by John Thavis
First published 2003
Karol Wojtyla stands before the crowds in St. Peter's Square on October 16, 1978, having just been elected Pope. He is the first Slavic pontiff in Catholic history and the first non-Italian to hold the office in four and a half centuries. Taking the name John Paul II, he delivers his first homily with a message that will define his papacy: "Be not afraid!" The story follows his remarkable twenty-five year ministry as he guides over one billion Catholics worldwide. From his role as pastor tending to his global flock, to his travels as a pilgrim visiting nations across the globe, to his prophetic voice speaking truth to power, John Paul II transforms the modern papacy. Through personal encounters with cardinals and bishops, the Pope reveals his deeply human nature, including his surprising sense of humor. This portrait captures both the public figure who left his mark on world history and the private man behind the papal robes.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, 21st-century, christianity, church-history, catholic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, intimate
Setting: St. Peter's Square, Vatican
Period: 1978, 20th Century, 21st Century
256 pages · Hardcover · Sheed & Ward