Pope John XXIII: A Spiritual Biography (Lives & Legacies) (Hardcover)

~ Christian Feldman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Angelo Roncalli was pope for only five years, yet he won the hearts and minds of people the world over, including many non-Catholics with his warm style and commitment to bring the Catholic Church in line with the modern world. "We are not on the earth to guard a museum," he had once said about the Church, "but to tend a blooming garden full of life." Pope John XXIII is the story of a real Christian who became pope.

Roncalli introduced himself to the crowds in St. Peter's Square on October 28, 1958 with the words "I am called John." Already seventy-seven years old, this son of peasants was expected to stage a merely transitional papacy. Surprising many, he became the pope of transition by convening the Second Vatican Council in October of 1962. The Council lasted for five years and saw his death, but it opened wide the doors of the Church, doing away with much of the old pomp and practice, and leading it into the twenty-first century.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824523563
• ISBN-13: 978-0824523565
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,851,655 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Pope John XXiii; a spiritual biography, June 1, 2001

By A Customer

A nice overview of the life of John XXiii, but less than an in depth analysis of his life, philospohy, accomplishments, quirks, and the times in which he lived. I found the portion of the book on the convening of the Ecumenical Council and his role in that process lacking. Nor was there much to explain/clarify his successes and problems working with and trying to lead the papal bureaucracy. It was a good overview, but I would love to be able to read a much more in depth biography of the life of John XXiii.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Providence to Papacy, April 23, 2001

By A Customer

Many people know of the wonderful things Pope John XXIII accomplished as pope but many do not know of the road that lead to the papacy. Providence directed this simple, peasant man to become the pope and this account of that providence is superbly done. "We can deal with our differences if we focus on what we have in common." No wonder we now refer to him beatified as Blessed Pope John XXIII. His is certainly a wonderful example to follow.