101 Questions & Answers on Popes and the Papacy

by Christopher M. Bellitto

101 Questions & Answers on Popes and the Papacy tackles almost every question posed in April 2005 during the dying and death of Pope John Paul II and the election of Benedict XVI. Dr. Bellitto tackles all sorts of thorny questions such • Was Peter the first pope? • I always hear negative things about the popes in the Middle Ages. Did they do anything good? • Did a pope really condemn Galileo for saying the Earth revolves around the Sun? • Was Pius XII really “Hitler’s pope”? • Do I have to believe every word the pope says? • What happens when a pope dies? • What happens if a pope becomes incapacitated and can’t serve as pope anymore? • Was there really a Pope Joan? • When did popes start wearing white? †

Genres: Church History, Catholic, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2008

Reviews

[Anna Claxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative but dry. Written shortly after Benedict XVI’s election, this book excludes the Francis and Leo XIV pontificates, although foresight is present:

“And even if a papal retirement were to become standardized, there certainly would arise the difficult challenge of how to weigh the actions and statements of a retired pope - pope emeritus? - against those of his sitting successor.” (Page 124)

[Scott Nvenue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just what it says - 101 questions and answers. I thought it would be light reading, but it isn't. The author is a PhD, and this book reads accordingly. It is packed with information. It teaches a lot about the papacy. I would highly recommend it for people who want to earnestly study this topic.

[Alan A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, the book describes what it does. There's a lot of general facts but some good questions are also tackled in the book for those who are not well-familiar with certain topics like the changing dynamic of Papal election historically, what the role of the Cardinal is, has there ever been bad popes, and all the more. It's really a sort of fact book and that's what its purpose is. There is a good dedicated appendix section that has 'extra' content such as debunking the myth of a female pontiff ever existing and providing those reasons. It's an ok book if you want some light reading. Although, I can say that in some of those 101 questions, there are some more deeply dedicated sections that serve as either simple apologetic purposes or history facts.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was probably closer to a three-star book, but I gave it four stars because I really enjoyed part one of the book which was a history of the popes from St. Peter up to Benedict XVI.

There is also some other history about the papacy scattered throughout the rest of the book and explanations of traditions, papal vestments, etc.

I very much enjoyed reading it. I just read like one section per night, skipping a few nights when I was really tired. Truth be told it is pretty easy reading.

I can recommend this book for anyone who just wants a bit of light reading and wants to know more about the popes and the papacy.

[James McAdams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really pleasantly surprised by this - I only grabbed it because it was a free book of the month for Logos/Verbum users. The author is clear on his own beliefs and confident enough in them that he doesn't feel the need to filter every papal misstep through defensive filters. It was informative, good-humoured, well documented and a pleasure to read.

Taken for what it is (short and easily digested answers to wide-ranging questions, written for outsiders or newcomers to Catholicism) it's excellent. Obviously, it is limited in depth by its nature, but far less than I expected.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this on Halloween looking for a good scare because the creepiest thing I can think of is an organized religion that covers up its clergy's history of sexual abuse. Kidding.
Seeing that I am not Catholic and have marginal interest in Popes and/or the Papacy, I didn't feel bad speed reading this while my family played at the playground across the street from the library. This fell off the shelf and I figured why not.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is what it is, no more no less. It doesn't delve deep, but it gives decent enough answers to the questions posed. It's certainly biased, but don't hold that against it too much. If you want more detailed discussion, there are plenty of continued reading options in the Notes and further reading section.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a really great overview in an interesting and engaging way. The author is a practicing Catholic and church historian, but he gives a very balanced view. I especially loved the epilogue where he says that given the church's history, the Holy Spirit must be in charge because otherwise it would have collapsed long ago.