Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3105709 in Books
• Published on: 2000-06-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 192 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
On the day of her husband's funeral in December 1994 Margaret Hebblethwaite received the advance copies of his final book The Next Pope. In the book, Peter Hebblethwaite made both an astringent critique of John Paul II's papacy and an attempt to see who might step into his shoes.

Since 1995 the first list of contenders has aged and a group of younger cardinals has moved into the line-up. Margaret Hebblethwaite, until recently the assistant editor of the The Tablet, has updated and revised her husband's book. She takes the readers through the ancient ceremonies that accompany the death of a pope and discusses John Paul's new rules for the conclave, which will elect his successor. In an expanded second section, Hebblethwaite takes us through the list of the 100 or so cardinals from all corners of the globe who could occupy the throne of St Peter. Hebblethwaite is a liberal Catholic, and sometimes her politically correct preferences colour her comments too much, but she has done her homework and the result is a book where solid research is presented in a punchy and readable journalistic style. --Dwight Longenecker

Synopsis
In this exploration of the papal succession, Peter Hebblethwaite discusses the processes by which a new pope is chosen and looks at the implications for the decision on the successor to John Paul II. During this papacy the number of voting cardinals has been increased dramatically. There are, therefore, many more choices available, and a large percentage of these are now from the developing world. The nationality of the pope is a major issue and the author investigates the issues, explaining why the choice of a non-Italian could be a disaster. This revision includes a more extensive and updated look at the candidates, and includes photographs.

Customer Reviews

An excellent synopsis of the issues facing the next Pope
In this newly updated edition of Peter Hebblethwaite's book, there is an excellent consideration of the main issues facing the Roman Catholic Church and it's cardinals when they next meet in conclave to elect the Bishop of Rome. As well as considering each of the main candidates in depth, the book also considers the legacy of John Paul II and what the college of cardinals might seek in the next Pope. The refreshing part of this book, as compared to others, is that it is not scared to criticise where necessary, rather than those books which seek only to 'butter up' the candidates. An excellent book, well worth reading. Dare one suggest that any future candidate might do well to read it!