Publisher's Synopsis
In the first volume of the VICARIUS CHRISTI series, Reges Ecclesiae: Habemus Papam invites us on a fascinating and symbolic flyover of the world of the Church, the Vatican and the Clergy. It is a journey that begins with an overview of the key figures of this millennial institution, with special focus on the central figure of the Pope, the absolute and spiritual monarch of one of the most complex and influential realities in the world.
Through this volume, we will discover who ecclesiastical figures really are, from the Roman Curia to cardinals, bishops and priests, and how each of these positions affects the functioning of the Church. But that's not all: we will get to the heart of one of the most exciting and mysterious moments in papal life, that which follows the death of a pontiff. What happens in the hours and days leading up to the announcement of the new pope? Habemus Papam: what secret lies behind this famous exclamation?
Reges Ecclesiae guides us through the rituals and traditions that have been preserved over time, some of which are rooted in centuries past, while others might seem like legends or stories passed down more for fascination than historical truth. The book will explore the secrets that still shroud the Conclave, the mysterious process by which cardinals elect a new pontiff, and the political and religious mechanisms that operate behind closed doors.
But it is not only about history and tradition. Amidst the tales of power, faith and politics, the volume will not fail to recount also some unsolved mysteries, some scandals that have tarnished the Church's reputation and some stories that seem almost to come out of a novel plot. Told in a simple but engaging style, the book is designed for readers who are not experts, but who have a genuine curiosity about the Church and its history, and wish to discover the details behind the facade of one of the world's largest and oldest institutions.
A work that combines historical tradition and mysterious fascination, Reges Ecclesiae: Habemus Papam offers a fascinating view of the Church, its power and traditions, making the enormous world behind the Papal Tiara accessible to all.
