Popes of the Modern Age (3rd, expanded edition)

The third, expanded edition of a successful publication by the well-known historian Jaroslav Šebek, released shortly after the election of Leo XIV as pope, presents the work and legacy of the pontiffs who entered history in the twentieth century and have occupied the Chair of Saint Peter to this day. The selection also includes two popes who held office in the previous century (Pius IX and Leo XIII), but the consequences of their policies were also reflected in the century that followed.

The twentieth century and the present day are interesting from the point of view of the gradual transformation of the popes from monarchs to their pastoral form. Moreover, recent years have offered us a unique historical phenomenon, in which visible changes are taking place before our very eyes at a hectic pace. In 2013, a new chapter in the modern papacy began with the voluntary resignation of Benedict XVI. His resignation set in motion, without exaggeration, a revolutionary development when Francis, a pope who is in many ways unconventional, took the helm of Peter's little boat as his successor. Although we still lack a greater time perspective, it is beyond doubt that his pontificate will also influence those who come after him.

It is to Francis's entire, now concluded, tenure that detailed attention is devoted in the third edition, with the author having personally presented the second edition to him in the Vatican. Naturally, there is also a new chapter dedicated to Leo XIV, while the texts about the previous popes have been updated and supplemented.

The third, expanded edition of the 10th volume of the Český ČAS Edition presents the modern popes primarily in relation to the events in the European Catholic Church. However, an essential part also consists of chapters dealing with the relationship between the Vatican and the individual pontiffs to the Czech lands. An original perspective in this regard is provided especially by materials from the Vatican Secret Archives and the Historical Archive of the Secretariat of State, which have not been given much consideration in Czech reflection on relations with the papacy until now. The book thus provides not only general, clearly organised information, but also new, updated findings and surprising connections.