The Pope Who Quit: A True Medieval Tale of Mystery, Death, and Salvation by Jon M. Sweeney

The Pope Who Quit: A True Medieval Tale of Mystery, Death, and Salvation

by Jon Sweeney
(Image Books, 2012).

This Medieval Tale is the true story of a 13^th century monk-hermit, Peter Morrone, who became Pope Celestin V, yet quit the papacy. It is full of mystery, death and salvation as the title proclaims. This story is well-researched by the author, Jon Sweeney, and it reads like a novel.

In his brief papacy, Sweeney brings to life the difficulties and struggles of Pope Celestine V. No other pope before and none after have abdicated the papacy.  Was his quitting the papacy an act of cowardice , as many claimed? Or was it the fortuitous act of a holy man? Every reader will come away with his or her own answer. Nevertheless, Pope Celestin V was canonized a saint seven years after his mysterious death.

There is a little bit of everything for everyone in this narrative portrait of Pope Celestin V. Theologians, historians, and anyone who loves a good story will enjoy this read.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the above book for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”