The Pope at War is a non-fiction book written by David I. Kertzer, an American historian and professor at Brown University. The book explores the events surrounding the Second Vatican Council, which took place from 1962 to 1965, and the efforts of Pope John XXIII to modernize the Catholic Church. The book also delves into the internal politics of the Vatican and the struggles of the Pope to maintain control over the Church in the face of opposition from conservative cardinals and bishops.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: The Making of a Pope
The first chapter of The Pope at War provides a biography of Pope John XXIII, who was elected to the papacy in 1958. Kertzer details the Pope’s humble beginnings as a peasant in northern Italy and his rise through the ranks of the Catholic Church. He also discusses John XXIII’s efforts to modernize the Church and his plans for the Second Vatican Council.
Chapter 2: The Council Begins
In this chapter, Kertzer describes the opening of the Second Vatican Council in October 1962. He discusses the hopes and expectations of the participants, as well as the challenges facing the Pope in achieving his goals for the Council.
Chapter 3: The Council in Action
This chapter focuses on the debates and discussions that took place during the Council. Kertzer provides a detailed account of the conflicts between progressive and conservative factions within the Church, as well as the efforts of Pope John XXIII to maintain control over the proceedings.
Chapter 4: The Council’s End
In this chapter, Kertzer discusses the final months of the Council, which were marked by controversy and conflict. He also provides an overview of the Council’s achievements and the impact it had on the Catholic Church.
Chapter 5: The Pope’s Last Battle
In the final chapter of The Pope at War, Kertzer examines the internal politics of the Vatican in the years following the Council. He discusses the struggles of Pope John XXIII to maintain control over the Church in the face of opposition from conservative cardinals and bishops, as well as the efforts of his successors to implement the reforms of the Council.
Conclusion
Overall, The Pope at War is a compelling and well-researched account of the events surrounding the Second Vatican Council and the struggles of Pope John XXIII to modernize the Catholic Church. Kertzer provides a detailed overview of the internal politics of the Vatican and the conflicts between progressive and conservative factions within the Church. The book is an important contribution to the history of the Catholic Church and is highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of religion or the history of modern Europe.
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