Ten Popes Who Shook the World

“Simply brilliant” essays on the leaders who have most powerfully shaped not just the Church itself, but the course of human history ( Catholic Library World ). The Bishops of Rome have been Christianity’s most powerful leaders for nearly two millennia, and their influence has extended far beyond the purely spiritual. The popes have played a central role in the history of Europe and the wider world, not only shouldering the spiritual burdens of their ancient office, but also contending with—and