Book #2: All the Pope's Men

The book: All the Pope's Men by John L. Allen, Jr.

To be fair to my 2007 count, I read about half of this book in 2006. I feel like I've been reading this book forever.

What is this book about: This book aims to shed a light on the inner workings of the Vatican, in order that the greater Catholic church can understand what is going on there. It addresses myths about the Vatican, describes the basic working structure of the people who serve there, delves into Vatican psychology and sociology. It ends with two case studies of misunderstandings between the United States and Rome: the American sexual abuse crisis and the war in Iraq.

Why did I read this book: Because I like learning about popes.

What did I think of this book: This book was just okay. It got pretty boring and dry, and a little obvious in parts, such as the Vatican psychology and sociology chapters. I think people who read this book and are stunned by learning about what the people in the Vatican are like and think, lack a basic understanding of how people are different in different parts of the world.

I think what I was hoping this book would involve was gossip, such as, these are the men who whisper in the JP II's ear, and here's what they're saying, and here are the men who have whispered in other popes' ears. I think the more specific examples and gossip would have made for a more interesting book. In the case studies of the American sexual abuse crisis and the Iraq war, Allen does get into specifics, but doesn't offer any analysis of who is saying what and why. Which is odd, since the two case studies follow about 200 pages of analysis.

What was my favorite part of this book: I liked learning how much people who work in the Vatican make, which is not much. I also liked learning about the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, which is responsible for the care of people who are transient (such as the gypsies in Rome). It is also responsible for the Apostleship of the Sea, which provides pastoral care to sailors. I think I would like to be on that Council, if I were allowed to be on such councils.

What did I learn from this book: If the front cover is to be believed, I learned "the inside story of how the Vatican really thinks." So just ask me, if you have any questions about that.

What grade do I give this book: C-