An illustrated history of the Popes - Saint Peter to John Paul II

London: MARSHALL CAVENDISH. Very Good/Very Good. 1980. Hard Cover. .75" By 11.5" Tall 0856858544 Dust jacket price clipped. Black cloth with bright silver titles on spine. 256 pages clean and tight. Christ's representative on earth, successor to the Prince of the Apostles, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Servant of the Servants of God-these are some of the titles claimed by the men whom, for nearly 2000 years, Christians have called 'the Pope'. These men have been drawn from many countries and varied backgrounds and stand, along with kings, emperors and philosophers, as embodiments of the values of their times. An Illustrated History of the Popes traces the papacy's changing role through the centuries: its elevation by Constantine in the fourth century; its role in the secular sphere; the effects of revolutions and wars; and how it has met the challenges of division within the Church itself. But the narrative deals not only with the politics - it also looks at the personalities of the Popes; the depravity of Alexander VI, the saintliness of Pius X, the humanity of John XXIII and the yet-to-be-defined enigma of John Paul II. The lavishly illustrated text looks to the future and explores the questions which face the papacy. The Pope's functions are becoming more diverse and complex as the world shrinks. His role is meeting with growing resistance from within the Church; yet, at the same time, he commands universal respect as a force for justice and peace. The Pope today is seen not only as Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff, but also as a world leader and a symbol of hope for all mankind. .