Pope John XXIII

By: Thomas Cahill

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

No other pope of this century has aroused so much interest and universal affection throughout the world as has Pope John XXIII. Journal of a Soul is an inspiring reading experience that records this pope's thoughts and traces his spiritual development from adolescence to the seminary to a career as a priest, a European papal diplomat, Patriarch of Venice, and finally Pope John XXIII.

This Image Books edition features a biographical portrait of Pope John by his personal secretary, Monsignor Loris Capovilla. It also includes several of his most moving prayers, sixty brief thoughts and aphorisms, his "Rules for the Ascetic Life," many of his letters, even his last will and testament. Christians everywhere will welcome the reissue of "one of the most original, interesting, and inspiring revelations of intimate personal experiences ever written," which "ranks well with the classic spiritual autobiographies" (Critic).

Journal of a Soul, the first ever such work from a Roman pontiff, opens new windows onto the soul of the man himself.©2002 Thomas Cahill; (P)2002 Books on Tape, Inc.

Enlightening Biography

This is an enlightening and critical biography of John XXIII, providing a sketch of relevant papal history, a fetching portrait of John, the challenges of his momentous life, and his significant mark in history. The narration was perfectly suited. I wouldn't have minded if there was more about service in France as the papal nuncio after WWII, but there was enough to be intriguing.

John XXIII, The Greatest Pope

Thomas Cahill situates John XXIII’s person and papacy within the history of the Roman Catholic Church as well as developments in the Church after John’s death. Cahill begins with a lengthy description of papal history up until John’s time. He then briefly introduces John’s family life and movement toward the throne in Rome. Cahill then treats in detail—complete with Vatican intrigues!—John’s greatest contribution to the Church, the Second Vatican Council. Finally, Cahill compares John’s papacy with that of his more conservative successors.

Cahill’s “dark history” of the papacy might offend some, but it is largely accurate. Indeed, Cahill offers some papal highlights amid all the gloom, most notably the reign of Gregory the Great. Any objective history of the papacy will turn up just as much dirt, maybe even more—papal executioners, concubines, wars, excesses, and so on.

As a contrast to much of this debauchery or well-intended inaction, Cahill offers the wise and compassionate papacy of John XXIII. His anecdotal history of John’s family life and struggles through the priesthood make for especially enjoyable and spiritual listening. Current world affairs make John’s lifelong commitment to peace resonant and urgent. John’s equanimity and focus on Jesus, while making his way through well-meaning, but closed-minded bureaucrats, also offers a model of sanctity and compassion in the midst of disagreement and misunderstanding.

“Conservative” Catholics will probably dislike this book. “Liberal” members will most likely nod along. And the open-minded will probably learn a few things about a remarkable man and a model of sainthood.

Also Recommended on Audible: Hans Kung, -The Catholic Church-

Interesting take on other popes

It was an educational tour through popes preceding Pope John. I knew little about the earlier popes, but had read a few excellent books on this pope. What I was a bit astonished by was the harsh words for the popes who followed him.

I believe this is biased, though I very much enjoyed the account of Joh’s life and suffering. I have to disagree strongly on the author’s judgment of recent popes, and the anger expressed. Each of these men is holy in his own way. This does not give that impression.

Opinionated and important book

The writer leaves no doubt where he stands on the papacy and the modern Catholic Church in this bio of the man who may be the only believing Christian to ascend to the papacy.

The narrator does a great job telling the story. For once there are no faux accents when quoting sources from various countries and backgrounds.

Had he lived longer perhaps John XXIII would have transformed the Church into a better institution that would have met the needs of many more people across the world.

Christ Bringing Redemption

It is important that we realize that Jesus Christ is God's ONLY begotten Son, and the rest of us, including the Pope and all clergy need regeneration and sanctification. If we keep that in mind, we can accept the humanity of the clergy, and not see them as having transcended the human condition, but rather are being redeemed by Jesus Christ like all other Christians. Jesus said, "upon this Rock, I will build my church." He is the one building. The sacraments are His grace to us, and the clergy are his ministers. That being said, it is essential that we look to Jesus Hebrews 12:2 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Keep in mind as you listen to this fine teaching that any history of the church will include the manward side, which is fallen man being redeemed. Though we know Divinity in the Eucharist, it is not from the priest, but from our faithful High Priest, Jesus Christ. The outworking of salvation will never look as pristine as the wonderful anointing that comes over the priest as Jesus makes present the Eucharist, the Bread of Heaven, His own Body and Blood for us, our Redeemer. We know His presence when we receive Holy Communion in a very special way, and we must never give credit for that to the priest, but to God alone. It is actually He that we commune with and Whose anointing we experience. Some reviewers do not like some of the facts of the leaders of the church, but those facts show up in all teachings to some degree, and should just be viewed as the manward, the side being redeemed.