The Story of the Pope: PIUS XII, by Robert L. Reynolds Review by Silva Redigonda

Though the title implies that the focus of this book is about Pius XII, the book's central focus is rather about the structure and life of the Vatican and Roman Catholic Church. Pope Pius XII is written in the text of the present Pope and very little appears to be known of him. The author describes daily life in the Vatican. The author also provides a list of presiding staff with a brief discussion of their origins. More importantly the structure of the Roman Catholic Church is presented in the form of a diagram which offers the reader an appreciation of its' Corporate structure. The Vatican is presented as self-sufficient in daily activities, and one recognizes whether Catholic or not, the enormous power of the Catholic Church. What is interesting in the format of this book is that the author divides topics with narratives of Pope PIUS XII. What is also presented is the power of the Pope. When the Pope speaks, the world hears. The author states that the Pope [Pius XII] "is immensely powerful." He supports this by indicating that the Pope is the spiritual ruler and guide for almost a fifth of the human race. Infallibility of a Pope is described. "Nor in his capacity as this man or that, but in virtue of his dignity and office…At the decisive moment, when he speaks ex cathedra, Pius and Leo fade into the background; it is the office, the role of the apostle, the Holy Ghost, which is there." The author indicates that during the eighteen years of Pope XII's reign three periods are significant [as part of the 19th century]. This is regards the many people wanting to see him, Catholic and non-religious alike. One is WWII, when the Pope received hundreds of thousands of servicemen and women of every allied nation. The second is in 1950, the Holy year and the third is the Marian Year of 1954-55, when pilgrims were in the millions. The author mentions that the Pope was taken aback when meeting service women, wearing army shirts and trousers. Though visibly shaken, the Pope recovered quickly. This is not surprising considering the photographs in the book that depict a sea of men who are priests and in different levels of power structure. There are scenes of men in lecture halls and men walking together in groups. Women, are scarce and certainly not among the Great. One nun is mentioned as having a position close to the Pope in the Vatican and that is Sister Pasqualina who was head of Pope Pius XII's household staff including six nuns who were cooks. It is interesting that women appear influential, as mothers of men who choose priesthood. Yet, women so alienated may remain a mystery to them. The author depicts Pope Pius Xll as a man who was alone [as most great men are]. Once Pope, Pius Xll ate breakfast alone though it was not required by law. One wonders if this was his own time to prepare and face the burdens of the day unswayed and alone with God. The author discloses that when Hitler's Wehrmacht went into Poland, those with the Pope at the time and seeing him receive this news, "saw him walk slowly into his private chapel…[where he] began to sob deeply." This book is highly recommended. Though the theme appears to be regarding the structure of the Catholic Church and Vatican, the reader focused on Pope XII. From the basis of this book the reader respects Pope XII as the leader of her Church in the 19th century and appreciates him as a man who may have been somewhat uncomfortable in the presence of women in other than traditional roles. The reader feels that Pope XII was a holy man who grieved for the world. Robert Reynolds has provided enough information about the Church that encourages any reader to want more of it. One will want to read more of Popes, more of the Vatican and how it operates and more of the structure of the Roman Catholic Church. It motivates one to compare the Church of the 19th century to that of the 21st century. This book initiates interest to venture deeper into the Roman Catholic Church, its’ structure, its' history, its' Popes, its' clergy and most important its' people.