The Vatican Diaries

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

De: John Thavis

Narrado por: Malcolm Hillgartner

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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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)

great insight

I just got this book on a whim and didn't expect much but wow. thus author will teach you a lot of insider things you otherwise wouldn't know. a must have

Probably more for Catholics

Maybe only for Catholics makes sense, but I figured this would teach me more about the Vatican, things that go on, how's it's run, and deeper insights.
I found it is more a collection of story's about people in the Vatican more so than the Vatican itself. I know only the pope by name, so I just really couldn't relate to the stories. If you follow the events, this will explain interesting behind the scene things from these events which may be very interesting to you though.

Everything you wanted to know about the Popes....

But were afraid to ask...... fast moving and a great cocktail hour conversation and discussion topic.

It was worth listening ......

Wow! What an eye opener! I am a Catholic believer who KNOWS that church is run by man and man are sinners.......EVERY PERSON in the church, regardless of position is a sinner. With that in mind, I was hesitant to listen to the book, because I thought it was another attempt to bring down the Catholic Church. Instead, what I learned is that the Vatican is an institution that is broken, like any other institution, and is in need of God's grace, touch, and healing. There are rogue priests, like in any other profession. The Vatican Diaries is an account of what goes on behind the Vatican Walls. It is a book difficult to stop until the end.

Look into the Vatican's Closets Full of Skeletons

Would you consider the audio edition of The Vatican Diaries to be better than the print version?

I have more time to listen than to read.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The fact that the writer had valid credentials and access to the inner halls of the Vatican. It validated for me the truth of what he was reporting.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Everything you didn't know about the life and power of the Vatican.

Any additional comments?

This is one of those books for which I wished I'd had a "cheat sheet" to keep track of who did what and why. I should have kept a note book handy to write down all the names and what they did.