Pope Dreams: Pope Peter the Improbable

by Stephen D'Agata

Pope Anthony is dead. But then, on the night of his funeral, each cardinal has a dream in which they meet the next Pope. Their dreams reflect their own personal interests and desires, as all dreams do, but only the two Irish cardinals recognise the Pope in their dreams as one Peter MacDonald, a married father of six and a lay pastoral councillor active in the Dublin Archdiocese. The cardinals' decision on how to respond to this miraculous revelation could change the Roman Catholic Church for ever. Pope Pope Peter the Improbable is a satirical novel exploring the juxtaposition between the doctrinal Church hierarchy who promote themselves as the conduit to a puppet-master God, and their progressive congregations who recognise a universal God that inextricably connects everyone and everything. In his first novel, Stephen D'Agata uses comedy and satire to expose the Pope and cardinals as only mere mortals who do not have a monopoly deciding on moral and social values - and could learn a thing or two from their humble congregations.

258 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 2022

Reviews

[Walt Oh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conceptually, I found this book really fascinating. I learned a lot about the operation of the Catholic church, and even as a non-religious person, I found myself nodding along to some of the points that the protagonist makes about how he feels the church should be run.

However, I did find the pacing a bit inconsistent, and the voices of the different characters blended together a bit for me as there was so little time to get to know them. I felt there could have been a bit more room to grow with the protagonist and his family, in particular.

Regardless, an interesting read, and I'm glad I took a chance on this new novel!

[Stacey Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pope Dreams: Pope Peter the Improbable is a thought-provoking and imaginative novel that blends satire, humor, and theological depth in a way that kept me engaged from start to finish. Stephen D’Agata takes a daring premise, the cardinals dreaming of the next Pope after Pope Anthony’s death—and transforms it into a witty yet profound commentary on the tension between tradition and progress within the Catholic Church.

What stood out to me most was the character of Peter MacDonald. As a married father of six and lay pastoral councillor, he embodies a refreshing and unexpected vision of leadership that challenges centuries-old expectations. His emergence as “the improbable Pope” is not just clever storytelling but also a bold invitation for readers to reimagine what moral and spiritual authority could look like if shaped by everyday people rather than hierarchical elites.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing, thinking, and nodding along in equal measure. The idea of a married father of six being revealed as the next Pope is brilliant satire, and the author handles it with humor while also raising deep questions about faith, authority, and the human side of religion. A sharp and entertaining read!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pope Dreams is a witty and imaginative satire that reimagines what leadership in the Church could look like if compassion and humility took center stage. Stephen D’Agata balances humor with heart, making this an engaging and thought provoking read.

[Smith Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming, funny, and thoughtful. The dreams of the cardinals were especially creative each one said so much about power and desire.

A playful but meaningful tale. It made me laugh, nod in agreement, and think deeply about tradition and change.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel made me laugh and think at the same time. By turning tradition upside down with “Pope Peter,” D’Agata highlights the gap between Church leaders and everyday believers. Irreverent but heartfelt, it’s satire with a real message.

[Absolute · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how this novel balances biting comedy with genuine reflection on the future of the Church. The dream sequences were hilarious and revealing, and the clash between tradition and progress felt both timely and important. Fans of political or religious satire will love this one.

[Juliet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen D’Agata’s debut is a daring and clever exploration of faith, power, and community. The characters are vivid, the humor sharp, and beneath the satire is a genuine compassion for ordinary believers. I found myself laughing one moment and reflecting deeply the next. Highly recommended.

[Khalifa · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a brilliant premise! The novel takes a topic as serious as the papacy and turns it upside down with wit and imagination. Yet it never feels mean-spirited the humor is balanced with a sincere call for humility and inclusiveness in faith. A fantastic debut that deserves attention.

[Stellar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel takes on weighty themes with such a light touch. The satire is razor-sharp, but the underlying message about humility and true faith shines through. I couldn’t stop smiling while reading.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is clever, the premise is unique, and the characters feel larger-than-life yet all too human. It reminded me of the best satirical novels I’ve read funny, insightful, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved most is how the humor never overshadows the heart. The author manages to poke fun at the Church hierarchy while also honoring the faith and sincerity of everyday believers. A rare and impressive balance.

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of a married father of six becoming the next Pope is outrageous and yet the author makes it completely believable within the story. I loved how the dream sequences revealed so much about each cardinal. Absolutely original!

[Mia Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

D’Agata delivers a clever satire that still carries heart. Peter MacDonald feels so real, I couldn’t stop rooting for him.

[Rechael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty and thought provoking story that blends humor with deep reflections on faith and leadership. Truly refreshing!

[Mark James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart, humorous, and refreshingly human Pope Dreams challenges tradition while celebrating compassion and hope.

[Willams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept alone is gold, but the writing makes it shine. A book that dares to imagine change in the most unexpected way.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t expect a book about the papacy to be this much fun! It’s satire with heart, and it left me both entertained and inspired.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a clever story! Stephen D’Agata manages to balance humor with deep questions about faith and authority. Peter MacDonald is the kind of Pope I’d love to see in real life.

[Justina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is both playful and profound. The dreams of the cardinals were hilarious, but the message about humility and true faith really hit home.

[Elvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setup is brilliant: each cardinal dreams of the next Pope, but only two recognize the truth. The result is a funny, biting story that questions power, tradition, and what faith really means.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed how this book balanced humor with serious reflection. It doesn’t just mock it invites readers to think about inclusiveness, humility, and the real essence of spirituality.

[Roselia · Rating 5 out of 5]

D’Agata doesn’t hold back in skewering the pomp of Church leadership. The comedy lands, but so does the deeper question: do leaders own morality, or do people live it out every day?

[Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were moments in this book where I literally laughed out loud. At the same time, it shines a light on real issues within organized religion. Entertaining with substance.

[Royalty Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Behind the comedy lies an honest exploration of spirituality beyond rigid hierarchy. A funny and meaningful read for anyone questioning tradition.