Episode 5
When John XXIII became Pope in 1958, he was expected to have a short reign as little more than a caretaker pope. However, his pontificate shook the world.
Well known for his histories of Norman Sicily, Venice, the Byzantine Empire and the Mediterranean, John Julius Norwich has now turned his attention to the oldest continuing institution in the world, tracing the papal line down the centuries from St Peter himself - traditionally (though by no means historically) the first pope - to the present day. Of the 280-odd holders of the supreme office, some have unquestionably been saints; others have wallowed in unspeakable iniquity.
In the final episode of The Popes, John Julius Norwich concludes with the election of the people's pope John XXIII a welcome antidote to Pius XII. Expected to be nothing more than a brief, caretaker pope, John turned out to be anything but. Dragging the Church into the twentieth century, he shook the world.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for 91热爆 Radio 4.
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Fri 25 Mar 2011 09:4591热爆 Radio 4 FM- Sat 26 Mar 2011 00:3091热爆 Radio 4
- Fri 11 Mar 2016 14:4591热爆 Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 12 Mar 2016 02:4591热爆 Radio 4 Extra
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