George Weigel presents a groundbreaking portrait of the Pope as a man, a thinker, and a leader whose religious convictions have defined a new approach to world politics - and changed the course of history. Weigel explores new information about the Pope's role in some of the recent past's most stirring events, including the fall of communism, and draws on hitherto unavailable autobiographical reminiscences by the Pope.
'Witness to Hope' also discusses the Pope's efforts to build bridges to other Christian communities, and to Judaism, Islam, and other great world religions; presents an analysis of John Paul's proposals for strengthening democratic societies in the twenty-first century; and offers synopses of every major teaching document in the pontificate.