Pope John Paul II: An Intimate Life: The Pope I Knew So Well

by Caroline Pigozzi

This behind-the-scenes perspective offers a unique opportunity to experience Pope John Paul II's character and reign, as well as a look at the inner workings of the Vatican. French journalist Caroline... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446505501
• ISBN13: 9780446505505
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Faithwords
• Length: 278 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.9" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Detailed Look

First off, in the interest of fair play, I must state that I am not Catholic; I know little of Karol Wojtyla, the man described as the People's Pope, the first non-Italian Pontiff since 1522. However, after reading his biography, I have learned much. The biography contains interesting tidbits such as how the statues of the Pope in Poland have the Holy Father's cassock turned up on the right as a symbol that the wind blows from west to east to denote that he would always remember his Polish roots. Writing in first person, the author, a journalist for Paris Match, who became a member of the inner circle, shares information gathered from her numerous audiences with the Pope, extensive interviews with him and his closest friends, sermons she witnessed, the times she shared meals with him as an invited guest, the trips to many countries where she tagged along, and the special occasions where her daughters meet him. A bit nervous, they call him "Very Holy Father." At first, I enjoyed it, but then it seems to bog down with so many facts and details. Perhaps it seems that way to me because I don't venerate the Pope. However, I think that this would be an interesting book for any Catholic to own and read.

An intimate look at a beautiful human being

Caroline Pigozzi's "Pope John Paul II - An Intimate Life (The Pope I Knew So Well)" is the moving biography of Karol Wojtyla, the priest known to the world as Pope John Paul II. This is a beautiful chronicle of the life of the man elected to the highest position in the Catholic church. This work also provides insight into the Catholic faith as it is written from that standpoint. I am not usually a biography reader, but this one is well worth picking up. I was truly touched by this book and feel privileged to have a deeper insight into this incredible human being.