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Title: Conclave: The Politics, Personalities, and Process of the Next Papal Election by John L. Allen Jr. ISBN: 0-385-50453-5 Publisher: Image Pub. Date: 18 June, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.21 (14 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Excellent Commentary on the Near Future of the Papacy
Comment: CONCLAVE is a well written analysis of the processes surrounding the inevitable passing of Pope John Paul II. It also contains a brief, yet cogent outline (albeit somewhat "left of center") of the issues which will play a role in the selection of the next pope.
The author, John Allen, is a veteran reporter and Vatican correspondent who brings a depth and breadth of knowledge in identifying the key players and issues which will loom over the next papal election. Issues include collegiality and authority within the church, sexuality and bioethics, the roles of women and laity, doctrine and social justice. Key players include many relatively well-known cardinals already in the inner circle as well as others who have emerged into the spotlight in recent years. Mr. Allen offers a fascinating description of the various political factions or "parties" within the College of Cardinals.
The book also describes in clear detail, the rituals and procedures for the entire process from the death of the Pope to the conclave culminating in the election and installation of the new Pontiff. While detailed in its explanations, the book is surprisingly easy to read, yet never stoops to a level of superficiality despite its breezy style. The brief biographies of the cardinals are also helpful, although I would have expected to see several other names in the list of probably contenders.
Rating: 3
Summary: Extremely informative. . .
Comment: . . .but marred in places by the author's political viewpoint.
"Conclave" is a well-written and informative book about exactly "how" the Catholic Church will go about selecting the new Pope upon the passing of Pope John Paul II. The author, a Rome-based journalist, has already been selected by Fox News as their correspondent and "expert" when the time comes. Especially helpful is the "step-by-step" description of what happens in the Vatican from the moment the Pope dies straight through his Coronation Mass. Also helpful is the information concerning the various "political parties" within the College of Cardinals and useful biographies of those Cardinals whom the author sees as papabile (those for whom election is possible).
Less helpful, and indeed off-putting, was the author's obvious bias toward the left wing of the Catholic hierarchy. This is seen, not only in his direct comments, but also in his subtle ridicule of conservative Cardinals. This ridicule is usually effected by the relating of "humorous" anecdotes which serve to make conservative Cardinals look silly. The more a Cardinal is portrayed as a moderate or liberal, the less likely the ridicule.
Other than this bit of childishness, the book is a valuable tool. But the conservative or traditionalist reader will have (many) moments of (great) annoyance.
Three stars.
Rating: 5
Summary: Fascinating analysis of the politics of selecting a pope
Comment: Anyone with an interest in how the next pope will be selected and the Vatican's internal politics ought to buy this book now, because there will be undoubtedly be a run on it when the critical time arrives. Allen gives us snippets of papal history, describes the procedure for electing a pope, and discusses the underlying politics. (One fascinating tidbit: Did you know that bishops were elected by their priests until the mid-1800s?) Also, 55 pages serve as a reference manual to the cardinals who will be voting in the next conclave - each cardinal gets at least a paragraph summing up his unique characteristics and doctrinal stance.
Some reviewers have accused Allen of being 'liberal' - an accurate label from the sort of Catholic who believes birth control is a sin, but most Catholics will find the author to be quite moderate. The author is not heavy-handed about his doctrinal views, but the book does convey how far typical North American practice has deviated from the pope's clear instructions. For example, according to papal decrees, divorcees must not be given communion, eucharistic ministers can only be used in unusual circumstances, and Catholicism is the only genuine path to God. There is a widening gap between the pope's decrees, which are being ignored with impunity, and ordinary practice.
Allen predicts that the College of Cardinals will tilt toward the moderates in the next election, even though John Paul II has appointed almost all of the current cardinals. Time will tell. The Vatican's last remaining shreds of credibility are at stake in the next papal election.
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