101 Questions & Answers on Popes and the Papacy

Book excerpt: This fascinating, readable book answers almost every possible question that comes up whenever there is a papal transition-questions that haven't been posed for some time because of the long reign of John Paul II. And with new popes often advanced in years, these questions remain of perpetual interest and importance. Our guide to addressing these questions is church historian Dr. Christopher Bellitto, a frequent media resource and public lecturer who enlightens audiences about church history and Catholicism today. With the insights of a scholar and the voice of an entertaining professor, he tackles even the thorniest questions: How did the popes justify their authority? I know that Martin Luther comes along at some point and says that the papacy is the Antichrist. Why did he say this? Was Pius XII really "Hitler's pope"? Is the pope the closest person to God on earth? Was there really a Pope Joan? Do I have to believe every word the pope says? From such details as Why do cardinals wear red? to such sweeping matters as What is papal infallibility?-Dr. Bellitto walks the reader through 2,000 years of the papacy, and the men named to be the "Vicar of Christ." Book jacket.