The first book to focus on the political legacy of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Pope John Paul II was well known as the most visible and politically active pope of all time. His positions, rooted in deep personal integrity, variously pleased and angered citizens both on the right and the left. His inaugural appearance as pope in his native Poland helped spur Solidarity and the fall of the communist bloc. He chided George W. Bush and Western world leaders for excessive capitalist policies, citing their actions as factors in deepening world poverty. He took exception to Latin American liberation theology, warning its advocates that it allied itself with Marxist principles. His positions on family, sexuality, and reproductive issues have been welcomed by many but viewed as out of step with contemporary realities by others, including many church members. To date, Benedict XVI has demonstrated continuity with the conservative agenda of his mentor and predecessor John Paul II and is quite willing to speak his mind as well.

"The Political Papacy offers a unique and invaluable mix of primary texts and essays, never culled together in this manner before. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the unique, and profoundly consequential, political engagement of the most important religious office on earth." --John L. Allen, Vatican correspondent, the National Catholic Reporter and Vatican analyst, CNN