Witness to Hope: The biography of Pope John Paul II Book

For his monumental authorised biography, Witness to Hope, George Weigel was given unprecedented access to Pope John Paul II and the people who know and work with him. Other biographers have either had a political agenda, or didn't have the theological and cultural expertise to fully analyse this "pope from a far country". Not so with Weigel. Witness to Hope not only tells the story of the boy who grew up in occupied Poland to become the first non-Italian pope for centuries, but it also explores the Pope's part in the second Vatican Council, his role in the downfall of communism, the rapprochement between Israel and the Vatican, and the downfall of dicatorships around the world. Weigel understands the motors that drive Pope John Paul. He shows how the Pope's intellect is given heart by his love of poetry and drama, and how intellect and creativity merge to create a mystic personality in a world of action. History, theology, spirituality and a profound humanism are all woven together in the Pope's life and in Weigel's analysis. Witness to Hope is scholarly and complete, but the author's journalistic experience means he also knows how to keep the reader's interest with human stories, anecdotes and fascinating detail. Only three popes have earned the title "The Great". Many Catholics want the present pope to be the fourth. They are more likely to enjoy this biography than his critics, who may find it too admiring. In this reviewer's judgement, Weigel does admire the pope, but he has maintained his objectivity and given us a book which steers clear of both adulation and biased criticism. --Dwight LongeneckerRead More