Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle of the Catholic Church

A Book Review

I read a lot and frequently post reviews on Goodreads. From time to time, however, when a book has been especially significant to me, I will also post the review here. This book was both fascinating and timely. I thought some readers might appreciate hearing about it.

Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of the Catholic Church

by Philip Shenon

I was brined in Catholicism but once I graduated from a Catholic high school and went on to a large public university, I was able to extract myself from that institution. Well, truthfully, when you were as immersed as my family was, you can never fully extract yourself but I did have the opportunity to look with perspective at my upbringing. My parents and some siblings remained attached to the Church so I was still connected and followed the news events coming out of the Vatican. The seven popes featured in this book are the popes of my lifetime. I am familiar with their stories and the popular narratives of their terms as pope. I requested the book from the library because I was curious about the back stories of these popes.

I was rewarded with a fascinating read. Philip Shenon is an investigative writer who knows how to tell a story. The book largely moves in a linear fashion, starting with the papacy of Pius XII (1939-1958) and concluding with Francis (2013 -2025 ). The author does introduce characters who play roles in the official life of more than one pope. Of great interest is how he brings along a future pope and shows their rise in power and influence.

Despite my deep ties to Catholicism, I was still unsettled by the emphasis that modern Church leaders continue to place on all things sexual. Mr Shenon details the repeated and ongoing discussions and disagreements among Church hierarchy regarding all the issues. The value of celibacy is reviewed over and over again as is the role of women in the Church. Celibacy remains a requirement for clergy and women are not allowed to be ordained nor to hold many (if any) positions of power. Birth control is also reviewed over and over again. There is no Biblical reason for a prohibition on birth control but the hierarchy continues to forbid the use of any kind of birth control except for the rhythm method. LBGTQ issues are considered during every papal term. Francis comes closest to approaching acceptance when, in 2013, shortly after he became pope, he more or less shrugs and says who is he to judge others? However, that's about as far as he gets.

Clearly the issue of most significance is the ongoing accusations (and admissions) of sexual misconduct among Church leaders. As significant is the on going cover up by Church authorities. It disturbs me greatly to know that every pope from Pius to Francis was apprised of sexual misconduct and every pope refused to deal with the offenders. Why aren't they asking more questions? I think the offenders should be turned over to civil law enforcement but I also think Church leaders should be asking why sexual misconduct is so rampant? What is it about the environment imposed by the institution that seems to somehow foster or encourage that behavior? Or is there something going on with people who are drawn to the life of the clergy? IDK but Mr Shenon has effectively laid out a case for further investigation. The cover ups are reprehensible and every pope participated in the secrecy around sexual crimes.

In addition to recounting the conversations around those issues, Mr Shenon weaves global events into the story of the Catholic Church. His detailed examination of social justice issues (especially in Central and South America) again shows the failure of the Catholic Church to follow the message of Jesus. The question of Pius XII and his knowledge of Hitler's concentration camps and Pius's unwillingness to speak out about that is detailed. Those political controversies are complex and bloody. It was painful to read about the huge loss of human life throughout those years and to know that the Church did not respond in a humanitarian manner is disconcerting.

Mr Shenon deftly writes about the introduction of Vatican II. For ultra conservatives within the Church, the council presented a possible threat. For progressive Church leaders there was a great deal of hope that this council would move the Catholic Church into modern times. John XXXIII's ambition for the Church was not realized and Mr Shenon outlines the many ways that hope was thwarted. I think it is interesting that Francis left us with a snippet of conversation that might suggest to the world the outlook of his successor.

This 500 page book reads like a page turning novel. There were a few sections that dragged but not enough to matter. There are a lot of names and a lot of details of which the reader must keep track but the reader will get to know the players in this account of Church history. Clearly Mr Shenon did deep research on this project. His citations are many and his acknowledgements clarify some of his process in writing the book. Can he be trusted? Good question. He gives evidence for his claims and seems to have the backing of those who should know. Read the book and decide for yourself if he can be trusted. He rings true to me.

An addendum:

Let me be clear. I am no longer a practicing Catholic but I know there are many good people who live in the world as faithful Catholics. I think there is room for compassion and goodness in the institutional Church. I think some of the actions of these past seven popes might reflect that compassion and goodness. I, for one, think John XXXIII deserves a gold medal, or the sainthood that was bestowed on him. I’m disappointed, however, in Church leadership. I hope the upcoming conclave, scheduled to begin on May 7th, brings forward a person who can truly honor what John XXIII called for.