Letters from Vatican City

by Xavier Rynne

Letters from Vatican City [Jan 01, 1963] Rynne, Xavier

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, History

289 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[James Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided a fascinating outlook on the first session of Vatican II. The author does a great job of explaining the build up, and what happened, including some funny stories here and there. It's interesting to see names repeated throughout the book like Cardinal Spellman, while other now-famous names like Archbishop Lefebvre and Bishop Sheen and Cardinal Siri are occasionally mentioned, but not quite as often, which especially is eye-catching considering the book makes it appear that they did not speak out much early on in the council. Pope John XXIII is painted as someone with a pastoral outlook, and in a way, the author seems to point that the pope is in favor of pushing back against the less pastorally minded, and more theologically minded, members of the episcopate in order to bring about a certain vision for Vatican II. There are some moments where the book can get a little dry, where it feels like the author just sort of wants to discuss what happened and then just move on without dwelling on much. Overall a great book, especially for a sort of introduction to the process of the council!

[Ray LaManna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating day-by-day account of the progress of the Second Vatican Council from initial announcement by Pope John XXIII to the end of the first session in December 1962. For those interested in church history and the development of theology this is a real page-turner.

[C. John Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume concerns itself with the time period covering John XXIII’s decision to hold an ecumenical council to the end of the first session of Vatican II. To a certain degree the author frames the council as a struggle between the more traditional/conservative elements of the Church and it’s more liberal/progressive elements. It is interesting to read how this all played out. Whoever Xavier Rynne was he certainly was able to give a good account of the attempt by the conservatives to control the council and ensure that the traditional way won out. At the same time the progressive element was trying to breathe a new spirit into the church. From his periodic interventions one gets the feeling the Pope was on the side of the progressives. This is especially true when one reads the opening and closing addresses by His Holiness which are included in this book.
A couple of notes. Xavier Rynne was not the real name of the author. The author’s true name was not used as all involved with Vatican II took an oath of secrecy. In fact as far as I know his real name has never been revealed though I might be wrong on that. I do know that in the mid-eighties one of my theology professors who had been part of an observer delegation remarked that many people were certain of who Rynne was but declined to name him, which suggests that even at that time it wasn’t definitely known.
My second note is more personal. At one point there is a reference to a Bishop Bukatko. I was able to ascertain that he was a relative of a charming young lady of my acquaintance. It is a small world.
In summary this was an interesting book. Anyone who has an interest in the history of the Christian religion in general, and the Roman Catholic Church in particular should read it.