Pope John Paul II

In this highly riveting profile, political scientist Jo Renee Formicola examines John Paul II and the relationship between his religious beliefs and political practices. Placing the pope in the context of highly transformational religious leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and Desmond Tutu, she argues that John Paul II's vision of a higher order of politics has made him a catalyst for social change in the late twentieth century -- and beyond. Drawing from John Paul's social encyclicals, diplomatic speeches, and international reportage, Formicola tells the engaging story of an unlikely religious leader whose impact on global politics has been unprecedented. She emphasizes his outreach to China, Russia, and Cuba -- and the United States -- in the midst of the post-cold war shift in international relations. She pays particular attention to the role of reconciliation in international politics, citing the pope's peacemaking efforts in the ongoing conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors. In a stirring final chapter, Formicola argues that the Christian economic and political principles John Paul so passionately advocates are the basis for new and profound ways to transform society. This book provides an intimate look at one man's attempt to change the world. Written for students and the general public, it serves as both a primer on the impact of John Paul II and an astute analysis of the integral relationship between religion and politics. Book jacket.