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The Vatican Diaries: A Behind-the-Scenes Look At The Power, Personalities, And Politics At The Heart Of The Catholic Church (2013)

by John Thavis(Favorite Author)

3.65 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0670026719 (ISBN13: 9780670026715)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Viking Adult

review 1: This is absolutely amazing. It is the ideal audio book in that it is all facts and not clever literary devices that require interpretation from either the narrator or better, the reader. I can't say I had a lot of respect for Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, what with his very circumspect remarks at the Holocaust Memorial in Israel and his membership of Hitler youth, but this book, so far, has changed that. I now am rather in awe of his moral strength and intellectual PR skills that put the Church rather than his ego to the fore.The book started off with his election but now comes the back story which is greatly involved with the pederasty rampant in the Church. In particular, the Legion of Christ and its corrupt and abusive founder Marcial Maciel Degollado. Marcial ha... mored been praised and promoted by Ratzinger's predecessor, Pope John Paul II, but Ratzinger, was having none of it. Perhaps for the first time in Papal history, the new Pope was critical, even if in a veiled way, of his predecessor's policies. Interesting.I'm only on chapter 4.... and it is getting even better.
review 2: Full disclosure: I was raised Catholic. I attend Catholic schools for the majority of my life. I come from a large Italian family. I've been interested in the Vatican for as long as I can recall. I'm no longer a practicing Catholic, but the religion is deeply imbedded in me and I continue to find it and its players intriguing. Coming from that background, I found "The Vatican Diaries" a fascinating read. The book, written by John Thavis, a journalist who covered the Vatican for decades, pulls aside the curtain of the Catholic Church and offers a surprising, nuanced, and compelling view at the goings-on of the center of the Catholic faith.The book primarily covers the papacies of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. It touches on a multitude of topics including sex abuse scandals, the politics of beatification, interfaith complications, and even the tense situation that arises when a bulldozer creating a much-needed parking garage uncovers an ancient burial ground.Those looking for a scathing indictment of the Church will be disappointed. Thavis presents the facts, but rarely makes bold judgements. Instead, he shines a light on how the Vatican works, exposing both its inadequacies and its penchant for prudent calculation. Thavis introduces a myriad of colorful characters that bring life to his tale and reveal a humanity that propels the leaders of the Church. Like everyone, cardinals and priests (and even the Pope) are apt to succumb to jealousy, anger, pride, and lust. The Catholic Church and the men at its helm are complicated. Thavis understands this well and brings it to life in a truly entertaining way. "The Vatican Diaries" is a terrific read for anyone interested in how the Vatican maneuvers in the modern world. less

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