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)

Behind the scenes?

Pope Benedict's resignation sparked my interest on this topic, and I got this book to help me understand what internal challenges the Catholic church is facing. It did give me a better feel for some of the personalities; my sympathy for Pope Benedict has been augmented. I did not feel, however, that any of the information was 'behind the scenes'. I felt like most of the book was less about the Vatican and more about reporting on the Catholic church. It's something of a Vatican journalist's travelogue in places. On the plus side, I felt like the author was not looking to excoriate or embarrass, and is probably even a little sympathetic to the church. In the end I am slightly less cynical about the power structure in Rome.

history in catholism

What did you love best about The Vatican Diaries?

Malcolm has truly captured my attention, the book is well narrated, he brings to life the chronicles that John Thavis writes about and as a born Catholic it is an eye opener to the one Pope that I truly admired, but it also brings home that those who govern our religion are truly only men and with that comes their strengths and faults.

true followings of the Pope's life

great coverage of the Pope's live in the holiest and most highest position a long but meaning for read.

Some Truth behind the spin.

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

It's a very fine book, but not one of my favorites.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Vatican Diaries?

Several. Some funny moments with the press getting stranded or something else happening to them on state visits, and the testimonies in chapter 3 against the LC's founder creeped me out.

What about Malcolm Hillgartner’s performance did you like?

He's okay with accents, but not that great.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

The contrast between Pope John Paul the Second's and Benidict the 16th in personality.

Any additional comments?

No other comments.

A neutral look at inner workings of the Vatican

I found this book faciniating. It is a report of the inner workings of the Vatican including the homesexual, child abuse, and financial problems the Church faces. The author neither praises nor condems the actions taking place in the hierarchy of the Vatican. The book is rich in the histrory of the Catholic Church and of recent popes. I learned a lot.

I appreciated that the author did not appear to have an "agenda" regarding the Vatican. The tone was neutral. I would recommend this book highly.

Well done.

A Surprisingly Great Listen

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

I haven't read the print version - that's why I listen to Audiobooks - to listen to books I don't have time to read. . . "too many books/too little time!"

Who was your favorite character and why?

Not Applicable

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

Not that I recall - but I will add him to my list of good narrators.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Not Applicable

Any additional comments?

After listening to the first few minutes of this book I was a little concerned with both the narration and the story, which I feared was going to be dull and monotone.But within 5 or 10 minutes I was really surprised. It quickly turned into an unbelievably entertaining listen - containing a perfect blend of drama and humour - and it was very well read. For someone who doesn't know much about the Roman Catholic church, the Pope or the Vatican, but keeps tabs on the news, it was just a very interesting and entertaining look at the workings and stories that make the Vatican so interesting to people in no way affiliated with the Catholic church; and it was done so in an educated-reality-TV-cum-PBS-documentary sort of a way. Finally, to me the narrator, can make or break an audiobook; and in this instance he really contributed to an entertaining listen.

Surprising, Intriguing, Informative

As a Catholic who has been following the news out of Rome for a while, I wasn't really expecting any surprises, and I was a bit worried I'd see a lot of bias. To the contrary, this book manages to be respectful without pandering, informative, and took me much deeper than what I had gleaned from the last decade or so of headlines. There were several issues I'd never heard of (JP II and self punishment for example), and several others I'd never realised the extent of (the archeological dig related to the parking garage for example). I found the writing style engaging and entertaining, though there were some dry sections. I found it a rewarding read, and recommend it.

Interesting "Behind the Scenes"

Would you listen to The Vatican Diaries again? Why?

I would definitely listen to this again, as I think that there are some things that I may have missed the first time around.

What did you like best about this story?

Malcolm Hillgartner has a wonderful voice that is easy to listen to and knows how to use inflection and tones to engage the listener. The Latin and Italian phrases and words that exist in the text he pronounces easily as if he were a native speaker.

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

This was the first time I had listened to a book read by Malcolm Hillgartner and would definitely be interested in other books read by him.

Any additional comments?

Listening to this helped me to understand how the Vatican works on it's "own times' and also allowed me to be able to appreciate Pope Benedict XVI's time "in office", despite not being a Catholic.

The stories bounce back and forth from JP2 and B16 but are easy to follow.

Informative

The book was enlightening to learned about the people and Popes that keep the church and faith

Not a fan - ex catholic

But great data for something I’m writing. Not sure author is still a good catholic but he played it all very straight 99% of the way through.