Jesus Wept by Philip Shenon Summary
Overview of Jesus Wept
"Jesus Wept" unveils seven popes' battle for Catholicism's soul, earning starred reviews for its explosive revelations about Vatican hypocrisy, secret homosexuality, and abuse scandals. What hidden truths about faith's highest office will shake your spiritual foundations? Kirkus calls it "controversial, but crucial."
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Key takeaways
The Vatican's Secret Battle: A Sixty-Year Struggle
In 1958, a seismic shift began within the Catholic Church that would forever alter its relationship with the modern world. When white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney announcing Cardinal Angelo Roncalli as Pope John XXIII, few realized they were witnessing the opening salvo in a decades-long struggle for the Church's very soul. This wasn't a battle fought with weapons, but with encyclicals, theological arguments, and competing visions of what Catholicism should be in the modern age. Seven successive popes have since shaped-or damaged-the Church's relationship with contemporary society, each leaving an indelible mark on an institution that spans continents and influences billions of lives. As one Vatican insider poignantly observed, "When the pope weeps, the whole Church feels the tears."
A Church Frozen in Time: The Pre-Vatican II Era
The Revolutionary: John XXIII Shakes the Foundations
The Struggle Intensifies: Paul VI's Agonizing Papacy
The Conservative Restoration: John Paul II's Iron Will
Francis: A Revolution of Mercy Meets Institutional Resistance
The Battle for the Church's Future Continues
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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