Vatican I

Discover the pivotal moments of the First Vatican Council with "Vatican I" by John W. O'Malley. Published in 2019, this compelling 320-page book dives deep into the events of 1869, when seven hundred Catholic bishops convened in Rome for the first significant church-wide council in three centuries. Amidst the turbulence following the French Revolution, Pope Pius IX aimed to restore the church's authority by declaring papal infallibility.

O'Malley expertly narrates the intense debates and power struggles that unfolded during this historic assembly. As the Pope's push for infallibility led to questions surrounding the legitimacy of the council, external tensions rose with Italian forces, led by Garibaldi, seizing the Papal States. This engaging account not only offers insights into the council's implications but also explores the broader impact on the Catholic Church's direction.

Whether you are a scholar of religious history or simply curious about the intricacies of church governance, "Vatican I" is a must-read that sheds light on a transformative period in church history.