The Good Pope by Greg Tobin

 This was an amazing story. Pope John XIII came from a poor farming family in Sotto il Monte, rising to lead the Roman Catholic church. Pious and clever, he eventually obtained postings in many different countries - Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey and France. Jovial and kind, he learned about different cultures and he could speak several languages. He was always devoted to his flock, especially in Greece during the Second World War where the people endured great suffering.

Surprisingly, he was a revolutionary Pope, calling a great council which led to significant and lasting changes in the Church. It was a pity that he couldn’t see the results of Vatican II. This biography of the ‘Good Pope’ shows why he was so greatly loved by his own family, his friends and, of course, the Church.

I bought this for my own reasons and left it on the shelf thinking that it might be a bit dull but it’s extremely compelling.

I read this for the Rose City Reader TBR 23 in ‘23 Book Challenge.