be Peter's successors. Rather than describe each pope one by one, the book focuses on the popes that shaped pivotal moments in both church and world history. The author does not shy away from controversies in the church, and includes legends like Pope Joan and a comprehensive list of popes and antipopes to help readers get a full picture of the papacy.
This simultaneously reverent yet critical book will appeal to readers interested in both religion and history as it chronicles the saints and sinners who have led the Roman Catholic Church over the past 2000 years. The author draws from his popular audio CD lecture series on the topic, 2,000 Years of Papal History, available through Now You Know Media (www.nowyouknowmedia.com).
A History of the Popes tells the story of the oldest living institution in the Western world—the papacy. From its origins in Saint Peter, Jesus' chief disciple, through Pope Benedict XVI today, the popes have been key players in virtually all of the great dramas of the western world in the last two thousand years. Acclaimed church historian John W. O'Malley's engaging narrative examines the 265 individuals who have claimed to be Peter's successors. Rather than describe each pope one by one, the book focuses on the popes that shaped pivotal moments in both church and world history. The author does not shy away from controversies in the church, and includes legends like Pope Joan and a comprehensive list of popes and antipopes to help readers get a full picture of the papacy.
This simultaneously reverent yet critical book will appeal to readers interested in both religion and history as it chronicles the saints and sinners who have led the Roman Catholic Church over the past 2000 years. The author draws from his popular audio CD lecture series on the topic, 2,000 Years of Papal History, available through Now You Know Media (www.nowyouknowmedia.com).
John W. O'Malley, S.J., was a Roman Catholic priest and professor of religion at Georgetown University. He lived in Washington, D.C., and is the author of numerous books, including What Happened at Vatican II and Four Cultures of the West.
Table of Contents
Part 1 Preface Part 2 Introduction Part 3 From the Margins to the Center of the Roman World Chapter 4 Peter: Bishop of Rome? Chapter 5 After Peter and Paul Chapter 6 Constantine: The Thirteenth Apostle Chapter 7 Prosperity to Crisis: Damasus and Leo the Great Chapter 8 Gregory the Great Part 4 Bringing Order out of Chaos Chapter 10 Greeks, Lombards, Franks Chapter 11 Charlemagne: Savior or Master? Chapter 12 Their Darkest Hour Chapter 13 Saving the Papacy from Itself Chapter 14 Gregory VII: Who's in Charge Here? Part 5 Development, Decline, Disarray Chapter 16 Compromises, Crusades, Councils, Concordats Chapter 17 Innocent III: Vicar of Christ Chapter 18 Boniface VIII: Big Claims, Big Humiliation Chapter 19 Avignon: The Babylonian Captivity Chapter 20 Three Popes at a Time: The Great Western Schism Chapter 21 Renaissance and Reformation Chapter 22 The Restored Papacy Chapter 23 The Renaissance Popes Chapter 24 Luther, Leo, and the Aftermath Chapter 25 Paul III: A Turning Point Chapter 26 Five Popes and a Council Chapter 27 The New Rome Part 6 Into the Modern Era Chapter 29 The Storm Breaks Chapter 30 Pius VII: Bowed Down and Raised Up Chapter 31 Beleaguered, Infallible, and Prisoner Again Chapter 32 Leo XIII: Searching for Solutions Chapter 33 Pius X: Confronting Modern Culture Part 7 The Papacy as a Global Institution Chapter 35 War, Peace, Fascism Chapter 36 Pius XII: Saint or Sinner? Chapter 37 John XXIII: Peace and Reconciliation Chapter 38 Paul VI: In a Tight Spot Chapter 39 John Paul II: The World is My Parish Part 8 Epilogue Part 9 List of Popes