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Rating: 
Summary: The Greatness of Benedict XV
Review: There has of late been something of a cottage industry for Twentieth Century Vatican history, partially due to increased openness of Catholic archives. Pope Benedict XV is not only the unknown Pope of John Pollard's title, but surely the last great figure of World War I to be the subject of a modern biographer. Lacking the sensationalism that has been a recent hallmark of some Catholic history, this work combines substantial original research in Catholic and State archives in the Vatican City, Italy, Britain and the United States with an exhaustive analysis of printed primary and secondary sources in an array of languages. Having also pursued researches in the Vatican's Secret Archive I can testify that this must have been no easy task. What emerges is a portrait of Pope Benedict XV balancing delicate issues between the Allied and Central Powers in the face of continued difficulties with the Italian state, but also a compassionate man who cared greatly for those around him, and for the sufferings of war. Adopting a broadly chronological approach, Pope Benedict XV's origins, ascent to the papacy, role in the war and relations with Italy, humanitarian relief, peace diplomacy and post-war relations with Italy and the rest of the world are all covered seemlessly. A seminal work which points the way ahead for church history and will surely prove the inspiration for further work on Pope Benedict XV and the role of the Papacy in the Twentieth Century, this book also deserves to be read by anyone with an interest in World War I, humanitarian aid, diplomatic and Italian history. More uncommonly, this work is written in a clear style. John Pollard continues to hold the reader's attention and employs a light touch to explain the many curiosities of a pre-Vatican II pontificate.
Rating:
Summary: The Greatness of Benedict XV
Review: There has of late been something of a cottage industry for Twentieth Century Vatican history, partially due to increased openness of Catholic archives. Pope Benedict XV is not only the unknown Pope of John Pollard's title, but surely the last great figure of World War I to be the subject of a modern biographer. Lacking the sensationalism that has been a recent hallmark of some Catholic history, this work combines substantial original research in Catholic and State archives in the Vatican City, Italy, Britain and the United States with an exhaustive analysis of printed primary and secondary sources in an array of languages. Having also pursued researches in the Vatican's Secret Archive I can testify that this must have been no easy task. What emerges is a portrait of Pope Benedict XV balancing delicate issues between the Allied and Central Powers in the face of continued difficulties with the Italian state, but also a compassionate man who cared greatly for those around him, and for the sufferings of war. Adopting a broadly chronological approach, Pope Benedict XV's origins, ascent to the papacy, role in the war and relations with Italy, humanitarian relief, peace diplomacy and post-war relations with Italy and the rest of the world are all covered seemlessly. A seminal work which points the way ahead for church history and will surely prove the inspiration for further work on Pope Benedict XV and the role of the Papacy in the Twentieth Century, this book also deserves to be read by anyone with an interest in World War I, humanitarian aid, diplomatic and Italian history. More uncommonly, this work is written in a clear style. John Pollard continues to hold the reader's attention and employs a light touch to explain the many curiosities of a pre-Vatican II pontificate.
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