Vatican 101
I found the book to be a very interesting read. As a convert I have picked up little pieces of information here and there on how the Holy See operates along with the basic structure. The first chapter in and of itself is a good reason to read this book. Vatican 101 gives a broad overview of the Vatican especially the various dicasteries. An overview of the purpose and function of each of the dicasteries is discussed a long with various positions such as Secretary of State and other support offices.
The next chapter points out and discusses what he calls the Top Five Myths About the Vatican. Addressed is the fact that most reporters think of the Vatican as some cohesive whole or how they confuse a personal opinion of someone working in the Curia as "Vatican says." He also addresses who's in charge, Vatican secrecy, Vatican Wealth, and the charges of the predominance of ladder climbing. All of this rebuttals to these are in depth and I especially found informative the section on Vatican wealth. He made the comparison that the Vatican operates at half the cost of Notre Dame here in the states and goes on to address the material worth of the churches themselves and the art within. All of the priceless pieces of art are itemized at $1.00 since they really can't be sold.
Other chapters include Vatican psychology, sociology, and theology. The chapter on Vatican psychology covers what he classes as the Top Ten Vatican Values. I think his writing on this is very insightful on the values he picked out and a great aid in understanding how many in the Vatican see their service. There is also much discussion on the gap between how much of the Vatican sees things compared to other countries. The focus though is primarily between the Catholic Church in America and the Holy See, though much of the gap applies equally to most countries. America being on fast-food time think everything must happen at a lightning pace and think the Vatican should do the same. That whatever happens in the Church in America must become the Vatican's priority despite the fact that the problem might not be be the same in the rest of the world. The last two chapters address the sexual abuse scandal and the war in Iraq listing detailed examples of this gap in understanding.
The book was apparently written while Pope John Paul II was still alive so some of what is in it is slightly dated. The book was reworked to mention Pope Benedict at times, but mostly this has no effect on the value of the book. One of the dated items I found funny was the mention of the fact that Pope's don't give interviews. True enough at least before Pope Benedict was elected.
I do wish most reporters covering the Vatican would read this book so they would have a better clue what they are reporting on. As a long-distance armchair Vatican watcher I found much worthwhile in this book as far as straight factual information and a better insight into the goings on in Vatican City. In short if you want to learn more about the Holy See and want a highly readable book to do it I can easily recommend this book.
A helpful and insightful guide to the thought of the Vatican!
John Allen has done a spectacular job! This is wonderful introduction into the practice and thought of the Roman Curia and the structure of the Holy See. While it is not exhaustive, with consideration of the fact that no presentation of the complex system that is the Vatican can be, it is probably one of the best windows into that world out there. Allen's presentation is intelligent, thorough and considerate. Always respectful of the institution with its tradition and solemnity, Allen helps to elucidate that which has been so misunderstood for so long.
While providing interesting historical commentary, Allen makes great effort to illustrate the current state of matters. It is important to note that this is slightly outdated at this point in that Allen is writing during the pontificate of John Paul II, two years before the election of Benedict XVI. While direct reference to the "current pope" in his book still provides the reader with supplemental information on the policy and practice of the late John Paul II, it should be noted that it may not be the same today. What is helpful though is his presentation on the theology, psychology and sociology of the Roman Curia, which would appear to still be very applicable.
This is a well-written work that rates careful consideration. I highly recommend it.
Not a thrill ride.
This book was a bit antiseptic. The author tells the story in a seeminingly factual way but without any real dramatic impact. If you're interested in a report without scandal or drama, then this is for you. It is my suspicion, however, that this story would have required an allowance of scandal and factual drama to make it truly accurate!
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