First published 1996
A young Polish priest's unlikely rise to the papacy. As the first non-Italian pope in centuries, John Paul II navigates the Vatican's rigid traditions and political intrigues, all while confronting the church's darkest secrets. With his charisma and unwavering faith, he becomes a global icon, inspiring millions but making powerful enemies. At his core, this pope is a complex man grappling with the burdens of his office and his own personal history. His Holiness is an intimate portrait of an extraordinary life defined by both great triumph and inner turmoil.
Genres: biography, historical-fiction, 20th-century, 21st-century
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, power-dynamics
Period: 1975-1985, 1985-1995, 20th century, Siglo XX
592 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books