The Vatican Diaries

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Power, Personalities, and Politics at the Heart of the Catholic Church

By: John Thavis

Narrated by: Malcolm Hillgartner

Length: 12 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

A revealing inside look at one of the world’s most powerful and mysterious institutions

For more than 25 years John Thavis held one of the most fascinating journalistic jobs in the world: reporting on the inner workings of the Vatican. His daily exposure to the power, politics, and personalities in the seat of Roman Catholicism gave him a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on an institution that is far less monolithic and unified than it first appears. Thavis reveals Vatican City as a place where Curia cardinals fight private wars, scandals threaten to undermine papal authority, and reverence for the past is continually upended by the practical considerations of modern life.

Thavis takes listeners from a bell tower high above St. Peter’s to the depths of the basilica and the saint’s burial place, from the politicking surrounding the election of a new pope and the ever-growing sexual abuse scandals around the world to controversies about the Vatican’s stand on contraception and more.

Perceptive, sharply written, and witty, The Vatican Diaries will appeal not only to Catholics - lapsed as well as devout - but to anyone interested in international diplomacy and the role of religion in an increasingly secularized world.

©2013 John Thavis (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A seasoned reporter on the Vatican beat takes us for an irreverent and revealing visit. Frequently from the vantage of the reportorial fly on the wall, Thavis…concentrates on the history he has witnessed firsthand.… Especially provocative are the chapters dealing with the mismanagement of diverse sex scandals and, finally, an appraisal of the opaque personality of Benedict.… Not only provocative, this report is illuminating and fully accessible to members of the faith and doubters alike." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"Thavis’ anecdotal presentation will appeal to readers seeking understanding of or connection with the Catholic Church’s heart. This book is recommended for anyone who would like to challenge their own notions and perceptions of the Vatican." ( Library Journal)

Insider tales some no doubt true

A reporter's take on the last three popes, palace intrigue, bureaucratic bungling, turf and. culture. Few surprises

Highly enjoyable and fascinating down to earth view of the inside life of the Vatican

As someone who has been reading a lot about the Vatican recently I found this book to provide the exact kind of material I’ve been looking for. Interesting blends of recent history, personal and political machinations and an examination of many of the topics in the news today regarding the Vatican such as the abuse scandals and inter faith dialogues. If I were to have one complaint it would be that the author seems to struggle to organize by topic, thus leaving chronology to be somewhat disjoint. At times it feels like we jump to a radically different point in time on a whim, sometimes during the pontificate of John Paul II, others under Benedict and then back again. Despite this, the book is engaging and humanistic and told from the perspective of an experienced journalist with extensive experience. Performed well with one or two mispronunciations of European words but easily forgivable. On the whole though this book strikes a good balance of narrative that isn’t overly apologetic or accusatory to the church, and I found it engaging entertaining.

Catholic History

This is a wonderful boots on the ground revelation of the Vatican. It is balanced and truthful . It reminds us that our spiritual lives still have to exist in the real world of men,power and money. Terry Hughes

Timely, but disjointed

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The vignettes should at the very least have been ordered chronologically. Also, the book would have benefited from glosses for the specialized vocabulary items (at least when an item appeared for the first time); as it is, it felt like the author was more intent on showing off rather than showing the reader around.

Which scene was your favorite?

The Latin teacher!

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No, unless the movie focused on a particular vignette, like that of the Latin teacher, who seemed absolutely fascinating. The movie would be too Altman-like otherwise--disjointed and fragmented.

Any additional comments?

Very timely book!

Tedious at times, from a non-Catholic

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I found the content quite interesting, especially considering I was listening to it simultaneously while the new Pope was chosen. Perhaps a Catholic would have a much more relevant review, but I did find the minute details tedious at times. Overall I found the book enlightening, but not surprising, that this 'holy' group of men would be as salacious, politically-motivated, and game-playing as any other group. Men are men.

Would you recommend The Vatican Diaries to your friends? Why or why not?

yes, especially the die-hard Catholics

Have you listened to any of Malcolm Hillgartner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Did The Vatican Diaries inspire you to do anything?

not be Catholic, and to educate others

Timely book with a few great chapters

Any additional comments?

This behind-the-scene's view of the Vatican is at times at times tedious, and at times intriguiging. Overall it is informative and very interesting. The portraits of the last two popes is most insightful.For those following the the conclave it is well worth listening to.

The Vatican Diaries

An interesting listen, although I didn't always like what I heard. It is a miracle the Catholic Church has survived so many years; I imagine the Holy Spirit to have rolled his eyes more often than not.

Great Behind the Scenes

Wonderful insight into the Vatican. As a Catholic, I enjoyed having this as a sneak peak behind the organization, however, I am still unsure of its bias or lack of it.

Extremely Compelling; Especially Relevant

Where does The Vatican Diaries rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the most concise, cogent audiobooks I've listened to.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Highlighted as it was by Audible, just after the news of Pope Benedict's abdication, this was especially relevant. Although published months before the Pope's announcement, "The Vatican Diaries" sheds much light on the Benedict's papacy and the likely true reasons behind his historical resignation. Had I listened to this earlier, it wouldn't have come as a surprise when it happened.

The stories John Thavis relates are sometimes comic, sometimes tragic, always incredible. Time and again I found myself hitting the 30 seconds back button thinking, "I must not have heard that right - it couldn't be." Every time I had heard it right and I was simply incredulous.

Have you listened to any of Malcolm Hillgartner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Malcolm Hilgartner's performance is a masterpiece of subtly. With slight inflections and just the right amount of accent, he slips smoothly between the author's narration and the many other characters we encounter - from Popes and Cardinals to reporters and "bell ringers." He makes this book come alive.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

As a Roman Catholic at times I was upset by Thavis's frank and honest recording of events. Bust as they say,"Sometimes the truth hurts."

Any additional comments?

This is "must listening" for Roman Catholics and others who want to understand the forces at work inside that Vatican and the Church. It provides a foundation for understanding what Pope Francis is now doing and why. As events unfold in Rome I am sure I will be re-listening to various chapters to put it all in context.

Interesting and humanizing

I am a cradle Catholic, and grew up during, and embraced, the changes of Vatican II. To be told by the right wing of my church community that I have been "doing it all wrong" for decades was not faith-enhancing. The eyewitness reporting of this book has helped me understand the underlying politics of the last couple of decades. This book is not disrespectful, whether you are on the "right" or the "left", unless you find facts offensive. People are human, even if they live in the Vatican.

John Thavis' prose is clear and he is a good storyteller. Malcolm Hillgartner is a really good narrator, and I will be on the lookout for more of his performances.