A new dictionary delves into the remarkable 2000-year history of the papacy, providing a concise guide to all of the Popes, from St. Peter to Benedict XVI.

The Pocket Dictionary of Popes offers a succinct outline of each Pope’s life and the main characteristics of his reign. This reference book is also packed with lesser-known facts and provides answers to questions such as: Which Pope tried to bring about world peace on the eve of the First World War? Which Pope refused Henry VIII a divorce? Which antipope was a pirate before embarking on his ecclesial career? Is Benedict XVI the first German Pope? Who were the Borgia Popes?
 
The 184-page book conveniently lists the Popes alphabetically according to their papal and family names. There is also a chronology of the Popes so they can be followed in historical order. Italics are used in the case of antipopes, and dates marked with an asterisk indicate an abdication.

The book is co-published by Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Publications and Burns and Oates. To order or for more information, e-mail publi@cccb.ca