Catherine Pepinster charts the relationship between the British and the
papacy in the modern era, looking at how this relationship is coloured
by its turbulent past. Despite the enmity of previous centuries,
Pepinster uncovers surprising instances of influence of the papacy in
British politics, the collaboration between Pope and politicians on key
issues, the 'stealth minority' of Catholics occupying major positions in
public life, and the modern relationship between the Papacy and the
Crown.
In addition Pepinster analyses the crucial role that Britain has played
in Rome, uncovers the unexpected role of the British Foreign Office in
the appointment of Pope Francis, and discusses the modern style of the
papacy and how this functions on a global scale. Featuring exclusive
interviews with Cardinals Nichols and Murphy-O'Connor, Rowan Williams,
Lord Patten and former British Ambassadors to both the Holy See and
Italy, this account of the contemporary relationship between Great
Britain and the Pope offers both fundamental evidence and penetrating
insights into this most fascinating of political relationships.