The Oxford Dictionary of Popes (1986)

by J. N. D. Kelly

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This fascinating dictionary gives concise accounts of every officially recognized pope in history, from St Peter to Pope Benedict XVI, as well as all of their irregularly elected rivals, the so-called antipopes. Each pope and antipope's entry covers his family and social background andpre-papal career as well as his activities in office. Also, an appendix provides a detailed discussion and analysis of the tradition that there has been a female pope. This new edition reflects the very latest in papal research and contains additional information in the further reading sections ofeach entry, making the book an even more useful starting place for research into specific pontiffs.The entries are arranged chronologically making this a continuous history of the papacy over almost 2,000 years. It reveals how, for much of that history, spiritual and temporal power have been inextricably mingled in the person of the pope. A fascinating read for students of theology and history,as well as the general reader with an interest in Christian history.… (more)

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While this is a chronological listing of all the Popes (including the anti-Popes) with brief biographical details, The Oxford Dictionary of Popes reads at times like a rollercoaster novel, with plenty of salacious details.

With the Avignon schism at one stage you had three Popes running around, which could cause great financial stress to nobleman who were forced to entertain them at length. That would have been annoying.

I have to say I had a hard time attempting to choose my favourite Pope, although at a pinch I would state the chap that reigned for but an hour or so during a pitched battle and possibly wasn't even aware he was Pope during that time. (

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MiaCulpa | Aug 27, 2020 |

A dictionary, so as such, not a book you read, though a well-laid out and evenhanded look at all of the heirs to St. Peter, as well as the Apostle himself. It would be interesting to see an updated entry on St. John Paul II, as well as Pius XII (given the recent shots taken at that pontiff). Pity there aren't illustrations. (

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EricCostello | Feb 28, 2020 |

Very useful and surprisingly readable. (

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annesadleir | Mar 18, 2011 |

Except for the inclusion of the Vatican II anti-Popes, this book is a wonderful source for information about the Vicars of Christ's Church. (

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Joansknight | Nov 27, 2010 |

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Canonical title

The Oxford Dictionary of Popes

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Original publication date

1986

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Dedication

To
Queen's College, Oxford, St.Edmund Hall, Oxford,
and Chichester Cathedral,
with gratitude and thanks

First words

PREFACE
This book has been written to fill a gap of which I have been increasingly conscious for a great many years.

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Wikipedia in English (4)

Antonio Escobar y Mendoza

Bibliography of encyclopedias: religion

In pectore

John Norman Davidson Kelly

▾Book descriptions

This fascinating dictionary gives concise accounts of every officially recognized pope in history, from St Peter to Pope Benedict XVI, as well as all of their irregularly elected rivals, the so-called antipopes. Each pope and antipope's entry covers his family and social background andpre-papal career as well as his activities in office. Also, an appendix provides a detailed discussion and analysis of the tradition that there has been a female pope. This new edition reflects the very latest in papal research and contains additional information in the further reading sections ofeach entry, making the book an even more useful starting place for research into specific pontiffs.The entries are arranged chronologically making this a continuous history of the papacy over almost 2,000 years. It reveals how, for much of that history, spiritual and temporal power have been inextricably mingled in the person of the pope. A fascinating read for students of theology and history,as well as the general reader with an interest in Christian history.

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