From Publishers Weekly
As Pope John Paul II celebrates his Silver Jubilee this year (making his tenure the third longest in papal history), his apparently failing health has been a concern to many. Speculation abounds about who will succeed him, and when. In Selecting the Pope: Uncovering the Mysteries of Papal Elections, Greg Tobin describes the labyrinthine process of choosing a successor, and even gives some odds for various contenders. The book's second half outlines the complex rules for a papal election and some of the challenges that will face the new pope. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
Award-winning author Greg Tobin offers a compelling guide to what will surely be one of the most important and headline-making events in modern history: the election of the new Pope. Every rule of this secretive process receives close scrutiny, as does the rich history behind the conclave and the key issues that will shape the future of the Catholic Church at a time when it is in crisis, in the U.S. and abroad. You'll discover why the election always concludes with the rising of white smoke; what powers the Cardinals hold during the vacancy of the holy See; and what startling changes Pope John Paul II made to the centuries-old procedures. Look back at some of the more than 200 holy men and scoundrels, geniuses and mediocrities who have held the lofty position of Pope, and then look forward to possible successors to Pope John Paul II. In addition, there's a day-by-day account of the balloting inside the Sistine Chapel.
Whether your interest is historical, religious, or political, you'll enjoy a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Vatican.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The author of two religious novels centered on the Vatican (Conclave and Council), Catholic scholar Greg Tobin explains the complex history of papal elections in this lively and informative book. He illuminates details, examining the evolution of the balloting system and describing the changes John Paul II brought to the process of choosing his own successor. Finally, he analyzes potential successors and discusses what effect they would have on the Catholic Church.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The selection of the next pope is the most important decision affecting Roman Catholics in over twenty-five years. Award-winning author Greg Tobin offers the perfect guide to understanding the process, history, and present-day issues impacting that decision.

Selecting the Pope examines each rule of the election process—and explores the rich history behind the conclave and the key issues that will shape the future of the Catholic Church.

You'll discover: Why the election always concludes with the rising of white smoke What powers the cardinals hold during the vacancy of the Holy See Pope John Paul II's startling changes to the centuries-old election process A day-by-day account of the balloting inside the Sistine Chapel How the electors should behave during the conclave—even their "dress code" Ancient rituals for confirming a pope's death—including striking him with a hammer! A look at the list of probable successors to John Paul II

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

As Pope John Paul II celebrates his Silver Jubilee this year (making his tenure the third longest in papal history), his apparently failing health has been a concern to many. Speculation abounds about who will succeed him, and when. In Selecting the Pope: Uncovering the Mysteries of Papal Elections, Greg Tobin describes the labyrinthine process of choosing a successor, and even gives some odds for various contenders. The book's second half outlines the complex rules for a papal election and some of the challenges that will face the new pope. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal