The Popes: Vice, Murder, and Corruption in the Vatican

A Dark History Series

by Brenda Ralph Lewis

The papacy may be the longest-lasting democratically elected position in history and supposedly a seat of great piety, but it has still seen times of greed, dirty deeds, sexual promiscuity, perversion, nepotism and the sanctioning of murder. From Rodrigo Borgia’s corruption, to the crusade against the Cathars, to the Inqusition’s imprisonment of Galileo and the controversial role of the pope during World War II, Dark History of the Popes is a lively and illustrated account of the most unpious moments in the 1700-year history of the papacy.

In the 10th century, being head of the Catholic Church didn’t stop Pope John XII from allegedly committing incest with his sisters, calling on pagan gods and goddesses, being an alcoholic and putting his mistress in charge of his brothel. Of course, being pope didn’t make popes popular either: in 896AD, Pope Formosus died, but that was no obstacle to Lambert of Spoleto, who bore something of a grudge, in exhuming the pontiff and putting him on trial. Formosus was found guilty of being unworthy of his papal office, had all his acts annulled and his body was thrown in the Tiber.

From corruption to nepotism, from crusade to witch-burning to Inquisition, from popes sanctioning murder to popes being murdered, Dark History of the Popes explores more than 1000 years of sinister deeds surrounding the papacy. Ranging from the 9th century AD to Pope Pius XII’s position during World War II, the book examines political, religious and social history through the skulduggery of popes and courtiers, the role the Borgias family played in the papacy, the persecution of Jews and the religious controversy over Galileo Galilei’s heretical views, among other topics.

Using diaries, letters, reports from foreign ambassadors to the Vatican and official registers of the ecclesiastical courts, a picture of both sinning and sinned-against popes is revealed. Packed with more than 200 colour and black-&-white photographs, paintings and artworks, Dark History of the Popes is an eye-opening account of the history of the papacy that pontiffs would rather not mention.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Religion, Biography, Catholic, European History, Church History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2009

About the author

Brenda Ralph Lewis is a writer with over 200 books on history and numerous magazine articles and television documentaries to her name. Her fascination with Scottish history and culture began early in her career and she has since returned to the subject at every opportunity. She regards [her] book on tartans as a labor of love.

Reviews

[Rama Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scandals in the history of Roman Catholic Church

In this book, the author reviews the Roman Catholic Church history in light of the Papal roll, and re-create the political, social and economic history at different reigns. This brings different pontiffs to life, and identifies the lowest form of life in some leaders who needed more “saving from Christ” than the mainstream followers of the church. This is a comprehensive overview of the 1700 year history of the papacy with selected examples as how they ran the hierarchy. It turns out that many Holy Fathers served their own interests with total disregard for the welfare of the Catholic Church. God was too far removed from bureaucratic and political machinery of the Roman enclave. There is a long list in the Vatican Hall of Shame!

The author discusses in some detail as how the church orchestrated the virtual genocide of Cathars, an ascetic sect centered on the Southwest of France who believed that God and the Devil shared the world. In the year 1231 C.E the first inquisition was held and many were subjected to horrific tortures and burned on the stake including thousands of supposed witches, wizards, and sorcerers. Any dissent from the beliefs of the church was met with papal wrath. Catholic Church committed most heinous crimes in the name of the religion. Tolerance was a dirty word in medieval Europe and Christian belief in particular. Pope Gregory IX appointed Dominican friars as the chief investigators of heresy and non-Christian beliefs in Europe and they took full advantage of the vast powers from the church. Nobles, commoners, priests and everyone who fell under suspicion were persecuted. The Knights Templar had a distinguished record of service to Christendom but fell under suspicion of the church and many leaders were burnt alive.

Pope Alexander VI formerly known as Rodrigo Borgia ascended to power by violence, murder, bribery and ruthlessness comparable only to the organized crime families centuries later. Pope Calixtus III who was elected in 1455 excelled at nepotism. He packed the Vatican bureaucracy with relatives in lucrative posts. To him papacy was a business to be milked and exploited for gain. He also approved Spain and Portugal to engage in the salve trade. Repression and brutality was approved by the Vatican to impose Catholicism on Native Americans.

The book also discusses the handling of Galileo’s case. The church which increasingly feared that the emerging field of astronomy and physics was going to explain the physical reality without the direct involvement of God. Astronomers were entertaining the idea that heavens were cosmic structures like earth and they circle the Sun, and Earth is not the center of the universe. This was devastating to the fundamental Christian beliefs. Galileo was put under house arrest. Under threat of torture, imprisonment and even burning at the stake, he was forced, on his knees, to "abjure, curse and detest" a lifetime of brilliant scientific work. Pope Urban VIII was brutal in persecuting a great astrophysicist, and Catholic Church was relentless on other would-be scientists embracing Galileo’s science.

Pedophilia and sodomy was widely practiced by numerous popes. Pope Benedict IX, (1032-48), Pope Boniface VIII (1294-1303), and Pope Julius III (1550-55) were some of the biggest pedophiles preying upon young men in the Vatican. Pope Bon vivant Clement VI (1342-52) had numerous mistresses and suffered from gonorrhea. Pope Sixtus IV (1471-84), who founded the Sistine Chapel, had six illegitimate sons and charged priests for keeping mistresses. Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503) presided over more sex-orgies than Sunday Masses, wrote author Edward Gibbon. After his death — quite possibly poisoned by his pathological son, this pope’s body was expelled from the basilica of Saint Peter as too evil to be buried in sacred soil. Pope Julius II (1503-13) is remembered for commissioning Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling also suffered from syphilis. On Good Friday of 1508, he was unable to allow his feet to be kissed by the faithful as it was completely covered with syphilitic sores. Innocenzo Ciocchi del Monte (c. 1532–1577) was a notorious Cardinal whose sodomy relationship with Pope Julius III caused grave scandal in the early 16th century.

The book is easy to read with plenty of colored paintings of the past popes and historical structures. The reader can relate well with the history. The historical narratives support the existence of sodomy and pedophilia in the church. It is apparent that such sex abuse claims within the church is not recent. This hideous practice is a formidable challenge since pedophilia is not reported in developing countries for the fear of retaliation and recrimination.

[Ivana Azap Feješ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"By the order of Pope Urban VIII (1623–1644), the astronomer Galileo Galilei was persecuted by the Inquisition and kept under house arrest for ten years. Pope Pius XII (1939–1958) remains controversial today for his actions—or lack of them—during World War II."
Wonderful book ;)

[Wayne Hazle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book of history. GRUESOME.
But I highly recommend it to everyone.

The Inquisition were so barbaric they are beyond belief.

The last chapter on Pope Pius XII and the Nazis is compelling and enlightening.

[Rama Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, the author reviews the Roman Catholic Church history in light of the Papal roll, and re-create the political, social and economic history at different reigns. This brings different pontiffs to life, and identifies the lowest form of life in some leaders who needed more “saving from Christ” than the mainstream followers of the church. This is a comprehensive overview of the 1700 year history of the papacy with selected examples as how they ran the hierarchy. It turns out that many Holy Fathers served their own interests with total disregard for the welfare of the Catholic Church. God was too far removed from bureaucratic and political machinery of the Roman enclave. There is a long list in the Vatican Hall of Shame!

The author discusses in some detail as how the church orchestrated the virtual genocide of Cathars, an ascetic sect centered on the Southwest of France who believed that God and the Devil shared the world. In the year 1231 C.E the first inquisition was held and many were subjected to horrific tortures and burned on the stake including thousands of supposed witches, wizards, and sorcerers. Any dissent from the beliefs of the church was met with papal wrath. Catholic Church committed most heinous crimes in the name of the religion. Tolerance was a dirty word in medieval Europe and Christian belief in particular. Pope Gregory IX appointed Dominican friars as the chief investigators of heresy and non-Christian beliefs in Europe and they took full advantage of the vast powers from the church. Nobles, commoners, priests and everyone who fell under suspicion were persecuted. The Knights Templar had a distinguished record of service to Christendom but fell under suspicion of the church and many leaders were burnt alive.

Pope Alexander VI formerly known as Rodrigo Borgia ascended to power by violence, murder, bribery and ruthlessness comparable only to the organized crime families centuries later. Pope Calixtus III who was elected in 1455 excelled at nepotism. He packed the Vatican bureaucracy with relatives in lucrative posts. To him papacy was a business to be milked and exploited for gain. He also approved Spain and Portugal to engage in the salve trade. Repression and brutality was approved by the Vatican to impose Catholicism on Native Americans.

The book also discusses the handling of Galileo’s case. The church which increasingly feared that the emerging field of astronomy and physics was going to explain the physical reality without the direct involvement of God. Astronomers were entertaining the idea that heavens were cosmic structures like earth and they circle the Sun, and Earth is not the center of the universe. This was devastating to the fundamental Christian beliefs. Galileo was put under house arrest. Under threat of torture, imprisonment and even burning at the stake, he was forced, on his knees, to "abjure, curse and detest" a lifetime of brilliant scientific work. Pope Urban VIII was brutal in persecuting a great astrophysicist, and Catholic Church was relentless on other would-be scientists embracing Galileo’s science.

Pedophilia and sodomy was widely practiced by numerous popes. Pope Benedict IX, (1032-48), Pope Boniface VIII (1294-1303), and Pope Julius III (1550-55) were some of the biggest pedophiles preying upon young men in the Vatican. Pope Bon vivant Clement VI (1342-52) had numerous mistresses and suffered from gonorrhea. Pope Sixtus IV (1471-84), who founded the Sistine Chapel, had six illegitimate sons and charged priests for keeping mistresses. Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503) presided over more sex-orgies than Sunday Masses, wrote author Edward Gibbon. After his death — quite possibly poisoned by his pathological son, this pope’s body was expelled from the basilica of Saint Peter as too evil to be buried in sacred soil. Pope Julius II (1503-13) is remembered for commissioning Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling also suffered from syphilis. On Good Friday of 1508, he was unable to allow his feet to be kissed by the faithful as it was completely covered with syphilitic sores. Innocenzo Ciocchi del Monte (c. 1532–1577) was a notorious Cardinal whose sodomy relationship with Pope Julius III caused grave scandal in the early 16th century.

The book is easy to read with plenty of colored paintings of the past popes and historical structures. The reader can relate well with the history. The historical narratives support the existence of sodomy and pedophilia in the church. It is apparent that such sex abuse claims within the church is not recent. This hideous practice is a formidable challenge since pedophilia is not reported in developing countries for the fear of retaliation and recrimination.

[moi, k.y.a. · Rating 4 out of 5]

baskıyı çok beğendim. papalarla ilgili okuduğum hiçbir şey şaşırtmadı açıkçası, güzel bir çalışma

[Susan Jo Grassi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book at a thrift shop and decided, as a Catholic convert, to read up on the men who were considered the voice of God on earth. I had never really paid much attention to the Popes until recently so this was a real eye-opener. I spent half the time reading this with my mouth open in absolute horror. I am old enough to remember Pope Pius XII but had no knowledge other than the fact that he had died in 1952. Of all the Popes mentioned in this book, he was the most genuinely human and pious. I have since ordered a book on him and one on Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty. They both worked very hard to save Jews, prisoners of war and freedom fighters from the Nazis, one out in the open and the other behind the scenes in secret.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book acknowledges that there have been mostly good popes with the occasional bad seed. Also, during periods of extreme corruption, many bad seeds in a row. This book focuses on the dark times of the papacy - the invention of Inquisitions, the legacy of the Borgias, and the battle for Rome and the creation of Vatican City.

There were a lot of pictures and images from the times and the book was very thoroughly researched. My big complaint is that there were too many sidebars. I couldn't always find a good spot to stop reading to check out the sidebar. And if I did, I would sometimes learn things before they were revealed in the narrative.

And I get that there was a period where popes were switching in quick succession, but it was still a confusing read. Also, it would get confusing because popes take a different name when they become pope and I would struggle with who was who.

But there was a lot of good information.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ha ha this gets five stars not because of its extraordinary literary merit (which I don't think it even claims to have) but because it is absolutely riveting, crammed with shocking facts and photographs and current letters and scandalous publications. Besides the Borgias and their ilk, there was a fascinating chapter on Pope Pius XII, frequently accused of being a Nazi sympathizer, if not a collaborator. But the facts indicate that behind the scenes he was responsible for the machinery that saved about 180,000 Jews from the camps; that the Vatican and adjoining buildings were filled with hiding places and tunnels. I know there is evidence to the contrary as well, but the fact that the state of Israel gave him the award "Righteous Among Nations", reserved for Gentiles who acted heroically to save Jewish lives during WWII says a lot and maybe it all. Anyway. If you like these big history books full of photos and scandal, you will love this one. I personally have a whole "Dark History" section in my library.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this book interesting in that it appears to promise some juicy stuff about bad things that Popes have done and it does some of that with medieval popes and the Medicis, but some chapters read as more focusing in the Church as a whole and later in the Vatican's difficulty adjusting to a modern world and finally addresses Pope Pius XII and his behavior during WWII, depicting him and the Church as a whole as doing good despite what others may say to the contrary. The last three chapters honestly were not what I expected initially but knowing more about the papacy in the 19th and early 20the century has given me more historical context than I've had before.

[Lucy Qhuay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Religion is one thing and the Church as an institution is quite another. I have nothing against any religion but everything against the depravity and corruption that finds its way inside all institutions whose purpose was to guide, Comfort and protect the citizens.

[Rishonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good... but not great. Books like this are basically "light history" with just enough information to tantalize you and make you want to learn more. I'm okay with that, as sometimes you don't want to read 200 pages on a subject before you realize you aren't that interested in it. This book had a few interesting profiles:

1. The murdered Popes: John VIII, Stephen VII, Stephen IX, and Benedict V
2. The Cadaver Synod of 897 (in which the corpse of Pope Formosus was dug up and put on trial for breaking church law. It was found guilty, and subsequently mutilated).
3. Gregory IX and his Papal Inquisition in 1231 (Led to the genocide of thousands of Cathers, Templars, and suspected witches.)
4. Urban VIII and his imprisonment of Galileo.

That is pretty much where my attention began to wane. The years between around 800- 1600 were filled with intrigue and scandal, but it is probably too long ago to just finish. If the author stops there, they are pretty much making the statement that nothing of interest happened in the vatican after Galileo. But the desire to include more modern references leave us with three final chapters which don't really belong. They discuss the struggles of Pope Pius IX against a unified Italian state, and the refusal of himself or his predecessors to recognize Italy, even after the army practically broke down their door. In fact, not one of the 4 popes from 1870- 1929 set foot outside the Vatican (Not really dark, just slow to get the message).

The final chapter discusses Pius XII, the so called "Nazi sympathizer Pope." But this chapter mainly attempts to build the case for why Pius was actually a friend to the Jews, and how his supposed neutrality was really just a front he used to save hundreds of thousands of Italian Jews. If this is true, then Pius is the last pope who should be included in this book.

Ultimately, this book accomplished what I wanted it to. It gave me a general timeline of vatican events in relation to the rest of the world, as well as peaking my interest in the Inquisitions, and probably the Crusades. Unfortunately, not much more than that.

[Scp · Rating 4 out of 5]

História negra sobre o percurso e obra dos principais pontífices (desde a idade média até ao séc XX), escrita de uma forma clara e concisa. Lê-se enquanto um papa esfrega um olho, carecendo, todavia, de sustentação científico-histórica. Acho que existem demasiados sub-titulos o que cria desarmonia na leitura, percebo no entanto que seja mais fácil, para quem queira ler por tópicos.
É um livro que suscita sentimentos contraditórios, que abana consciências e belisca crenças.

[Lino Chue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some problems with concordance and fluidity of the reading. Interesting facts though! Well ilustrated!

[Elizabeth Hausler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Catholic Church had a rather tumultuous time from the end of the 12th century to the 15th century and has been a political institution, more so in this mid-life period. Rival religions were treated as heretical, the Cathars being one of those sects. In the late 12th century Pope Innocent III called for a crusade against them which lasted over 100 years resulting in the elimination of this sect. The Dominican order was established to try to convince the Cathars to convert to Catholicism and, when that didn’t work, the monks became the enforcers of the inquisition. These inquisitions were basically a defense of the faith and the political institution that the church had become. One of the more ridiculous events demonstrating the political nature of the institution occurred earlier, in the late 9th century, known as the Cadaver Synod. Pope Formosas made the mistake of offending a powerful family of an Italian city-state. The irritation of the family was so intense that after his death he was dug up, dressed in holy garb and his corpse was interrogated to prove his treachery to the Church!

In the 13th century the Church started fighting witchcraft as a means to defeat paganism. Torture became official policy of the Church which resulted in some utterly ridiculous confessions; one person accused of witchcraft confessed to collecting male organs and placing them in a bird’s nest where they moved around on their own and were fed on oats and corn.

In the 15th century two popes were elected from the powerful Borgia family. The first, Calixtus III started his church career by brokering a resolution to the Great Western Schism. But once he became Pope he instituted the sale of indulgences in order to finance a crusade against the Muslim Turks and he issued a papal bull allowing Portugal to engage in the slave trade. The second Borgia, Pope Alexander VI helped the poor and was careful with the Vatican budget, but engaged in nepotism, had multiple mistresses and illegitimate children, and used his daughter, Lucrezia as a pawn in the power game by marrying her off three times.

The Church basically is a conservative institution and this book outlines the ways in which it tries to stop change:

-an index of prohibited books was established in the early 16th century censoring books that were considered dangerous to the Church (which lasted until 1966)
-Galileo was tried for heresy in the 17th century and was forced to recant his scientific discoveries (The Church admitted he was right in 1992)
-in the mid 20th century several popes proclaimed modernity evil (trains, gas lighting)

The book ends with the heroic efforts of Pope Pius XII and many priests helping the condemned Jews during WWII, but to this day there are those who say the Church was complicit with the Nazis.

[Ben Lund · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I am not Catholic, however I am a Christian.

When a book has the phrase Dark History in the title, I think you know what you are getting into. I know a little bit about the popes and what kind of things went on in the long history of the catholic church, but I wanted to have a bit more information, fill in the blanks as it were.

I was very concerned that the whole book was going to be a slam piece while reading the first couple chapters, I felt like the writers bias was on full display. I feel like the language used was very subjective and meant to evoke a very emotional response. I also was concerned about the absence of a bibliography, if I am reading a book that is going to point out historical facts, numbers, statistics, quotes from eyewitnesses then I want to know where the author is getting this information. I may be incorrect but it left me feeling like maybe some of the stories, examples given may have been exaggerated? I don't have anyway to confirm since following up on all the information would take more free time than I have. Despite my concerns though, I feel that the basic information was all accurate. A lot of the popes were a lot of bad dudes, who did a lot of bad things.

I felt like the final chapter of the book did a pretty good job representing the good and bad of the popes who had to deal with the second world war. I just wish that that good and bad aspect was given in the other chapters as well.

2 stars for the information and history given. Only 2 stars due to biased written that is pretty blatant and the lack of sources to verify information.

[Greg Schloesser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been reared in the Catholic faith, I have always had a fascination of the papacy. Years ago I had read a book concerning the popes and the horrendous and scandalous actions many of the men occupying that role performed. Sadly, I could not remember the name of that book, so sought another one on the same topic.

This book concentrates on several periods in papal history and relates the truly dark deeds and vices done by God's representatives on Earth. Murders, prostitutes, concubines, wives, torture, persecution, revenge -- those are just the tip of the iceberg. The book also includes hundreds of photos, art and illustrations, helping bring these sordid stories to life. Not only does one learn about these deeply flawed men, but also about the history of the times and places in which these actions occurred.

The book surprisingly ends on a high note as it discusses the noble (and oft disputed) actions of the pope during WWII.

[Vick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very eye opening. I learned a lot about the Catholic Church, which one doesn't hear or read too often. It sheds a lot of light on periods of history that I never knew or understood about. Some parts greatly shook my faith, but current history made me understand the Pope's request for forgiveness from those affected by the previous popes. I highly recommend this book if you're curious about the "darkside" of the Catholic Church history. Now to read my books on the "standard" history of the Catholic Church and to compare the presentation of the historical material.

[Mark McTague · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this is far from any exhaustive study of the papacy, focusing as it does on a number of notorious popes of the 9th, 10th, 12th, 15th and 16th centuries, it does offer a clear view of some of the wellsprings of the Protestant reformation of the early 16th century, to say the least. Many of those pontiffs had more in common with the more venal and corrupt Roman emperors than any notion of the Vicar of Christ. Written in a popular history style, with numerous illustrations, the book reads quickly.

[Terri Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born a Catholic, non practicing of any religion because of the greed, power, political, corruption and lets not forget, "Father forgive me for I have sinned." This book was a very good read, interesting, and a eye opener from the past.

I have been to the Vatican and many churches around the world just for the architecture of the buildings while my sisters do their thing and light candles. Enjoyed the book and will look for more books by Lewis. Go Pope Leo may he rein for a long time for the people because the worlds gonna need him.

[Cyril Danthi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a great read about the Popes position to be in power, fame, politics, illegality you name it and you find how nicely it was adopted. Something that is never shared about the Christianity and its evolution and revolution. Dont know whether these systematic disgrace has been arrested or still it is continuing - some author could study in detail and bring it to light.

[Liz Fazzio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muito interessante. Embora católica praticante, não me deixo enganar quando se trata de pessoas, principalmente papas, bispos e padres. São seres humanos que erram, e por vezes erram feio!
De uma leitura fluída, fácil e super intrigante. Com ele aprendi sobre os Catarismo, que confesso nunca ter ouvido falar (e lembra muito o Kardecismo).

Vale a pena ler, recomendo!

[Dan Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truth is often stranger than fiction. I was so flabbergasted by the true and dark history of the papacy that I repeatedly regaled family members with various passages from the book. Entertaining and horrifying all at once. You read this book with the same fascination you feel driving by a grisly car accident or building fire. It's so horrible, and I can't get enough!

[Christos Bouras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ενδιαφέρον βιβλίο αναφορικά με την ζωή και τα γεγονότα στα οποία επέδρασαν κάποιοι από τους Πάπες. Από τον μεσαίωνα μέχρι και τον 20ο αιώνα, η παπική εξουσία επέδρασε με καταλυτικό τρόπο στον δυτικό τρόπο ζωής. Από την Καρκασον ως το Λατερανο η ιστορία κάποιων παπων περνά στις σελίδες αυτού του ενδιαφέροντος βιβλίου.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read about the history of the Vatican and it's role in some of history's darker events from the Inquisition and witch hunts through to the Nazis. Filled with lots of colour pictures and interesting historical tidbits.

[Amanda Desrochers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting

[Rowena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mengerikan dan harus jadi pelajaran supaya kita lebih baik

[Devin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give it 5 stars, but there's no footnotes or bibliography.

[Henry Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

kind of interesting but then after the "dark Popes" the author discussed the pope opposing Hitler and makes his sound golden.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay! I was just remarking how I wish there was more to this history series, and yes! New one just out. Before I read this book, I'd be hard pressed to name more than half a dozen popes, but now I can rattle off more. Makes sense that the longest elected position in history would have some gruesome times, and book does not disappoint. Entertaining and informing.

Instead of being split up from pope to pope, covers the basic dark epochs. There was the sixty year "Pornocracy", aka Rule of the Harlots, where the selection of the popes was controlled by several generations of bloodthirsty power-hungry prostitutes. Popes during this time were either teenagers, completely insane, or total dupes. Then there was the terrible genocidal period that started with the poor Cathars (knew nothing about them before and feel very bad for what happened to them), which then transitioned into full blown Inquisition.

Also was very interesting how the revolutions of 1848 changed both the popes during this period and Vatican City. Also the unification of Italy--which the Catholic Church did not take well. (Popes didn't go outside of Vatican City for almost sixty years).

Also learned more about papal infallibility, which I always thought was a permanent "get out of jail free" card for popes. But actually isn't and has only been used once (for declaring the Assumption of Mary).

I was worried as I moved onto WW2, where it would be the usual claims about Pius. Be interesting to read more about that b/c seems there is little in between--either he was a rabid anti-Semitic in league with Hitler or a brave defender of liberty. Book takes the latter--points out that his intervention saved 860,000 Jews from Nazi Germany, that he had almost 500 hid within his personal palace, that the papal Swiss guard was partially comprised of Jewish refugees in disguise, that he ordered fake baptismal certificates by the hundreds of thousands printed (which saved 80,000 Hungarians alone), priest outfits handed out, and had monasteries and convents also packed with those hiding from Hitler.

One photo showed a white line painted around Vatican City (smallest country in the world) where Nazi soldiers were lined up and unable to cross b/c of treaty. So really, I'm not sure what else Pius could have done. Vatican only reestablished ties with the outside world less than 10 years earlier, was smack dab in the middle of a fascist state, and could put up no direct armed resistance, so by playing for time, Pius saved far more than he could have done by toying with Hitler. Would need to read more this though.

[Granny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book is like eating popcorn at a movie theatre. You know it's bad for you on so many levels: it's fattening, full of chemicals in the salt, and so on. And yet, it is so very tasty that you just can't stop yourself from having more.

The wording leans to the most salacious possible; and the history is iffy whenever it is open to interpretation, but the stories of "Popes behaving badly" is just as entertaining as hell (pardon the pun).

The sidebars are so frequent that it sometimes becomes difficult to follow the main story, and the illustrations are from a confusing mix of historical periods which are more often later views of the period in question, which just adds to the air of gossipy nastiness of this book.

This is essentially a nicely bound, coffee table sized version of the National Enquirer version of Catholic history, with lots of full color illustrations. It's guaranteed to offend a pious Catholic, but fascinating in a mean-spirited way to others.

I've put it on my "General reading" shelf, it doesn't warrant being on the "Culture/History" shelf.