Product Description

The vendettas, bribery, ecclesiastical feuds, political intrigue and bloodshed that are part of the story of how popes have been chosen down the centuries make for a colourful account of the Conclave, the gathering of cardinals that follow the death of a pope to elect his successor. Given the influence at stake, it is perhaps little wonder that the process by which popes are chosen has such an eventful and dramatic history. Amid the power struggles, there emerges a serious picture of the way that both the papacy and Vatican politics have developed, and how a pattern of chossing often surprised candidates for the job can be detected. What will influence the choice of the next Conclave? Who will succeed John Paul II?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #635220 in Books
• Published on: 2003-04-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

About the Author
Michael Walsh is a prominent Catholic author and writer. A columnist on "The Tablet", he is also Librarian of Heythrop College, London. He is the author of numerous books including "The Dictionary of Christian Biography" (Continuum) and "Voice of the Voiceless" by Oscar Romero (translator) (Orbis).

Customer Reviews

The conclave: A secret (and sometimes bloody) history of Pap
An amazing subject brought into topical debate with the recent Papal elections. The book however, does not live up to expectations. Unfortunately instead of concentrating on interesting facts, political intrigue and ecumenical politics, we have a very light skim through all 250 or so popes in just over 170 pages. Hardly enough time to do the matter justice.
If you like a text book with dates and papal names then this book might suit you.
Altogether not many secrets discovered nor was it a riveting read.