A Book A Week

Electing a new leader inevitably involves drama. You need only look at the last two weeks of the American Presidential race as evidence. Conniving, opportunism, and tumult are integral to the political process. Even campaigns championing hope and change eventually resort to some negativity. When it comes to electing a new Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church, one might expect a more solemn procedure. The ancient ritual of The Conclave, where the church's cardinals gather under holy seal to select their next leader, is among the most sacred traditions in the church. Nonetheless, it remains a political operation. In his novel Conclave, author Robert Harris delves into the inherent drama of this process, exploring the tension between men's ambition and their sacred duty.

The Pope is dead! The news of the Holy Father's passing spreads rapidly through Vatican City, bringing shock and sorrow to all who hear it. As Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Lomelli has worked closely with the Supreme Pontiff. Despite the somber news, Lomelli has little time to grieve. He must take on the day-to-day tasks of the Church as the people mourn and attend the Holy Father's funeral. Most crucially, Lomelli must initiate the Conclave, gathering all one hundred and eighteen cardinals to the city to cast their votes for a new Pope.

Behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel, the most secretive election in the world commences. These are holy men, bound by their commitment to serving the Lord. Yet, they are still human, burdened by the same failings they preach against. Whether they admit it openly or not, ambition has played a part in their journey. As the first ballots are cast and the race for the papacy heats up, secrets and past indiscretions begin to surface. The future of the faith rests in their hands, and within mere hours, one of them will become the most powerful man in the Catholic Church.

You might not expect a story about electing a new Pope to be completely absorbing, but in the deft hands of Robert Harris, it is precisely that. Harris crafts fully realized characters, each cardinal driven by distinct motivations. Like any political campaign, factions emerge, and alliances form, with differing opinions about the future of the Church fueling the conflict. The interplay between personal ambition and religious duty adds layers of complexity to these men. Can one follow the tenets of their faith while seeking to fulfill personal desires? This question is at the heart of Conclave. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, Harris takes it in a new direction. The ending, in particular, calls into question everything you thought you knew about these men, suggesting that only God can know His true intentions and any man who attempts to speak on His behalf does so in vain. This novel's political and spiritual intrigue thrills not through action but through intellectual contemplation, making for a surprisingly compelling and satisfying read.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 56)

The year was 1938. Hitler was in complete power, leading Nazi Germany on a campaign through Europe, to spread his views. In the Vatican, Pope Pius XI, who was slowly declining into failing health, sought the assistance of an American Jesuit Priest, John LaFarge. LaFarge was a scholar, whose expertise on racial injustices perfectly fit into the Church's views on the situation. His goal was to publicly denounce the Nazism and anti-Semitism that he feared would destroy the teachings of the church. Coming from the Pope, the highest leader of the Catholic Church, this condemnation of Hitler could potentially impact the views of other world leaders, and in turn, World War II itself.

Of course, this process was easier said than done. Pius XI found himself in the midst of an Italian government that seemed to be, whether out of fear or agreement, embracing Hitler's Germany. They even invited the leader to visit their country. Pius XI would have nothing to do with the fanfare of Hitler's arrival. Instead, he retreated to a private Vatican estate, outside of the city, in a quiet protest. Met by resistance from even members of his own church who would rather keep peace with Hitler than provoke him with a damning proclamation, Pius XI stuck to his guns, to denounce what he knew was wrong.

I've always been fascinated by the many pieces to the giant puzzle that is World War II. This time in our history seems to show the best and worst aspects of our world, and I think there are many things to be learned. I was unfamiliar with the story of Pope Pius XI, but with all of the recent  actions taking place in the Vatican, it seemed like a good time to delve deeper into the church's history. I was immediately drawn to Pius's unassuming, humble ways. He really comes off as a kind of quiet force. This book gives interesting insights into the mysterious protocols and inevitable politics of the Vatican. Despite its rather brief length, the book is detailed, suspenseful account of this Pope's history making actions.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2013: week 12, book 9)