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

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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.

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.

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.