A History of the Popes: Saints and Sinners

This engrossing book encompasses the extraordinary history of the papacy, from its beginnings to the present day. This new edition covers the unprecedented resignation of Benedict XVI and the election of the first Argentinian pope.
Praise for the earlier editions:

“Duffy enlivens the long march through church history with anecdotes that bring the different pontiffs to life. . . . Saints and Sinners is a remarkable achievement.”–Piers Paul Read, The Times (London)

“A distinguished text . . . offering plenty of historical facts and sobering, valuable judgments.”–Henry Chadwick, New York Times Book Review

“Will fascinate anyone wishing to better understand the history of the Catholic Church and the forces that have shaped the role of the papacy.”–Gloria J. Tysl, Christian Century

Author: Eamon Duffy
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 10/13/2026
Pages: 608
Binding Type: Paperback
ISBN13: 9780300303698
ISBN10: 0300303696
BISAC Categories:
– Religion | General

About the Author
Eamon Duffy, professor of the history of Christianity and fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge, is also the author of The Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England, 1400-1580 and The Voices of Morebath, both published by Yale University Press.