"Feed my lambs," Christ commanded St. Peter. "Feed my sheep." For two thousand years every pope has understood what this charge means. He must pass on intact the truths of the faith that Christ taught to St. Peter and the other Apostles. He must build up and strengthen the church. He must be a shepherd to countless souls, doing all in his power to lead them away from sin and toward salvation. Furthermore, as a moral leader, the pope is obliged to defend the weak and exploited, challenge the complacent, and confront evil wherever it arises. This volume brings together the sayings and writings of the popes from every age, enabling the reader to trace the evolution of papal views and opinions. Each chapter places an issue in its historical context, reveals how official papal pronouncements were influenced by the experiences of individual popes, and explores the sometimes violent opposition that met papal statements and actions.
The Church's position on human rights is traced through two thousand years up to its most complete expression in John XXIII's encyclical Pace in Terris. And throughout this history there are plenty of surprises: the popes began speaking out against slavery in 1435; when sweatshops and child labor were common, Leo XII condemned the exploitation of workers and defended the workers' right to unionize; and contrary to widely held opinion, Pius XII was not only extremely active in rescuing Jews during World War II, but he was also vocal in his denunciation of the Nazis.
This is a fascinating, relevant book that will give you immediate access to the wisdom and guidance of the popes.
Jacket design by Michael Storrings
Front jacket engraving from Culver Pictures Inc.
Share your thoughts on the
The Wisdom of the Popes
ebook with other internet viewers!
