'This is an erudite and scholarly book, but invaluable in understanding the development of the papacy to what we know today. An interesting and worthwhile read as an historical document even for those who do not adhere to the Catholic faith.' Methodist Recorder '... the editors argue convincingly that an evolving context of Italian, European, global, and media history has most influenced the changes demonstrable in the development of the popes' roles since 1500.' A. D. Wright, University of Leeds 'As Corkery and Worcester explain ... the book's genesis came about as both were teaching undergraduate courses on the papacy ... The common thread for theologian and historian was the papacy's historical development, especially respecting prevalent contemporary social conditions. From these courses came the collaboration on this provoking and informative volume.' Carl Franks, Central Methodist University 'The collection gives a perspective that a simple chronology of the papacy could not have yielded ... the book's strong contribution is that it presents the papacy's complex interrelationships of persons, policies, practices, and presuppositions, as well as their development and the questions they raise. One will profit much from knowing about such questions through the interpretive lens of prince, patron, and pastor with which the contributors examine the popes since 1500.' John W. Padberg, S.J., Institute of Jesuit Sources, St Louis