The Global Vatican
An Inside Look at the Catholic Church, World Politics, and the Extraordinary Relationship between the United States and the Holy See, with a New Afterword on Pope Francis
By (author) Francis Rooney Foreword by John Negroponte
Publication date:
18 October 2015Length of book:
332 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9781442248809
From the centuries-long prejudices against Catholics in America, to the efforts of Fascism, Communism, and modern terrorist organizations to “break the cross and spill the wine,” this book brings to life the Catholic Church’s role in world history, particularly in the realm of diplomacy. Former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See Francis Rooney provides a comprehensive guide to the remarkable path the Vatican has navigated to the present day, and a first-person account of what that path looks and feels like from an American diplomat whose experience lent him the ultimate insider’s perspective. Part memoir, part historical lesson, The Global Vatican captures the braided nature of religious and political power and the complexities, battles, and future prospects for the relationship between the Holy See and the United States as both face challenges old and new. Updated now to include a view towards Pope Francis’ first trip to the United States, The Global Vatican looks forward to the revitalization of the Church in this newest global papacy.
The Internet is chock full of websites spouting conspiracy theories about the Vatican’s influence on world affairs. Rooney, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, offers a true insider’s view into the complex world of the Vatican and the history of its relationship with America. President Ronald Reagan established diplomatic relations with the Vatican in 1984, more than 200 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Rooney’s brilliant historical analysis illustrates how long-held biases on both sides prevented any movement toward official ties between these two great powers prior to the late 20th century. The author also provides an exceptional historical account of the life of John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop of the United States. Most fascinating are the personal glimpses that Rooney offers into his interactions with Vatican officials and even the pope himself—always humble and respectful, but also with an eye toward the ever-present politics involved. This is a fascinating study of how political and religious powers relate, clash and, when healthy, work to help change the world for the better.