The Vatican Diaries

February 25, 2013
"I'm convinced that the backstage reality at the Vatican is infinitely more interesting than the caricature of power and authority that dominates the mainstream media," writes Thavis, former Rome bureau chief at the Catholic News Service. His entertaining and readable book proves his point. Focusing on the reigns of John Paul II and Benedict XVI (neither of whom come off well here), Thavis reveals a great deal about how the Vatican bumbles along. Each chapter focuses on a particular mishap, so readers are sure to be intrigued, whether by "Bones"âthe story of how a priceless archeological find almost fell to the expansion of the Vatican's parking spacesâor a profile of Father Reginald Foster, the Vatican's rebellious, mouthy (and deeply gifted) chief Latinist. The controversies surrounding the sainthood of Pope Pius XII, the ultra-conservative Society of St. Pius X, and the Catholic church's struggles with birth control, AIDS, homosexuality, and celibacy are also all included, revealing just how political the Vatican really is. Given such insight, readers may wish that Thavis had provided his own perspective on if, and how, he kept his own faith while working in such an environment.

June 15, 2013

In this debut, retired Rome bureau chief of the Catholic News Service Thavis offers listeners a tantalizing, insider's look at life in the Vatican and its history. The place is filled with colorful and intriguing characters, and at the center of all the action stands the pope. Listeners will share the tension of an organization all too aware that millions of people turn to it either desiring moral guidance or watching for missteps and opportunities to criticize. Thavis admirably illustrates the complex challenges of leading a worldwide church. Narrator Malcolm Hillgartner is a compelling tour guide through this labyrinth of ancient faith in the modern world. VERDICT Recommended for academic and public libraries. ["Thavis's anecdotal presentation will appeal to readers seeking understanding of or connection with the Catholic Church's heart," read the review of the New York Times best-selling Viking: Penguin hc, LJ 1/13.--Ed.]--Denis Frias, Mississauga Lib. Syst., Ont.

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