A History of the Popes: From Peter to the Present

A History of the Popes tells the story of the oldest living institution in the Western world—the papacy. From its origins in Saint Peter, Jesus' chief disciple, through Pope Benedict XVI today, the popes have been key players in virtually all of the great dramas of the western world in the last two thousand years. Acclaimed church historian John W. O'Malley's engaging narrative examines the 265 individuals who have claimed to be Peter's successors. Rather than describe each pope one by one, the book focuses on the popes that shaped pivotal moments in both church and world history. The author does not shy away from controversies in the church, and includes legends like Pope Joan and a comprehensive list of popes and antipopes to help readers get a full picture of the papacy.

This simultaneously reverent yet critical book will appeal to readers interested in both religion and history as it chronicles the saints and sinners who have led the Roman Catholic Church over the past 2000 years. The author draws from his popular audio CD lecture series on the topic, 2,000 Years of Papal History, available through Now You Know Media (www.nowyouknowmedia.com).

• Ten Popes Who Shook the World
• Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes; Fourth Edition
• What Happened at Vatican II
• Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy
• A History of the Popes: Volume II: Middle Ages to the Protestant Reform (Volume 2)
• The Day Is Now Far Spent
• A History of the Popes: Volume I: Origins to the Middle Ages (Volume 1)
• Vatican I: The Council and the Making of the Ultramontane Church
• A History of the Popes: Volume III: The Protestant Reformation to the Twenty-First Century (Volume 3)
• A Biblical Walk Through the Mass (Book): Understanding What We Say and Do In The Liturgy