In the Courts of Three Popes: An American Lawyer and Diplomat in the Last Absolute Monarchy of the West

by Mary Ann Glendon

A rare firsthand account of the three popes who worked to modernize the Catholic Church—and to evangelize the modern world—f rom a renowned international lawyer, Harvard law professor, and former ambassador to the Vatican

For twenty centuries, the Catholic Church has radically shaped world history—and survived it. In the decades following the Second Vatican Council, three popes have carried forward this legacy, striving to lead the Church and its governing body—the last absolute monarchy of the West—into the modern world.

With In the Courts of Three Popes, accomplished diplomat, international lawyer, and Harvard professor Mary Ann Glendon gives readers a rare inside look at the papacies of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. She shares her role in key developments in the Church’s recent history, like the Church entering the third millennium, in Pope John Paul II’s words, on its knees in penance for failures such as clergy sex abuse, or in leading the way for lay women to hold positions of power in the Church. Glendon illuminates the issues vexing the Church the place of faith in secular politics, relating the Church to other religions, clericalism and the power of laypeople, and corruption at the Vatican Bank and within the Roman Curia.

Glendon provides a one-of-a-kind analysis of the inner workings of the Holy See, showing readers that, despite its many failings, the Catholic Church is a living, breathing community. Behind the Church’s doctrines and policies and institutions lie people, personalities, aspirations, and relationships that still promise to transform lives.

Genres: History, Religion, Memoir, Catholic, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published February 20, 2024

About the author

Mary Ann Glendon is the Learned Hand Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and a former United States Ambassador to the Holy See. She teaches and writes on bioethics, comparative constitutional law, property, and human rights in international law.

Reviews

[Shannon Eckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

I absolutely loved this book. Mary Ann Glendon is a force for the common good and women everywhere. She inspires me to serve the Church with my time and talents and call other laypeople to do the same! I loved this quote: “No one should shy away from service to the church at any level out of a sense that things are so bad that their efforts would be wasted. One has only to read the Acts of the Apostles, or Alessandro Manzone’s great Italian novel, The Betrothed, to be reminded that a few ordinary people willing to live in Truth, and to call good and evil by name, can help to shift probabilities in a better direction.”

[Mariele Courtois]

Pope St. John Paul II in Nuevo Millennio Ineunte Part 38: “There is a temptation which perennially besets every spiritual journey and pastoral work: that of thinking that the results depend on our ability to act and to plan. God of course asks us really to cooperate with his grace, and therefore invites us to invest all of our resources of intelligence and energy in serving the cause of the Kingdom. But it is fatal to forget that ‘without Christ we can do nothing.’”

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is for an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. In the Courts of Three Popes is more autobiography than spiritual reading, though there were definitely some moments when I got something spiritual from it. The quotes from Pope Saint John Paul II were particularly well chosen, both to make the author's points and to inspire. The main point, though, was more of a glimpse into a world we may know about, but we don't know what we may think we know.

I found Mary Ann Glendon's writing to be intelligent, clear, and interesting. While she's led a life that some might even think glamorous, she is straightforward and human in her telling. When she tells of a new assignment, she tells it from the perspective of someone anticipating, rather than from hindsight, for the most part. As a result I often felt like I was "there." Her storytelling is often vivid, but without being especially sentimental.

I am a lifelong Catholic, and I thought I knew much more about the Church, it turns out, than I actually did. The Curia was, really, completely unknown to me. The inner workings at times startled, disheartened, encouraged, and at times thrilled me. There are so many more people involved in decision making at the Vatican than I would have guessed.

Honestly, I don't have any criticisms of this book. If you read it expecting a broader history, or a devotional, or a way to learn the teachings of the Church, you will be disappointed; but if you like a well-written nonfiction book, and you are fascinated by the Church, I think you will really enjoy it.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

One neat thing that jumped out at me towards the end-- She was in her fifties before these Vatican projects started ❤️ Love that little reminder to embrace lifelong adventure.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this elegantly written memoir, Mary Ann Glendon provides a candid view of the inside workings of the Holy See. With her background in law, the author writes in an intelligent and succinct way. The book is tricky is to put down. It is a fascinating account of both the rewards and the frustrations of working in Rome. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the Catholic Church.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Ann Glendon is a recognized international attorney who taught at Harvard Law School. She has served on various committees within the Vatican and was appointed ambassador to the Holy See by George W Bush. She saw the Vatican as a woman in a male environment, as a member of the laity among the clergy, as an American among Europeans. She served St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis.

[Maya Favors · Rating 4 out of 5]

basic knowledge of intricacies of the Holy See & Catholic church is helpful to understand the memoir, but inspiring story with overarching message that EVERY believer is an evangelist, perhaps even more so than the “elite” clergy! Christ goes with all of us & we carry the duty to spread the Gospel in all places & let our faith inform our convictions

[Maudaevee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting peek behind the scenes.

[Sharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Total whitewash, especially regarding the child sexual abuse scandals. Her coverage, less than 2 pages, consists of “there is abuse in other institutions too!”

[Mike Green]

JP2- current from pov of an insider outsider…. Some interesting tidbits.

[Peter Gehres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with a unique and engaging historical and cultural perspective.

[Dana Kraft · Rating 2 out of 5]

The behind the scenes view you get is of bureaucratic meetings, working groups and international conferences. In other words, pretty boring stuff in my opinion. I did like the Epilogue that offered brief advice for lay people who want to get involved in service to the church. I would have liked more on that, but it’s fair to warn that it’s not like traditional work, and to be careful about expecting too much.