“John XXIII was, in the best possible sense, a revolutionary—a Pope of modernization who kept in continuity with the church’s past, yet made even the most enlightened of his 20th century predecessors seem like voices of another age.” — Time magazine “The story of Good Pope John is always worth telling….Greg Tobin tells it very well. As we wait for better days, this story will help to keep hope alive.” —Thomas Groome, Professor of Theology and Religious Education at Boston College, author of Will There Be Faith Published in the 50th anniversary year of the historic Vatican Council II, The Good Pope by Greg Tobin is the first major biography of Pope John XXIII, a universally beloved religious leader who ushered in an era of hope and openness in the Catholic Church—and whose reforms, had they been accepted, would have enabled the church to avoid many of the major crises it faces today. Available prior to John XXIII’s likely canonization, Tobin’s The Good Pope is timely and important, offering a fascinating look at the legacy of Vatican Council II, an insightful investigation into the history of the Catholic Church, and a celebration of one of its true heroes. “You cannot understand contemporary Catholicism without understanding Pope John XXIII. In fact, you cannot understand the modern world without understanding John. But ‘Good Pope John,’ a hero to millions of believers, was more than an historical figure whose decisions radically altered the world. His joyful humility and his unwavering trust in God can be a great gift to anyone seeking consolation in a world torn by egotism and despair. Greg Tobin’s new marvelous book is a terrific introduction to the pope who changed the church, and to the man whose spiritual wisdom may change your life.” - James Martin, SJ, author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything “You cannot understand contemporary Catholicism without understanding Pope John XXIII. Greg Tobin’s new marvelous book is a terrific introduction to the pope who changed the church, and to the man whose spiritual wisdom may change your life.” - James Martin, SJ, author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything “The most amazing new force in world affairs is that simple, friendly, unpretentious man, the Pope of Rome. In 1958 John XXIII set in train a series of events which have since moved that huge old galleon, the Roman Catholic Church, back into the mainstream of world history and have profoundly altered the silhouette it presents to mankind.” - Life magazine “In 1958 John XXIII set in train a series of events which have since moved that huge old galleon, the Roman Catholic Church, back into the mainstream of world history and have profoundly altered the silhouette it presents to mankind.” - Life magazine “The story of Good Pope John is always worth telling but all the more so in the current climate of retreat from his vision of aggiornamento. Greg Tobin tells it very well. As we wait for better days, this story will help to keep hope alive.” - Thomas Groome, Professor of Theology and Religious Education at Boston College and author of Will There Be Faith and What Makes us Catholic “In spite of his farm-bred love of land and custom. John XXIII was, in the best possible sense, a revolutionary―a Pope of modernization who kept in continuity with the church’s past, yet made even the most enlightened of his 20th century predecessors seem like voices of another age.” - Time magazine “This is the best single volume on John XXIII and the events he set in motion 50 years ago, transforming the church and the world.” - David Gibson, author of The Rule of Benedict “A beautiful and enlightening book about a humble priest who became one of the most powerful and beloved pontiffs in the history of Catholicism.” - Mary Higgins Clark, author of The Lost Years “A sincere, adoring look at the life and legacy of the humanist pope who helped modernize the Catholic Church with the convening of Vatican II.” - Kirkus Reviews “ The Good Pope is both a well-written and thoughtful biography of Pope John XXIII, and a helpful study of the events, personalities and issues of the Second Vatican Council.” - CatholicPhilly.com “[Pope John XXIII] impressed the world with the friendliness... which radiated the remarkable goodness of his soul. . . . Everyone remembers the image of Pope John’s smiling face and two outstretched arms embracing the whole world. How many people were won over by his simplicity of heart!” - Pope John Paul II, upon the beatification of Pope John XXIII “[Pope John XXIII] impressed the world with the friendliness of his manner which radiated the remarkable goodness of his soul. . . . Everyone remembers the image of Pope John’s smiling face and two outstretched arms embracing the whole world. How many people were won over by his simplicity of heart, combined with a broad experience of people and things!” - Pope John Paul II, upon the beatification of Pope John XXIII “The use of English in the