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The End and the Beginning: Pope John Paul II -- The Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy
“As March gave way to April in the spring of 2005 and the world kept vigil outside the apostolic palace in Rome, the pontificate of Pope John Paul II, then drawing to a poignant end, was already being described as one of the most consequential in two millennia of Christian history.”
With these words, world-renowned author and NBC Vatican analyst George Weigel begins his long-awaited sequel to the international bestseller Witness to The Biography of Pope John Paul II. More than ten years in the making, The End and the Pope John Paul II—The Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy tells the dramatic story of the Pope’s battle with communism in light of new and recently disclosed information and brings to a close Weigel’s landmark portrait of a man who not only left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church, but also changed the course of world history.
When he was elected pope in the fall of 1978, few people had ever heard of the charismatic Karol Wojty³a. But in a very short time he would ignite a revolution of conscience in his native Poland that would ultimately lead to the collapse of European communism and death of the Soviet Union. What even fewer people knew was that the KGB, the Polish Secret Police, and the East German Stasi had been waging a dangerous, decades-long war against Wojty³a and the Vatican itself. Weigel, with unprecedented access to many Soviet-era documents, chronicles John Paul’s struggle against the dark forces of communism.
Moreover, Weigel recounts the tumultuous last years of John Paul’s life as he dealt with a crippling illness as well as the “new world disorder” and revelations about corruption within the Catholic Church. Weigel’s thought-provoking biography of John Paul II concludes with a probing and passionate assessment of a man who lived his life as a witness to hope in service to the Christian ideals he embraced.
With these words, world-renowned author and NBC Vatican analyst George Weigel begins his long-awaited sequel to the international bestseller Witness to The Biography of Pope John Paul II. More than ten years in the making, The End and the Pope John Paul II—The Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy tells the dramatic story of the Pope’s battle with communism in light of new and recently disclosed information and brings to a close Weigel’s landmark portrait of a man who not only left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church, but also changed the course of world history.
When he was elected pope in the fall of 1978, few people had ever heard of the charismatic Karol Wojty³a. But in a very short time he would ignite a revolution of conscience in his native Poland that would ultimately lead to the collapse of European communism and death of the Soviet Union. What even fewer people knew was that the KGB, the Polish Secret Police, and the East German Stasi had been waging a dangerous, decades-long war against Wojty³a and the Vatican itself. Weigel, with unprecedented access to many Soviet-era documents, chronicles John Paul’s struggle against the dark forces of communism.
Moreover, Weigel recounts the tumultuous last years of John Paul’s life as he dealt with a crippling illness as well as the “new world disorder” and revelations about corruption within the Catholic Church. Weigel’s thought-provoking biography of John Paul II concludes with a probing and passionate assessment of a man who lived his life as a witness to hope in service to the Christian ideals he embraced.
590 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2010
52 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
George Weigel
121 books153 followersAmerican author and political and social activist. Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Weigel was the Founding President of the James Madison Foundation.
Each summer, Weigel and several other Catholic intellectuals from the United States, Poland, and across Europe conduct the Tertio Millennio Seminar on the Free Society in Krakow, in which they and an assortment of students from the United States, Poland, and several other emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe discuss Christianity within the context of liberal democracy and capitalism, with the papal encyclical Centesimus Annus being the focal point.
He is a member of the advisory council of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.
Each summer, Weigel and several other Catholic intellectuals from the United States, Poland, and across Europe conduct the Tertio Millennio Seminar on the Free Society in Krakow, in which they and an assortment of students from the United States, Poland, and several other emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe discuss Christianity within the context of liberal democracy and capitalism, with the papal encyclical Centesimus Annus being the focal point.
He is a member of the advisory council of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 25, 2019
Very good, interesting and informative read.
March 30, 2018
Fantastic and thorough book about an even more fantastic and fascinating man. George Weigel delves mostly into the second half of John Paul the Great's pontificate, while touching upon a deep analysis of his legacy and early years too. I would recommend reading the first volume prior to the second, since that gives a very in depth depiction of the first half of life and the pontificate. To be sure, this book covers those points more deeply than most biographies would, but it lacks (intentionally) the source material and comments of the first book. It feels as if George Weigel leaves no stone unturned, even explaining negative commentary on the life of the saint. Of course the views are overwhelmingly positive for a man who, if nothing else, attracted the largest recorded crowd in human history and was the face of a major religion, physically and spiritually, for over a quarter century.
Weigel is absolutely the source for understanding John Paul the Great's life, great read for Catholics and Christians and really anyone,provided they enjoy having so much detail about an incredible saga through a single person.
Weigel is absolutely the source for understanding John Paul the Great's life, great read for Catholics and Christians and really anyone,provided they enjoy having so much detail about an incredible saga through a single person.
May 28, 2011
This was more like a reference book than a book that you were supposed to read from front to back. I normally like a bunch of detail, but this time Weigel seriously needed an editor (and not the first time).
I liked Pope John Paul II, and I’m glad that Weigel wrote this, but I had some issues when he criticizes Pope John Paul II. I am not saying that anyone is perfect, but Weigel criticized Pope John Paul II for not being more supportive of the war in Iraq. From my point of view, that was not the Pope’s job.
Also, I felt that Weigel ripped on Pope Paul VI too hard. I thought Pope Paul VI was a good pope, too, and Weigel is really harsh on his legacy.
By in large, not a bad book, but not exactly pleasure reading.
I liked Pope John Paul II, and I’m glad that Weigel wrote this, but I had some issues when he criticizes Pope John Paul II. I am not saying that anyone is perfect, but Weigel criticized Pope John Paul II for not being more supportive of the war in Iraq. From my point of view, that was not the Pope’s job.
Also, I felt that Weigel ripped on Pope Paul VI too hard. I thought Pope Paul VI was a good pope, too, and Weigel is really harsh on his legacy.
By in large, not a bad book, but not exactly pleasure reading.
May 6, 2021
What an inspiring Pope.
April 3, 2016
I thought the first George Weigel book about JPII really sparkled in the early sections where it dealt with the childhood of Wojtyla, the narrative of Poland under the Nazis, of the suffering of many groups, and of John Paul's life during the war, and I thought that this part alone made the book worth reading. I have similar feelings this newer book. The descriptions of life in Cold War Poland, now updated with much information about the life of Archbishop Karol Wojtyła in Poland (later Pope JPII), and the efforts of the ruling Communist Party to harass the Church throughout the Cold War era were very interesting. Weigel covers the flow of events leading up the 1989 in a detailed fashion, and this first part of the book covers over 40% of the actual pages.
I finished the book eleven years to the day after the death of John Paul, and was particularly moved by the author's description of the final months of the Pope and by an event that happened at the end of the funeral:
"In the first centuries of the Church, what would later be called the canonization of saints took place by popular acclamation. On March 12, 604, at the funeral of Pope Gregory I, the assembly went one step further, spontaneously chanting 'Magnus, Magnus' [Great, Great!], such that Gregory I was subsequently known as Pope St. Gregory the Great. It hadn't again for 1,401 years - until April 8, 2005." At the end of the funeral, similar cries erupted throughout St. Peter's Square and down the nearby streets, and were loud enough to heard atop the Janiculum Hill, which overlooks Vatican City.
I finished the book eleven years to the day after the death of John Paul, and was particularly moved by the author's description of the final months of the Pope and by an event that happened at the end of the funeral:
"In the first centuries of the Church, what would later be called the canonization of saints took place by popular acclamation. On March 12, 604, at the funeral of Pope Gregory I, the assembly went one step further, spontaneously chanting 'Magnus, Magnus' [Great, Great!], such that Gregory I was subsequently known as Pope St. Gregory the Great. It hadn't again for 1,401 years - until April 8, 2005." At the end of the funeral, similar cries erupted throughout St. Peter's Square and down the nearby streets, and were loud enough to heard atop the Janiculum Hill, which overlooks Vatican City.
May 28, 2025
The book “The End and the Beginning Pope John Paul II: The Victory of Freedom, The Last Years, The Legacy” by George Weigel was released in 2010 by HarperCollins Cliff Street Book Publishing. In Europe the country of Poland served as a land bridge from the Soviet Union to communist East Germany in post World War II governance. Between 1939 and 1945 over 20% of Poland’s prewar population dies. According to George Weigel Poland’s postwar fate was “… the Battle of Kursk, the greatest armored battle in history, which in August 1943, effectively ended the German invasion of the Soviet Union and set in motion the long bloody process by which the Red Army fought its way to Berlin.” It also set the stage for allied forces to defeat the German warriors and win the war. Poland became central in the “chess match” between the Soviet Union and Western nations; and according to Weigel this chess match was ultimately won by the United States and England. Weigel writes that the Catholic Church recognized the Polish communist regime was the “legal government” of Poland; and that “recovered territories” are part of the regime’s Polish People’s Republic. In 1958 Polish born Father Karol Wojtyla is named auxiliary Bishop of Krakow, Poland and four years later he is named temporary administrator of the Krakow Archdiocese. In 1963 he became Archbishop of Krakow, and in 1967 he became a Cardinal of the Church. During this period there are numerous strategies used to find a balance between the Polish Catholic Church and the government of Poland. On October 16 1978 Cardinal Karol Wojtyla is selected to be Pope by the Vatican Conclave of Cardinals. He takes on the name Pope John Paul II. During the first three years of his leadership, Pope John Paul II experienced many “waves of anticlericalism.” These waves challenged Vatican diplomatic conventions and triggered Vatican concerns about solidarity which intensified Soviet political concerns. The Pope met several times with the Solidarity Delegation in January 1981 to fight for the common good. American President Ronald Reagan joined the solidarity team. During 1981 and 1982 solidarity began losing support and believers were weary of an international economic crisis. Stability became the goal of the delegations and stability in Poland was a very strong interest of the Vatican and Moscow leaders.
According to an online reference: “The battles over solidarity and Poland's independent trade union was resolved through negotiations and a shift in the political landscape, leading to the end of communist rule in Poland. The Communist government, after initially suppressing the solidarity movement with martial law, was eventually forced to engage in negotiations, resulting in semi-free elections where Solidarity won decisively.” In 1989 Communism ends in Europe; and in 1991 the Soviet Union is replaced by the creation of 15 independent nations. Russia is one of the independent nations. Ronald Reagan, Mikhail Gorbachev, Lech Walesa, Margaret Thrasher, Deng Xiaoping, and Pope John Paul II each had independent and separate spheres of authority. They in very interesting ways were able to experience in 1989 a set of truths about living and dying that are anchored in shared beginnings and ends for creating a braver new world.
The second half of the book begins with a discussion about the celebrations of the year 2000 Jubilee. The Jubilee included events promoting Christian and Jewish reconciliation, restoration of worldwide justice, and the promotion of theological virtues based on interfaith dialogue and unity. An interfaith Committee for the Great Jubilee of Year 2000 was commissioned to plan and direct these interfaith events and celebrations. The planning began in 1997 and the plans were published in a document called “Tertiun Millennium.” This document featured events promoting timelines, pilgrimages, music based on cultural heritage, and many shared international celebrations. During the year 2000, there were many more jubilee participants including social group jubilees of artists, migrants, team workers, scientists, journalists, disabled people, law enforcement officers, and jubilees for those who were incarcerated in prisons, to mention a few. On March 14, 2004 Pope John Paul celebrates his Silver Jubilee serving as Pope. Only two other Popes (Peter and Pius IX) served longer. During the last two years of life Pope John Paul II had many physical ailments, to include an inability to walk and constant fatigue. On May 18, 2004 he made arrangements for the publication of his memoir “Rise Let Us Be On Our Way.” His last pastoral pilgrimage was to Lourdes on August 15, 2004. In January to April 2005 Pope John Paul II experienced many breathing problems that caused him to have tracheostomy surgical procedures. On March 22nd he lost his ability to speak, and on March 31st he had a urinary track infection that caused septic shock. On April 2, 2005 he died. Over 1.3 million people witnessed in person the Pope’s funeral mass held on April 8, 2005.
The book ends with a critique of John Paul II’s ministerial work; and discussions about the interplay of his beliefs in the context of science, the arts, and moral values to include chastity and forgiveness. (P)
According to an online reference: “The battles over solidarity and Poland's independent trade union was resolved through negotiations and a shift in the political landscape, leading to the end of communist rule in Poland. The Communist government, after initially suppressing the solidarity movement with martial law, was eventually forced to engage in negotiations, resulting in semi-free elections where Solidarity won decisively.” In 1989 Communism ends in Europe; and in 1991 the Soviet Union is replaced by the creation of 15 independent nations. Russia is one of the independent nations. Ronald Reagan, Mikhail Gorbachev, Lech Walesa, Margaret Thrasher, Deng Xiaoping, and Pope John Paul II each had independent and separate spheres of authority. They in very interesting ways were able to experience in 1989 a set of truths about living and dying that are anchored in shared beginnings and ends for creating a braver new world.
The second half of the book begins with a discussion about the celebrations of the year 2000 Jubilee. The Jubilee included events promoting Christian and Jewish reconciliation, restoration of worldwide justice, and the promotion of theological virtues based on interfaith dialogue and unity. An interfaith Committee for the Great Jubilee of Year 2000 was commissioned to plan and direct these interfaith events and celebrations. The planning began in 1997 and the plans were published in a document called “Tertiun Millennium.” This document featured events promoting timelines, pilgrimages, music based on cultural heritage, and many shared international celebrations. During the year 2000, there were many more jubilee participants including social group jubilees of artists, migrants, team workers, scientists, journalists, disabled people, law enforcement officers, and jubilees for those who were incarcerated in prisons, to mention a few. On March 14, 2004 Pope John Paul celebrates his Silver Jubilee serving as Pope. Only two other Popes (Peter and Pius IX) served longer. During the last two years of life Pope John Paul II had many physical ailments, to include an inability to walk and constant fatigue. On May 18, 2004 he made arrangements for the publication of his memoir “Rise Let Us Be On Our Way.” His last pastoral pilgrimage was to Lourdes on August 15, 2004. In January to April 2005 Pope John Paul II experienced many breathing problems that caused him to have tracheostomy surgical procedures. On March 22nd he lost his ability to speak, and on March 31st he had a urinary track infection that caused septic shock. On April 2, 2005 he died. Over 1.3 million people witnessed in person the Pope’s funeral mass held on April 8, 2005.
The book ends with a critique of John Paul II’s ministerial work; and discussions about the interplay of his beliefs in the context of science, the arts, and moral values to include chastity and forgiveness. (P)
February 25, 2018
A brilliant author who wrote well and deep about a brilliant man (BTW: I am not a Catholic, but an evangelical). A must-read for anyone interested in 20th-21st centuries based philosophy, politics, and theology.
May 31, 2020
Having purchased both *Witness to Hope* (Weigel's bio of JPII from 1999) and this volume (2010) when they came out, I had been meaning to work through them ever since. Well, I took care of "Volume 1" just a few years back and finally got through "Volume 2." (It was a blessing to be working through it on the 100th anniversary of JPII's birth -- not planned that way but providential.)
The first nearly two hundred pages is a summary of the first book. If you are reading them back to back there is really no need to go through the material again (although it doesn't hurt; also, per the acknowledgements, it seems that the author included new material that came to light since the first book). I did because there has been a gap of a few years. Part II of the book gives us the rest of the pope's life (2000-2005) in just over two hundred pages. Part III is the author's evaluation of the pope's legacy, including "enduring accomplishments" and "what didn't go right." This section is just over one hundred pages. There are about forty pages of end notes that I read only sparingly (always insightful and helpful, though).
Weigel's bio of JPII is the definitive work on the pope's life ("magisterial," I would say). Thorough, incredibly researched, with context (immediate and broad), this is the work that one must read if interested in knowing and understanding this saintly pontiff. Weigel knew the pope well, so his insights and evaluation in the last section must be considered when assessing the man and his pontificate. The highest of recommendations.
The first nearly two hundred pages is a summary of the first book. If you are reading them back to back there is really no need to go through the material again (although it doesn't hurt; also, per the acknowledgements, it seems that the author included new material that came to light since the first book). I did because there has been a gap of a few years. Part II of the book gives us the rest of the pope's life (2000-2005) in just over two hundred pages. Part III is the author's evaluation of the pope's legacy, including "enduring accomplishments" and "what didn't go right." This section is just over one hundred pages. There are about forty pages of end notes that I read only sparingly (always insightful and helpful, though).
Weigel's bio of JPII is the definitive work on the pope's life ("magisterial," I would say). Thorough, incredibly researched, with context (immediate and broad), this is the work that one must read if interested in knowing and understanding this saintly pontiff. Weigel knew the pope well, so his insights and evaluation in the last section must be considered when assessing the man and his pontificate. The highest of recommendations.
August 8, 2020
The book is roughly divided into three parts. The first third (roughly) of the book covers the portion of the Popes life that occurred prior to Weigels first biography (prior to 1999). The next third covers the last six years leading up to the Popes death, and the last third covers his legacy.
1st third- My favorite part here is something many are unfamiliar with, the extent that the Pope played a role in the fall of Communism. His leadership was instrumental in defeating it. The fact he was able to lead the charge peacefully and without violence is almost (and perhaps) miraculous.
2nd third- Does this biography offer an apologetic view of the life of Saint Pope JPII? Absolutely. But with how often he has been attacked from so many directions its actually refreshing, in a sense, to hear a defense and gain a better understanding of why the Pope handled things as he did. Its an useful insight.
Last third- Covers the legacy of the Pope (his papacy), and does give adequate criticisms of things that did not go as well as hoped. Overall however it does a splendid job of showing how much good the Pope did in leading the church into the 21st century.
This book is a worthy read just for the middle third in itself, the rest is icing on the cake.
1st third- My favorite part here is something many are unfamiliar with, the extent that the Pope played a role in the fall of Communism. His leadership was instrumental in defeating it. The fact he was able to lead the charge peacefully and without violence is almost (and perhaps) miraculous.
2nd third- Does this biography offer an apologetic view of the life of Saint Pope JPII? Absolutely. But with how often he has been attacked from so many directions its actually refreshing, in a sense, to hear a defense and gain a better understanding of why the Pope handled things as he did. Its an useful insight.
Last third- Covers the legacy of the Pope (his papacy), and does give adequate criticisms of things that did not go as well as hoped. Overall however it does a splendid job of showing how much good the Pope did in leading the church into the 21st century.
This book is a worthy read just for the middle third in itself, the rest is icing on the cake.
June 28, 2018
A great book and sequel to witness of hope. It goes deeper into the life of Pope John Paul II and his life defending the church and standing against communism. Read how he influenced the Catholic Church throughout the world and had an impact on the youth. Read how the KGB and others tried to influence the church through spying and used some inside the church to try to learn what the Pope was saying and trying to influence him. The book shows how paranoid Yuri Andropov, former head of the KGB and General Secretary Of Soviet Communist Party. The only thing to say Soviet Union May now be Russia but the similarities exist with the current leadership in Russia
I highly recommend the books not only for Catholics but people interested in history and those interested in the church.
I highly recommend the books not only for Catholics but people interested in history and those interested in the church.
June 16, 2025
John Paul II is a hero of mine, and I enjoyed Weigel’s earlier biography of him years ago, but this book suffered from a lack of focus. Yes, some time has passed since the first biography, and some new information has come to light since then, but is that a sufficient justification for a second doorstop of a book? I also didn’t care for Weigel’s tendency to editorialize and imagine what people might have been thinking and feeling during a particular event.
July 22, 2020
So, you'll know that any book by George Weigel will probably get 5 stars from me. I just love how he masterfully combines the historical with the spiritual. With his books I don't have to worry about what's going to jump out and smack me on the next page. I can simply sit back and relax, curling up with his books as with a friend as George is both factual and entertaining. Big thumbs up!
January 13, 2020
Sounds like a hymn from a fanatic believer. I'll be back when I read it.
January 29, 2024
2.5/5
Repetitive and exhaustingly long. Phew...
Repetitive and exhaustingly long. Phew...
February 1, 2024
Wonderfulo book!
November 14, 2024
Fantastic 2nd part to St. JP2s biography!
May 29, 2025
A good read to learn the history of John Paul and his legacy. It is a deep read into his legacy. And beneficial to anyone who is curious.
November 13, 2014
The End and the Beginning is the second volume of George Weigel's biography of John Paul II. It is currently the best book on the last five years of John Paul II's life and may always be. George Weigel is a theology professor who can understand and explain theological arguments in laymen's terms. He was selected by John Paul II's entourage to write the biography and benefitted from as much access to those close to Jean Paul as he felt he needed. Finally, he took the time to use all the resources at his disposal in the writing of his book.
Nonetheless there are two serious problems with this book which have caused me to give it one less star than I did to the first volume Witness to Hope. The first is that having been written in the immediate aftermath of Jean Paul's death, it lacks retrospective. Weigel covers the issues that appeared important in the second half of the first decade of the 21st century to those close to Jean Paul. It is highly possible that in ten or twenty years time the perspective of those from the inner circle that will still be living will have changed. Their views of what was important will change as the years advance.
The second problem is that The End and the Beginning becomes quite nasty in places. In many communist countries the secret service files were destroyed before the new democratically elected governments took office. However, in East Germany the pro-democracy demonstrators stormed the premises of he Stasi and made sure the files survived. As a result Weigel had access to very complete list of the communist informants inside the college of Cardinals and the Catholic hierarchies in most of the former communist countries of central Europe. Thus, Weigel is able to name the names of a lot of rats. While it is hard to argue that the truth must be suppressed, the fact remains that Weigel's fingering of communist informants becomes distasteful at times.
It is possible that I am mistaken. Perhaps, the Anglophone reader will not remember any of names but simply understand that throughout his entire time in the Vatican Jean Paul II was surrounded by communist spies. If this is what indeed happens then Weigel will have made a point that needed to be made. My feelings on this issue may also change with time. It is possible that in five years I will add one more star to this book's rating. I certainly not going to lower it.
Read this book if you are interested in the final years of John Paul II. It really is the only book that need be read on the subject.
Nonetheless there are two serious problems with this book which have caused me to give it one less star than I did to the first volume Witness to Hope. The first is that having been written in the immediate aftermath of Jean Paul's death, it lacks retrospective. Weigel covers the issues that appeared important in the second half of the first decade of the 21st century to those close to Jean Paul. It is highly possible that in ten or twenty years time the perspective of those from the inner circle that will still be living will have changed. Their views of what was important will change as the years advance.
The second problem is that The End and the Beginning becomes quite nasty in places. In many communist countries the secret service files were destroyed before the new democratically elected governments took office. However, in East Germany the pro-democracy demonstrators stormed the premises of he Stasi and made sure the files survived. As a result Weigel had access to very complete list of the communist informants inside the college of Cardinals and the Catholic hierarchies in most of the former communist countries of central Europe. Thus, Weigel is able to name the names of a lot of rats. While it is hard to argue that the truth must be suppressed, the fact remains that Weigel's fingering of communist informants becomes distasteful at times.
It is possible that I am mistaken. Perhaps, the Anglophone reader will not remember any of names but simply understand that throughout his entire time in the Vatican Jean Paul II was surrounded by communist spies. If this is what indeed happens then Weigel will have made a point that needed to be made. My feelings on this issue may also change with time. It is possible that in five years I will add one more star to this book's rating. I certainly not going to lower it.
Read this book if you are interested in the final years of John Paul II. It really is the only book that need be read on the subject.
October 13, 2013
I thought I was somewhat informed on the pontificate of Pope John Paul II but George Weigel showed me in this excellent book how little I knew about Pope John Paul II the Great.
The first part of the book tells an amazing story of the Church in Poland under the Nazis and then the Communist. I am embarrassed that I have ever placed my faith secondary to anything after hearing these stories of people willing—during my lifetime—to endure torture and even death rather than reject their faith in Christ. Is was struck at how the KGB had a whole group focused on bringing down Catholicism. I never considered that Vatican II or any Vatican office or European chancery would have Communist spies. Yes, this includes men who wore the Roman collar. It seems clear that God raised up Karol Wojtyla in very difficult situations to prepare him to sit in Peter’s chair for 26 years.
In the second part of the book, Weigel takes us inside the Vatican between 1979 and 2005 to learn about the role Pope John Paul II played in the event of those years and some insight into what is required of the pope. While I was aware of the Great Jubilee celebrations, after reading this, I wish I could relive it following the agenda Pope John Paul II created for us.
The last part is a reflection of the legacy of Pope John Paul II. Weigel draws on his insight to look at pontificate as we set into the deeper water where Pope John Paul II directed this ship. Weigel’s insight of why Pope John Paul II did or did not address issues helps to understand the direction of Pope Benedict XVI and perhaps even some insight into why he abdicated. There is section where Weigel lists the Bishops Pope John Paul II appointed different from the recommendations of the national bishop conferences. The list includes the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
I take away a greater respect for Pope John Paul II and a desire to understand his teachings.
Before starting the second part of the book, be sure you know the meaning of the word modernity as Weigel uses it often.
I would recommend the audio book version for the first part in particular unless you are gifted in the pronunciation of Polish name. And on that, the narrator is excellent.
The first part of the book tells an amazing story of the Church in Poland under the Nazis and then the Communist. I am embarrassed that I have ever placed my faith secondary to anything after hearing these stories of people willing—during my lifetime—to endure torture and even death rather than reject their faith in Christ. Is was struck at how the KGB had a whole group focused on bringing down Catholicism. I never considered that Vatican II or any Vatican office or European chancery would have Communist spies. Yes, this includes men who wore the Roman collar. It seems clear that God raised up Karol Wojtyla in very difficult situations to prepare him to sit in Peter’s chair for 26 years.
In the second part of the book, Weigel takes us inside the Vatican between 1979 and 2005 to learn about the role Pope John Paul II played in the event of those years and some insight into what is required of the pope. While I was aware of the Great Jubilee celebrations, after reading this, I wish I could relive it following the agenda Pope John Paul II created for us.
The last part is a reflection of the legacy of Pope John Paul II. Weigel draws on his insight to look at pontificate as we set into the deeper water where Pope John Paul II directed this ship. Weigel’s insight of why Pope John Paul II did or did not address issues helps to understand the direction of Pope Benedict XVI and perhaps even some insight into why he abdicated. There is section where Weigel lists the Bishops Pope John Paul II appointed different from the recommendations of the national bishop conferences. The list includes the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
I take away a greater respect for Pope John Paul II and a desire to understand his teachings.
Before starting the second part of the book, be sure you know the meaning of the word modernity as Weigel uses it often.
I would recommend the audio book version for the first part in particular unless you are gifted in the pronunciation of Polish name. And on that, the narrator is excellent.
December 28, 2014
An exhaustive take on John Paul II's involvement in the fall of communism in Poland and the last years of his pontificate, Weigel's "The End and the Beginning" provides a treasure trove of new information about the Polish pope laid out in a somewhat confusing manner. I wonder if the main points of Part III, in which Weigel lays out his assessment of the pontificate, could have been better incorporated throughout the preceding sections to give the book a more digestible organization. Only in the last part does Weigel grapple with the most salient criticisms of the recently sainted pope, but he does so candidly. If you can get past the author's long-winded style, this is a valuable historical work worth the time to explore.
November 20, 2011
The true story of Karol Wojtyola's life's journal from this beginning in war torn Poland to the end as Pope John Paul 11.
It covers each and every detail of his life as he experienced it. It also covers the actions of those who saw him as their greatest enemy during his forty-year struggle against communism.
In order to realize the role he played in the downfall of communism you must read it slowly (including the Notes). It not a quick read. The book covers one of histories most dangerous times.
With an inside look at one of histories greatest heroes.
It clearly ranks at least ten stars.
It covers each and every detail of his life as he experienced it. It also covers the actions of those who saw him as their greatest enemy during his forty-year struggle against communism.
In order to realize the role he played in the downfall of communism you must read it slowly (including the Notes). It not a quick read. The book covers one of histories most dangerous times.
With an inside look at one of histories greatest heroes.
It clearly ranks at least ten stars.
August 7, 2013
La prima parte dell'opera ricostruisce le vicende dei rapporti tra Karol Woytjla e il blocco sovietico. Grazie all'apertura di archivi segreti e le testimonianze dei protagonisti, emerge un quadro appassionante e davvero inedito.
La seconda parte percorre da vicino gli ultimi anni della vita di Giovanni Paolo II e presenta un livello di dettaglio francamente eccessivo per i miei interessi. Non credo che troverò mai il tempo di finirlo.
Metterei quattro stelle per la prima parte, ma solo tre per l'insieme. Peccato.
La seconda parte percorre da vicino gli ultimi anni della vita di Giovanni Paolo II e presenta un livello di dettaglio francamente eccessivo per i miei interessi. Non credo che troverò mai il tempo di finirlo.
Metterei quattro stelle per la prima parte, ma solo tre per l'insieme. Peccato.
December 2, 2013
There were many who did not like Pope John Paul II. However, there were MANY more who did than didn't, and VERY few that did not at least respect him. There is no doubt that he was one of a handful of Giants of the 20th century. In my opinion, he was an amazing man. You know that game where you pick the figures from history that you would like to invite to dinner, and then discuss your choices? Well, Pope JPII would be at the top of my list. To spice things up, I think that I'd seat him between Charlie Sheen and Natalie Wood.
September 22, 2011
Over a decade after he wrote Witness to Hope, George Weigel is back with a fascinating account of John Paul II's fight against communism and the last years of his pontificate. Weigel is a great story teller and Karol Wojytla/John Paul II comes alive in these pages. This is no small book, but the pace is great and Weigel keeps you interested.
May 15, 2012
George Weigel is one of the foremost authors who stays abreast of contemporary issues surrounding the on-going dialogue between the Church and the world. But in this book, he reveals the unknown, untold story of the life of an incredible man and - beyond any doubt - a true witness to Christ: Pope John Paul II, before he was Pope (Karol Wojtyla). A great read, very gripping.
January 11, 2013
This is another book that I have not read in it's entirety yet. It is a difficult, complicated read, but worth it! It is so interesting to read about the political situation while Blessed Pope John Paul II was in the Vatican. Things that the outside world had no idea had going on. I definitely recommend this book!
Read
February 15, 2014The first part of this, about the fall of communism is quite interesting. I'm only about half way through. Some sections are a bit of a slog to get through, just like Weigel's first book about JPII. But I am learning alot.
Currently reading
January 4, 2011So far, extremely impressive, particularly in its ability to accurately describe Communist governments, their nature, activities, and their suppression of any competing influences, i.e. Catholicism in Poland.
July 10, 2012
Extremely informative, but a little dry.
Want to read
October 24, 2011I won this on Goodreads. I received my copy on October 24.
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