Book review: All the Pope’s Men, by John Allen

There is nothing like reading a book and realising that there is no other book like it out there. Of course, it helps when it is a particularly good book — and given that poor books tend to have a drab similarity to each other, the good books tend to stand out as unique in some way. I am pleased to report that All the Pope’s Men is exceptional in exactly this way.

First, a comment regarding content: Allen’s volume is subtitled “the inside story of how the Vatican really thinks”. I have never worked at the Vatican, so I cannot say with 100% certainty that the text is accurate. That being said, I have visited the Vatican, I know people who work at the Vatican, and I live with a Cardinal who is part of various Vatican congregations and councils. On top of that, I work in the diocesan curia for Montreal — meaning that there are elements of a certain mentality that I understand. I can honestly say that as I read this text, there were “moments of recognition” over and over again. Once more, I cannot say with 100% certainty that the book is accurate — but my goodness, it sure feels that way.

The first 5 chapters of the text are the most significant. They cover an introduction to the Vatican’s structure, questions of Vatican and psychology and sociology, the theological background to the ways of the Vatican, and a “top 5″ series of myths about the Vatican. All in all, fascinating. The last two chapters cover the Vatican response to the American sexual abuse crisis, as well as the war in Iraq. These chapters are important for an understanding of these issues, although this importance will fade as these issues fade as well. Still, given the focus on providing primary source material, even those wanting to do a historical study of these moments of history will find these chapters invaluable.

I don’t know what else to write. Anyone wanting an in-depth understanding of either the Vatican or the Vatican’s handling of these two issues will find this book to be essential. I give this book an A+ (Amazon.com rating 5/5).