The Papacy in the Modern World ─ A Political History

Frank J. Coppa describes the triumphs, controversies, and failures of many Popes, including Pius IX who was criticized for his ?syllabus of Errors” of 1864, his campaign against Italian unification, and his proclamation of papal infallibility. Pius XII on the other hand was denounced for what he did not say?mainly his silence during the Holocaust and his impartiality during World War II. Pope John XXIII by contrast has been praised for his aggiornamento or call for the updating of the Church and convoking the Second Vatican Council. This original history of the Papacy sheds new light by examining sources only recently made available by the Vatican archives, offering valuable insights into events previously shrouded in mystery.

Frank J. Coppa is professor emeritus of history and director of doctoral studies in modern world history at St. John’s University. He is the author of The Life and Pontificate of Pope Pius XII: Between History and Controversy, among other books.