John XXIII: The Medicine of Mercy

by Massimo Faggioli

People of God is a brand new series of inspiring biographies for the general reader. Each volume offers a compelling and honest narrative of the life of an important twentieth or twenty-first century Catholic. Some living and some now deceased, each of these women and men have known challenges and weaknesses familiar to most of us, but responded to them in ways that call us to our own forms of heroism. Each offers a credible and concrete witness of faith, hope, and love to people of our own day. The canonization of Pope John XXIII and the fiftieth anniversary of Vatican II call for a fresh look at this remarkable man. Now highly regarded Vatican II historian Massimo Faggioli offers a rich and insightful portrait. His sources include the complete edition of the private diaries of the future John XXIII, published recently in ten volumes, much of which is unavailable in English. Faggioli’s use of this treasure of personal notes of the future pope means this biography offers a more complete and nuanced understanding of Angelo Roncalli than is available anywhere else in English at this time. The result is both unforgettable and inspiring.

Genres: Religion

168 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

Massimo Faggioli is professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Villanova University in Philadelphia.
He has written extensively on modern Church history: on Vatican II, on the new Catholic movements, on the papacy, and on the abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. He has a column in "La Croix International" and in "Commonweal".
His books and essays have translated in more than ten languages.

Reviews

[Jarrod Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done

This book is throughly researched and easy to read. I devoured it in two sitings. I feel like I have a much better understanding of the Pope and his Council.

[Brace1737 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short biography is a fine introduction to the life and thought of a great saint and man of peace.

[Francine Apollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fast becoming a real fan of Massimo Faggioli's work. He writes history in a compelling, understandable fashion.

Highly recommended.