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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.
This book investigates the intricate political and ecclesiastical mechanisms governing the death of a Pope and the subsequent election of his successor. John-Peter Pham, a former Vatican insider, utilizes his unique access to provide a detailed examination of the modern Vatican's internal operations. By analyzing the procedural changes implemented by Pope John Paul II and the evolving composition of the College of Cardinals, the author constructs a framework for understanding how the Catholic Church navigates its most critical leadership transitions.
What You Will Find
Experts and observers of ecclesiastical politics frequently cite this work as a reliable resource for understanding the complexities of the papal election process. Readers note the author's ability to balance historical context with the practical realities of modern Vatican administration.
Page Count:
384
Publication Date:
2004-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press, Incorporated
ISBN-10:
0195346351
ISBN-13:
9780195346350
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