Pope John Paul II: An Intimate Life: The Pope I Knew So Well [Hardcover]

Caroline Pigozzi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 10, 2008

This behind-the-scenes perspective offers a unique opportunity to experience Pope John Paul II's character and reign, as well as a look at the inner workings of the Vatican. French journalist Caroline Pigozzi discovered a man both awe-inspiring and surprisingly warm and generous. Passionately prayerful and unimpressed by pomp and celebrity, John Paul II was the most-traveled and perhaps the most popular of the popes to date: a people's pope. Pigozzi reveals the intimate details of his daily life, his sometimes surprising philosophies, his revolutionary desire for accessibility to ordinary people, and his relentless drive to unify the church. This book unveils, in a friendly and richly informative way, a close-up of the man whose "eyes radiated infinite goodness" and whose life touched so many.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Caroline Pigozzi studied in Italy and New York, eventually becoming an international reporter for Paris Match magazine. She has interviewed King Juan Carlos of Spain and Elisabeth II in addition to her visits and travels with Pope John Paul II. Pigozza is the mother of two daughters and lives in France.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords; 1 edition (September 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446505501
• ISBN-13: 978-0446505505
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 1 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #908,410 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Detailed Look, September 26, 2008

By 

Sally "SmilingSally" (Tampa, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pope John Paul II: An Intimate Life: The Pope I Knew So Well (Kindle Edition)

First off, in the interest of fair play, I must state that I am not Catholic; I know little of Karol Wojtyla, the man described as the People's Pope, the first non-Italian Pontiff since 1522. However, after reading his biography, I have learned much.

The biography contains interesting tidbits such as how the statues of the Pope in Poland have the Holy Father's cassock turned up on the right as a symbol that the wind blows from west to east to denote that he would always remember his Polish roots.

Writing in first person, the author, a journalist for Paris Match, who became a member of the inner circle, shares information gathered from her numerous audiences with the Pope, extensive interviews with him and his closest friends, sermons she witnessed, the times she shared meals with him as an invited guest, the trips to many countries where she tagged along, and the special occasions where her daughters meet him. A bit nervous, they call him "Very Holy Father."

At first, I enjoyed it, but then it seems to bog down with so many facts and details. Perhaps it seems that way to me because I don't venerate the Pope. However, I think that this would be an interesting book for any Catholic to own and read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An intimate look at a beautiful human being, September 8, 2008

By 

Stacey (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Pope John Paul II: An Intimate Life: The Pope I Knew So Well (Hardcover)

Caroline Pigozzi's "Pope John Paul II - An Intimate Life (The Pope I Knew So Well)" is the moving biography of Karol Wojtyla, the priest known to the world as Pope John Paul II. This is a beautiful chronicle of the life of the man elected to the highest position in the Catholic church. This work also provides insight into the Catholic faith as it is written from that standpoint.

I am not usually a biography reader, but this one is well worth picking up. I was truly touched by this book and feel privileged to have a deeper insight into this incredible human being.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Glimpse of Private Moments, January 16, 2011

By 

M. A. Ramos (Florida USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pope John Paul II: An Intimate Life: The Pope I Knew So Well (Hardcover)

This book is Caroline Pigozzi memoir of her fascination since childhood with the inner workings of the Holy See. Her desire, patience and dedication paid off with unprecedented access to Pope John Paul II. Though not as intimate an access as the title intimates. The author, a French journalist, shares her personal and professional visits with His Holiness which included times within his private apartments within the Vatican and on Papal trips abroad. Though his true private rooms are a floor above those rooms in which they met. It is obvious that she like many in the world is enthralled by what she relates is a very pious, charismatic and driven man devoted to God.

The author does not hide the awe in which she holds Pope John Paul II, but many Catholics, Christians and non-Christians alike do as well. But though she is reverent and grateful for being allowed contact with His Holiness her story rings true. For we see over the years a unique perspective of the Pope over his long pontificate. We see his humor, his asceticism, intelligence, determination and Marian Devotion. But not his true private time which I feel should remain private.

From his many trips throughout the world it is obvious he took his responsibility to spread the Word of God and promote peace. Regardless of forum he would always preach and pray for peace in the world. His resolve in continuing his pastoral mission with his illness and pain is a sign of his devotion to God's work. And as part of that pastoral mission was a deep desire for unity back to the Church.

The general overview of the logistics required for a papal trip or vacation and his day to day activities in the part of his private residence that some are allowed to visit is shared from what the author personally saw and what was shared with her from those who shared with him some of his private time. The charisma and compassion that emanated from his person was obvious to all who came in contact with this Bishop of Rome.

The author though relating some new travels and visits with the pope she starts to become repetitive toward the end chapters. It reads as if it is to just fill out a couple more chapters. This is not a biography in the literary sense but a memoir of Caroline Pigozzi and the time she spent with the most traveled pope who wished the greatest access with his flock. Overall her memoir is an inspirational read though it could have benefited from better editing on this English edition.