Unknown Pope: Benedict XV (1914-1922) and the Pursuit of Peace

by John F. Pollard, Pope Benedict XV (Contributor)

Benedict XV is best-known for his efforts to bring an end to World War I. Though his proposals were eventually rejected by all sides, his "Peace Note" of 1917 was the first manifestation of the peace-making role which the Papacy assumed for itself in the 20th century. Benedict's short pontificate also saw a significant improvement in the Church's attitude to colonial peoples. He was one of the founders of Save the Children and led European efforts at humanitarian aid. This biography, written using Vatican archives, correspondence and private papers, is a serious re-evaluation of Benedict XV.

Genres: Biography, History, Religion, Catholic

Paperback

First published April 1, 2000

Reviews

[Jackson Paladin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read with a lot of WWI history woven throughout. Benedict XV was a unique leader and came along at an odd time. His pursuit of peace and devotion to charity stand in a time of intense political and religious unrest. He helped slow the advance of Modernism in biblical scholarship as well as refocus the Roman Catholic Church on what matters most. The papal office was not a political one to him, and something that he never desired for himself. He used it to promote Christianity across the globe during an extremely difficult time for the Church and the world.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pollard has written a great one-volume survey of the life of Benedict XV. As the title suggests, certainly the least well-known of 20th Century popes. Carefully researched, as always, Pollard has a excellent, well-balanced writing style, and his assessment of Benedict's pontificate is fair, pro and con, without devolving into hero-worship that sometimes plagues biographers. Highly recommended!

[Mick Maurer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough work on a Pope little known today.

[Finn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first few chapters are hard to follow. The second half is very informative.