About the Book

With unprecedented cooperation from John Paul II and the people who knew and worked with him throughout his life, George Weigel offers a groundbreaking portrait of the Pope as a man, a thinker, and a leader whose religious convictions defined a new approach to world politics- and changed the course of history.

The man born Karol Józef Wojtyla played a crucial yet underrated role in some of this century’s most momentous events. This includes the fall of communism, the Holy See/Israel negotiations of 1991-92, the disintegration of the Nicaraguan, Chilean, and Paraguayan regimes during the 1980s, and the unprecedented papal visit to Cuba. Witness to Hope explains how it is that this “man from a far country,” as he describes himself to the Roman crowds on the night of his election, did all of that, and what his accomplishments might portend for the future of both the Church and the world.

George Weigel, a Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, is a Roman Catholic theologian and one of America’s leading commentators on issues of religion and public life. He has been writing about the Pope since the first days of his pontificate, and became good friends with him. He is the author or editor of fourteen books, including The Final Revolution: The Resistance Church and The Collapse of Communism.

“A tremendous achievement.”

- The Washington Post

Critical Praise

"A remarkable book. Weigel's biography is likely to remain the standard one-volume reference on John Paul II for many years to come." — Pittsburg Post-Gazette

"A fascinating chronicle. . . sheds light on the history of the twentieth century for everyone." — New York Times Book Review

“Magnificent. A tremendous achievement.” — Washington Post

"It is no mean feat to undertake the momentous task of chronicling the life and witness of a man whose presence has helped to change the course of history. Witness to Hope is a meticulously researched book that is certain to become a benchmark for future inquiries into the life and times of Pope John Paul II." — Los Angeles Times

"Anchored in a careful examination of the Pope's documents, Weigel helps us understand the spiritual and philosophical convictions that drive John Paul forward. This is the great contribution of Witness to Hope." — National Catholic Reporter

"Weigel's biography is outstanding—positive but not uncritical. [It] will be the definitely work on the Pope. — Buffalo News

"A meticulous chronicle. It is Weigel's gift to be able to interleaf the spiritual and secular aspects of Wojtyla's education so seamlessly that his life in the Church takes on political overtones practically from the beginning. . . . One of the most interesting histories of our time." — Boston Globe

“An indispensable source for all those studying the consequences and impact of this pontificate.” — Il Tempo (Rome)

“The first true biography of the last giant of the century.” — L’Express (Paris)

"Like the man it reflects, the book is complex, and it's engaging. Weigel composes a multilayered story of Karol Wojtyla's life that is accessible to all." — Chicago Daily Herald

"Massive in scope and length, and written with the Pope's cooperation, Weigel's biography is sure to be the definitive work on Pope John Paul II for years to come." — Kirkus Reviews

"By far the best biography of John Paul II. . . . An indispensable reference source for future historians." — Washington Times

"Weigel's book is not only a major piece of scholarship but a cracking good story. Rarely has there been so perfect a marriage of man to job as Karol Wojtyla to the papacy. He was appointed at just the right time, and he has met his obligations superbly. The same may be said for his biographer." — National Review

“A profound analysis of all the important issues.... A marvelous work and a pleasure to read.” — ABC (Madrid)

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780062996015
• ISBN 10: 0062996010
• Imprint: Harper Perennial
• On Sale: 03/03/2020
• Trimsize: 6.120 in (w) x 9.120 in (h) x 1.700 in (d)
• Pages: 1056
• List Price: $29.99
• BISAC1 : RELIGION / Christianity / Catholic
• BISAC2 : RELIGION / Christianity / History
• BISAC3 : RELIGION / History
• BISAC4 : RELIGION / Spirituality
• BISAC5 : RELIGION / Christian Theology / History
• BISAC6 : RELIGION / Faith
• BISAC7 : RELIGION / Christian Church / History
• BISAC8 : RELIGION / Christian Church / Leadership
• BISAC9 : BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Religious
• BISAC10 : BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Women