***OUT NOW - PRECIPICE, THE THRILLING NEW NOVEL FROM ROBERT HARRIS******NOW A MAJOR MOVIE ******WINNER OF THE BAFTA FOR OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM******WINNER OF THE OSCAR FOR BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY***THE POWER OF GOD. THE AMBITION OF MEN.THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERBehind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, 118 cardinals are meeting in conclave to cast their votes in the world's most secretive election.They are holy men. But they are ambitious. And they have rivals. Over the next 72 hours, one of them will become the most powerful spiritual figure on earth. Who will it be?'Unputdownable' Guardian'Gripping' Sunday Times Read more

***NOW A MAJOR MOVIE ******WINNER OF THE BAFTA FOR OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM******WINNER OF THE OSCAR FOR BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY******OUT NOW - PRECIPICE, THE THRILLING NEW NOVEL FROM ROBERT HARRIS***THE POWER OF GOD. THE AMBITION OF MEN.THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERBehind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, 118 cardinals are meeting in conclave to cast their votes in the world's most secretive election.They are holy men. But they are ambitious. And they have rivals. Over the next 72 hours, one of them will become the most powerful spiritual figure on earth. Who will it be?'Unputdownable' Guardian'Gripping' Sunday Times Read more

POPE FRANCIS' DEBUT MEMOIR · A moving, deeply human account of the life and legacy of one of the bravest and most visionary leaders in modern history—A must read for all generations in a world yearning for hope and changeFor the first time, Pope Francis tells the story of his life as he looks back on the momentous world events that have changed history—from his earliest years during the outbreak of World War II in 1939 to the turmoil of today. An extraordinary personal and historical journey, Life is the story of a man and a world in dramatic change. A champion for the oppressed and marginalized—and the future of our planet—Pope Francis has inspired all of us to take action to alter the course of history toward a more loving and humane trajectory.With eloquence, passion, and humility, Pope Francis recalls his life through memories and observations of the most significant occurrences of the past eight decades. The book opens with three-year-old Jorge in the kitchen with his mother in Argentina as World War II breaks out, and he goes on to witness several historic events:    The fall of the Berlin Wall    Videla’s coup in Argentina    The moon landing in 1969    And even the 1986 World Cup in which Maradona scored the unforgettable “hand of God” goal.Here are the frank assessments and intimate insights of a pastor reflecting on the Nazi extermination of the Jews, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the 2001 terrorist attack on America and the collapse of the Twin Towers, the great economic recession of 2008, the Covid-19 pandemic, the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, and the subsequent conclave that elected him Pontiff.The “pope callejero” recounts these world-changing moments with the candor and compassion that distinguishes him and offers important messages on major crises confronting us now, including social inequalities, climate change, international war, atomic weapons, racial discrimination, political unease, and the battles over social and cultural issues. An innovative change agent and a profoundly empathetic leader, the late Pope's words and vision live on in this unforgettable account of a religious and humanitarian legend. “We must learn from our elders what our planet has experienced, so as not to repeat the mistakes of the past.”—Pope Francis  Read more

The Official Order of Mass with New ESV-CE Lectionary Readings for every Sunday in Years A, B & C - in use from Advent 2024This new missal contains everything you need to follow the new ESV readings we have started using this Advent.KEY FEATURES:-- The Official Order of Mass.-- The full text of each Sunday's scripture readings in the ESV translation for the 3-year liturgical cycle.-- Short introductions to help you prepare for Mass.-- Extended reflections to each season of the church year.- Follows the liturgical year:Start at Advent and move through the whole year in order.- Easy to read:Clear layout with minimal rubrics and no Latin text or music on the page (both are provided in an appendix).- Understand more:Brand new introductions to every season and every Sunday Mass, written by a range of Catholic voices -- men and women, lay and ordained.- Devotional material includes:-- Stations of the Cross (for Lent) and Stations of the Resurrection (for Easter)-- An introduction to praying the Rosary-- A Pentecost Novena (nine days of prayer to the Holy Spirit)-- A simple Morning and Night Prayer to memorise-- A guide to Confession and an examination of conscience-- Traditional prayers to Our Lady-- An introduction to the Sacraments-- And much more!To mark this significant occasion in the life of the Church, the Hodder Sunday Missalis now available in either a red or blue binding, complete with four marker ribbons to match the colours of the liturgical seasons. This Missal has been created to accompany Catholics through the rhythm of the year, and to be a spiritual companion.It is perfect for those ready to renew their commitment to faith as well as those newly received into the Church. Discover how using a missal can deepen your commitment to the Catholic faith; how it can draw you into a more profound experience of encounter with Our Lord, as called from by Pope Francis in his new Encyclical Dilexit nos.Receive from the Church, the gift of her liturgyGive thanks for the Real Presence of Jesus in the sacrament of the EucharistRe-commit to an authentically Christian way of lifeGo out into the world, made new by Our Lord. Read more

'Compelling... fascinating' Spectator'Abounding with excellent little stories' Financial TimesThis is the story of one of the most magnificent achievements of the Italian Renaissance, and the architect behind it.Even in an age of soaring skyscrapers and cavernous sports stadiums, the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence still retains a rare power to astonish. Yet the elegance of the building belies the tremendous labour, technical ingenuity and bitter personal strife involved in its creation. For over a century after work on the cathedral began, the proposed dome was regarded as all but impossible to build. The greatest architectural puzzle of its age, when finally completed it was hailed as one of the great wonders of the world.This book tells the extraordinary story of how the cupola was raised and of the dome's architect, the brilliant and volatile Filippo Brunelleschi. Denounced as a madman at the start of his labours, he was celebrated at their end as a great genius. His life was one of ambition, ingenuity, rivalry and intrigue - a human drama set against the plagues, wars, political feuds and intellectual ferments of Renaissance Florence, the glorious era for which the dome remains the most compelling symbol.VOTED NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE AMERICAN INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS Read more

In this uplifting and practical book, written in collaboration with his biographer, Austen Ivereigh, the preeminent spiritual leader explains why we must—and how we can—make the world safer, fairer, and healthier for all people now.   In the COVID crisis, the beloved shepherd of over one billion Catholics saw the cruelty and inequity of our society exposed more vividly than ever before. He also saw, in the resilience, generosity, and creativity of so many people, the means to rescue our society, our economy, and our planet. In direct, powerful prose, Pope Francis urges us not to let the pain be in vain.    He begins Let Us Dream by exploring what this crisis can teach us about how to handle upheaval of any kind in our own lives and the world at large. With unprecedented candor, he reveals how three crises in his own life changed him dramatically for the better. By its very nature, he shows, crisis presents us with a choice: we make a grievous error if we try to return to some pre-crisis state. But if we have the courage to change, we can emerge from the crisis better than before.   Francis then offers a brilliant, scathing critique of the systems and ideologies that conspired to produce the current crisis, from a global economy obsessed with profit and heedless of the people and environment it harms, to politicians who foment their people’s fear and use it to increase their own power at their people’s expense. He reminds us that Christians’ first duty is to serve others, especially the poor and the marginalized, just as Jesus did.     Finally, the Pope offers an inspiring and actionable blueprint for building a better world for all humanity by putting the poor and the planet at the heart of new thinking. For this plan, he draws not only on sacred sources, but on the latest findings from renowned scientists, economists, activists, and other thinkers. Yet rather than simply offer prescriptions, he shows how ordinary people acting together despite their differences can discover unforeseen possibilities.   Along the way, he offers dozens of wise and surprising observations on the value of unconventional thinking, on why we must dramatically increase women’s leadership in the Church and throughout society, on what he learned while scouring the streets of Buenos Aires with garbage-pickers, and much more.  Let Us Dream is an epiphany, a call to arms, and a pleasure to read. It is Pope Francis at his most personal, profound and passionate. With this book and with open hearts, we can change the world.       Read more

This is Pope Francis' story for you today: the departure point for your birth or rebirth, whatever form that may take. It is the glowing centre that sustains life, whatever your age. You are a wonder of creation.Even when your face is lined with worries or fatigue, remember that you are always a light that shines through the night. This is the greatest gift you've ever received, and no one can take it away from you. Dream on! Never stop dreaming. Believe! Believe in even greater and more beautiful truths. Let yourself be surprised by love. This is what it means to Live Well. This is the greatest and most beautiful wish we can extend to each other. Always.Joy - the wholesome and concrete kind, the joy we have all been searching for since birth - will be the natural outcome. It won't be an easy path; life's difficulties and the pervasive pessimism and cynicism of our era will periodically make it difficult to recognize and welcome grace into our life. But the Pope guarantees us that is precisely when we open our hearts to providence and allow tenderness and mercy to enter that life becomes beautiful. It's comforting to know that we can always begin again, that God can rebuild a story within us from the fragments. By letting ourselves be inspired by Pope Francis' 15 Rules for a Good Life, we can revel in the wondrous creations that we are, and savour the experience of what it means to live authentically. And so, joy will spread, bringing goodness to all those who welcome and share its gift. Read more

WINNER OF THE LONDON HELLENIC PRIZESHORTLISTED FOR THE RUNCIMAN AWARDA Sunday Times, BBC History Magazine, and Evening Standard Book of the Year'Majestic, sparkling' Peter Frankopan'Superb and gripping' Simon Sebag Montefiore'Effortlessly erudite' Rory Stewart'Masterful' Anita Anand'Spectacularly good' Dominic SandbrookThe definitive story of the Roman Emperor who shaped modern times.This groundbreaking biography gives us an intimate insight into Justinian, a man who, from the humblest beginnings, rose to become ruler of much of the known world achieving an almost god-like status. An emperor who infused even the most mundane tasks with spiritual significance. A gifted administrator obsessed with detail. A middle-aged lover who fell for a dancing girl, ruling with empress Theodora by his side for over twenty years. A brilliant military strategist who was never on the frontline. The challenges he faced - climate change, battles over culture and identity, the first recorded global pandemic - and many of the solutions he found still resonate with us today. His legacy remains all around us. In this tour de force, Sarris shows us that in all his complexity and contradictions Justinian was, in many ways, a very modern emperor. Read more

Foreword by Pope Francis Drawing on the wisdom of Pope Francis and the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola, Austen Ivereigh has written a captivating spiritual guide for our turbulent age. Designed as an eight-day Ignatian retreat, First Belong to God serves as a roadmap to deeper discipleship. It does this by focusing on the three foundational forms of belonging: to God, to creation and to others. Structured around the core principles of St Ignatius's Spiritual Exercises, First Belong to God encapsulates the key aspects of the Francis pontificate: * the essence of being "God-belonging" entities * the way God's mercy challenges our self-reliance * the journey to building the Kingdom in the footsteps of Christ * heeding the cry of the earth and the stranger * striving for fraternity by championing synodality Whether you're embarking on a solitary spiritual expedition or a journey with like-minded individuals, First Belong to God offers the next best thing to a personal retreat with Pope Francis: a full-soul immersion into his wisdom via the classic Jesuit retreat that shaped him so profoundly. Read more

The heartwarming and profound story of Kiril Lakota, a cardinal who reluctantly steps out from behind the Iron Curtain to lead the Catholic Church as pope, and finds himself thrown into the machinations of Cold War politics. This international bestselling novel remains one of Morris West's best known works and is the first title in his Vatican Trilogy.The pope is dead and the corridors of the Vatican hum with intrigue as cardinals gather to elect his successor. The result is a surprise: the new pope is the youngest of them all-a bearded Ukrainian. The Shoes of the Fisherman is the moving story of Kiril I, recently released from seventeen years in Siberian labour camps and haunted by his past. Not only is he the leader of a fractured Catholic Church, but he also finds he must confront his inquisitor and tormentor in order to avert another world war. An international bestseller, The Shoes of the Fisherman is one of the great novels of the twentieth century and is still widely read today. It is the first novel in Morris West's Vatican trilogy.'Tough, spare, brilliant, vital.' The Bookman'High drama . . . beautifully executed.' The Sunday Times'A masterpiece.' Chicago Tribune Read more

The revised edition of the searing investigation into the murder of Pope John Paul I that has sold more than 6 million copies.Only thirty-three days after his election, Pope John Paul I died in strange circumstances. Almost immediately rumours of a cover-up began to circulate around the Vatican. In his researches David Yallop uncovered an extraordinary story: behind the Pope's death lay a dark and complex web of corruption within the Church that involved the Freemasons, Opus Dei, the Mafia and the murder of the 'Pope's Banker' Roberto Calvi.When first published in 1984 In God's Name was denounced by the Vatican yet became an award-winning international bestseller. In this new edition, Yallop brings the story up to date and reveals new evidence that has been long buried concerning the truth behind the Vatican cover-up. This is a classic work of investigative writing whose revelations will continue to reverberate around the world. Read more

The book "100 Inspirational Quotes By Pope Francis: A Boost Of Wisdom And Inspiration To Strengthen Your Faith" features a hundred amazing and inspiring quotes by the current head of the Catholic Church. Undoubtedly, this collection will be ideal for anyone who's seeking for inspiration. Buy it now or give it as a perfect gift! Read more

This beautiful and handy book provides 250 quotes of inspiration from one of the most popular popes of all time.A pope of the people, Pope Francis is cherished around the world and continues to be well loved by the faithful and non-religious alike. During his short papacy so far, his commitment to compassion and humility have already cemented his position as one of the most popular popes of all time and his words are a comfort and inspiration to millions.Pope Francis’ Little Book of Compassion offers quotes of faith and hope from this incredible man, concentrating on the teachings of his Holy Year of Mercy, including prayer, charity, forgiveness, and solidarity.Arranged thematically, in a handy, portable format, Pope Francis’ Little Book of Compassion covers:Compassion through MercyCompassion through PrayerCompassion through ForgivenessCompassion through SolidarityCompassion through Charity and ServiceCompassion through HospitalityCompassion through Jesus Read more

John Julius Norwich expertly examines the history of the oldest continuing institution in the world, tracing the papal line down the centuries from St Peter to the presentOf the 280-odd holders of the supreme office, some have unquestionably been saints; others have wallowed in unspeakable immorality. One was said to have been a woman, her sex being revealed only when she improvidently gave birth to a baby during a papal procession. Almost as shocking was Formosus whose murdered corpse was exhumed, clothed in pontifical vestments, propped up on a throne and subjected to trial. From the glories of Byzantium to the decay of Rome, from the Albigensian Heresy to controversy within the Church today, The Popes is superbly written, witty and revealing. ‘Charming and learned...The prose is elegant, the witticisms are plentiful, and the volume's enthusiasm is addictive.’ Jonathan Wright, BBC History Magazine Read more

The Pope declares he has received a private revelation that the world is about to end, and an old friend embarks on a dangerous journey to investigate whether he's mad or whether just possibly there's truth in it. The second novel in Morris West's internationally bestselling Vatican trilogy, it is the book he regarded as his best.Pope Gregory XVII has spent a lifetime quietly serving the Church he loves-until he announces a prophecy so alarming that it threatens to tear the Vatican apart. Terrified, the Vatican cardinals imprison him in a monastery. Is he mad, as they believe, or is it all an elaborate plot? An old friend of the pope sets out on a risky quest to find out. On the way, he discovers the power of love and faith, while terrorists and politicians use every deadly and unholy means to stop him. The Clowns of God spent twenty-two weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and is the second novel in Morris West's Vatican trilogy.'West is a skillful storyteller who knows how to build suspense into every twist of the plot.' The Christian Science Monitor'Few writers of bestselling fiction have brought to the popular novel such acute intelligence and ethical perception.' Peter Pierce, The Australian Read more

Few Catholic writers have been as prolific as University of Rome Professor Roberto de Mattei. Over decades he has produced a wealth of incisive analyses about the Catholic world's collapse and charted an authoritative path back to health and sanity.He has now written an exceedingly compelling and powerful biography of Pope Pius V, widely recognized as one of the boldest and most courageous popes of the past millennium, who decisively defeated the Ottoman Turks at the Battle of Lepanto and fought head-on the Protestant Reformation, which had assailed the Church.The life of every Christian is a battle, and St. Pius V offers us a luminous example of leadership in a time of trial. In these pages, you'll learn: How the "Revolution of Luther" was met with a papal shrug -- that is, until Pius V became popeThe inside story of how Pope Pius V led the Counter-Reformation on multiple frontsHow the devastating Sack of Rome in 1527 forever changed the Holy See and had deadly consequences for clergy and religious alikeWhy St. Pius V's no-compromise approach toward both the Renaissance and Humanist corruption preserved the Church to this dayThe behind-the-scenes story of the Council of Trent -- the most dramatic conclave in the history of the ChurchThe role inquisitions played in the time of Pope Pius V and what they enabled him to accomplishHow St. Pius V dealt with stray bishops and how his rebukes and mandates led to meaningful reform of both their lives and the ChurchHow St. Pius V dealt with rebellious Catholics in France and England and what led to the excommunication of Queen ElizabethYou'll also learn of Pope Pius V's remarkable spiritual life and regimen, his foresight and prudence in dealing with the iconoclastic fury of the Huguenots in France, and the way he handled the trials of excommunicated heretics and reformed the rotting religious orders of his day.Professor de Mattei makes clear that Pope Pius V was so effective and so holy that no pontificate can be judged accurately without measuring it against his. In page after fascinating page, he shows contemporary Catholics what it means to be "a great pope" or "a saintly bishop." Here, at last, is the complete life and times of one of the Church's greatest prelates by one of her finest historians. Read more

In addition to a sparkling modern translation of Praise of Folly, this volume also includes other works by Erasmus: Pope Julius Barred from Heaven, Epigram against Pope Julius II and a selection of his Adages. Together with the extensive annotation of the texts, these help to set Erasmus’s masterpiece in an accessible context for the modern reader.A central text of the Renaissance, Praise of Folly is an essential part of the Western canon, without which much that has followed – in culture, theology and literature – would not exist. Deeply subversive in its time, the book, after the initial controversy it created, finally gained acceptance as theologians, philosophers and readers came to appreciate Erasmus’s lucid, playful and eloquent reasoning.ABOUT THE SERIES: Alma Evergreens is a series of popular classics. All the titles in the series are provided with an extensive critical apparatus, extra reading material including a section of photographs and notes. The texts are based on the most authoritative edition (or collated from the most authoritative editions or manuscripts) and edited using a fresh, intelligent editorial approach. With an emphasis on the production, editorial and typographical values of a book, Alma Classics aspires to revitalize the whole experience of reading the classics. Read more

Are you curious to know more—everything—about the man who is reshaping the Catholic Church?Pope Francis has captivated the world with his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice. But who is the man behind the papacy? Pope Francis: The People's Pontiff takes you on an intimate journey through his life—from his childhood in Argentina to his rise as the leader of over a billion Catholics.Inside this book, you'll discover:✔️ The inspiring story of Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s early years and spiritual calling✔️ His transformative leadership and bold stance on global issues✔️ Behind-the-scenes moments from the Vatican and his vision for the Church✔️ His personal struggles, triumphs, and the faith that guides him✔️ How he continues to challenge tradition while staying true to his missionDiscover the remarkable life of a pope who is breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a leader. Whether you're a devoted Catholic or simply intrigued by his impact, Pope Francis: The People's Pontiff is a must-read.Order your copy now and leave a review to share your thoughts! Read more

From the prize-winning screenwriter of The Theory of Everything and Darkest Hour, The Two Popes is a fascinating, revealing and gripping tale of two very different men whose destinies converge with each other - they both live in the Vatican - and the wider world.On 28 February 2013, a 600-year-old tradition was shattered: the conservative Pope Benedict XVI made a startling announcement. He would resign. Reeling from the news, the College of Cardinals rushed to Rome to congregate in the Sistine Chapel to pick his successor. Their unlikely choice? Francis, the first non-European pope in 1,200 years, a one time tango club bouncer, a passionate football fan and a man with the common touch.How did these two men become two of the most powerful people on Earth?What's it like to be the Pope?What does the future hold for the Catholic Church and its 1 billion followers?The Two Popes is a dual biography that masterfully combines these two popes' lives into one gripping narrative. From Benedict and Francis' experiences of war in their homelands - when they were still Joseph and Jorge - and the sexual abuse scandal that continues to rock the Church to its foundations, to the intrigue and the occasional comedy of life in the Vatican, The Pope glitters with the darker and the lighter details of life inside one of the world's most opaque but significant institutions. Read more

Opus Dei is one of the most talked about but least known religious organizations of our time. For years no one has been allowed access to its secrets.Until now ...Here, Vatican insider John Allen uncovers its true nature. Granted unlimited access to those within its ranks, gaining a wealth of interviews with the heads of Opus Dei around the world, Allen finally separates the myths from the facts: the actual use of whips and the cilice; the true extent of Opus Dei's funds; the identities of its influential members in politics, banking and high office; and how much power this shadowy group really has.'Definitive, persuasive and absorbing' Daily Telegraph'Focuses on some of the most controversial aspects of the organization, from its treatment of women to its recruitment and its money' Independent'He reports on all aspects of the Opus Dei cult (including structure and finance, and the practice of mortifying the flesh with a cilice) ... and, most usefully, includes details of the bishops and personnel around the world who are Opus Dei clergy' New Statesman'An admirable book ... the first stop for anyone interested in [Opus Dei]' Sunday Times Read more