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C.H.BECK
Susanne Simor
Original language
German
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John Paul II

Thomas Urban Matthias Drobinski

The Pope, who came from the East

The Pope of the Century John Paul II (1920-2005) was the pope of the century. He inspired the masses and his visits to Poland showed the people in the Eastern Bloc that there was a force stronger than the communist state apparatus. But as much as Karol Wojtyla in his homeland had always supported the reformers in the church - as Pope he ruled authoritarian, curtailed the independence of the local churches and disciplined theologians. Matthias Drobinski and Thomas Urban do not tell the story of a saint, but rather portray a fascinating personality who was revolutionary and reactionary all in one.

Under the impression of the National Socialist terror regime, Karol Wojtyla opted for the priesthood. He developed a theology based on the freedom and dignity of man who strives beyond himself and his material existence. He helped to tear down the Iron Curtain by his actions against communism, but he also relentlessly criticized the materialism of the West. In a courageous step, he asked forgiveness as Pope for the guilt of the past. But with his adherence to a rigid sexual morality, his no to the ordination of women and his misjudgement of the abuse scandal, John Paul II left a heavy legacy to his church.
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Published 2023-05-22 by C.H.Beck

Main content page count: 336 Pages