Eight Popes and the Crisis of Modernity

by Russell Shaw

Overview

Assaults on the dignity and rights of the human person have been central to the ongoing crisis of the modern era in the last hundred years. This book takes a searching look at the roots of this problem and the various approaches to it by the eight men who led the Catholic Church in the twentieth century, from Pope St. Pius X and his crusade against "Modernism" to Pope St. John Paul II and his appeal for a renewed rapprochement between faith and reason.

Thus it offers a distinctive, illuminating interpretation of recent world events viewed through the lens of an ancient institution, the papacy, a key champion of human rights under attack in modern times.

The fascinating story is told through short profiles of the eight popes combining crucial, often little known, facts about each by an author who is a veteran observer of Church affairs, a former top official of the conference of bishops of the USA, and consultant to the Vatican. It is written clearly and simply, but with carefully documented precision.

A special feature are the substantial excerpts from the writ- ings of the popes that give important insights into their personalities and thinking. It also includes a useful overview of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) and its pivotal role in reshaping the Catholic Church.

Eight Popes and the Crisis of Modernity contains judgments that will be challenged by partisans of both liberal and conservative ideological persuasions. But serious and open-minded readers, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, will find it an informative, timely, and inspiring guide to understanding many central events and issues of our times, while students of Church history will find it indispensable.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781621643401
Publisher:	Ignatius Press
Publication date:	04/20/2020
Edition description:	None
Pages:	150
Product dimensions:	5.38(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

Russell Shaw is a widely published author and journalist who has written over twenty books, including American Church and Nothing to Hide: Secrecy, Communication, and Communion in the Catholic Church. For 18 years, Shaw directed media relations for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and the United States Catholic Conference. From 1987 to 1997 he oversaw media relations for the Knights of Columbus.

Table of Contents

Introduction 9

1 Pope Saint Pius X (August 4, 1903-August 20, 1914): "The First Outbreak of the Modern Mind" 21

2 Pope Benedict XV (September 3, 1914-January 22, 1922): "Never Was There Less Brotherly Activity" 33

3 Pope Pius XI (February 6, 1922-February 10, 1939): Facing Up to the New Men of Violence 47

4 Pope Pius XII (March 2, 1939-October 9, 1958): "The Modern Age in Arms" 61

5 Pope Saint John XXIII (October 28, 1958-June 3, 1963): The Provisional Pope Who Launched a Revolution 75

6 The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965): "Innovation in Continuity" 89

7 Pope Saint Paul VI (June 21, 1963-August 6, 1978): "Am I Hamlet or Don Quixote?" 109

8 Pope John Paul I (August 26-September 28, 1978): The Smiling Pope 123

9 Pope Saint John Paul II (October 16, 1978-April 2, 2005): The First Postmodern Pope 133

Afterword 147

Editorial Reviews

"Russell Shaw has been a leading voice on the American Catholic scene for decades, and his latest book— a vivid, engaging portrait of eight modern popes and their defense of human dignity— is a powerful reminder of the importance of the pap

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