John L. Allen Jr. – författare

Roman Catholicism stands at a crossroads, a classic ''''best of times, worst of times'''' moment. On the one hand, the Catholic Church remains by far the largest branch of the worldwide Christian family, and is growing at a remarkable clip. Yet the Church has also been rocked by a series of scandals related to the sexual abuse of minors by clergy, and, even more devastating, the cover-up by the Church hierarchy. The decade-long crisis has taken a massive financial toll, but the blow to both the internal morale and the external moral standing of the Church has been even steeper. Today, the Church has enormous residual strength and exciting future prospects, but also faces steep internal and external challenges. The question of ''''whither Catholicism'''' is of vital public relevance, for believers and non-believers alike. In The Catholic Church: What Everyone Needs to Know, John L. Allen, Jr., one of the world''s leading authorities on the Vatican, offers an authoritative and accessible guide to the past, present, and future of the Church. This updated edition includes a new chapter on the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the election of Pope Francis, and his extraordinary tenure thus far.

Roman Catholicism stands at a crossroads, a classic ''''best of times, worst of times'''' moment. On the one hand, the Catholic Church remains by far the largest branch of the worldwide Christian family, and is growing at a remarkable clip. Yet the Church has also been rocked by a series of scandals related to the sexual abuse of minors by clergy, and, even more devastating, the cover-up by the Church hierarchy. The decade-long crisis has taken a massive financial toll, but the blow to both the internal morale and the external moral standing of the Church has been even steeper. Today, the Church has enormous residual strength and exciting future prospects, but also faces steep internal and external challenges. The question of ''''whither Catholicism'''' is of vital public relevance, for believers and non-believers alike. In The Catholic Church: What Everyone Needs to Know, John L. Allen, Jr., one of the world''s leading authorities on the Vatican, offers an authoritative and accessible guide to the past, present, and future of the Church. This updated edition includes a new chapter on the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the election of Pope Francis, and his extraordinary tenure thus far.

World-renowned Vatican expert and highly respected journalist, John Allen, highlights what's inspiring in the global Church today that rarely gets media coverage. This world-traveling reporter covers the Vatican for a major national Catholic newspaper and for CNN. What he has seen and heard of the Church's presence here on earth inspires us and challenges us to truly live our faith. Vignettes from several parts of the world show the vibrancy, buoyancy, and hope of what's working in local Catholic faith communities around the globe. Each "e;snapshot"e; is followed by two questions for reflection:How does this vignette challenge and/or affirm my discipleship and my commitment to the Gospel and the Church?How does this vignette challenge and/or affirm the vision and commitment of my parish, Newman Center, or small faith community? Glimpses of encouragement, reassurance, and hope are an inspiring model of what the Catholic Church means around the world today--and what it can mean in our own lives.View sample pages.Booklet

As leader of the world's largest Christian denomination, Pope Benedict wants modern men and women to recognize the teachings of the Catholic faith with new eyes. He wants us to look "e;back to the basics"e; but in an intelligent, provocative and attractive fashion. For the pope, Christianity is not merely a set of rules and prohibitions, but a resounding "e;yes"e; to human dignity and the embrace of a loving God.In this concise piece, well-known Vatican inside observer John Allen, Jr. shares his observations on the ten most important things he believes Pope Benedict XVI wants all Catholics to know. The basis for his conjectures comes not from Allen's own personal perspectives, but from the writings and speeches of the Holy Father. Booklet

Pope Francis has fascinated the world with his humility, his compassion, and his radical vision for the Church. He has welcomed the homeless into the Vatican, embraced people with diseases, and shaken a complacent hierarchy. Shepherds, he said, should acquire the smell of the sheep.John L. Allen, Jr., who has covered the Vatican for CNN, the National Catholic Reporter, and currently the Boston Globe, has been in the forefront of covering Pope Francis and understanding his mission. In Against the Tide, Allen reveals a pope who has fixed his sight on reform, on accountability and on the Church's Social Gospel. Allen shows how the pope's actions reach out to those who are disinterested, disenfranchised and lost - and how his leadership, while beginning a new era, has roots that stretch back 2000 years.

When Shahbaz Bhatti, the lone Christian in Pakistan’s cabinet and a determined campaigner for the rights of Christians and members of other faiths was killed, his Taliban-affiliated assassins probably hoped it would be the end of his influence. Instead, Bhatti’s stature has only grown after death, and today he looms as a martyr and patron saint for persecuted Christians everywhere. His riveting life, from devoted altar boy in an overwhelming Muslim nation to human rights campaigner, from politician and government minister to martyr, is one of the great Christian dramas of our time, and as long as Christians are at risk anywhere in the world, Shahbaz Bhatti will be a source of inspiration and hope.This book traces the evolution of a martyr, from his roots in a traditionally Catholic village in the Punjab region of Pakistan through his awakening as an activist and political leader. It also explores the possibility that Bhatti may one day be declared a saint of the Catholic Church. It’s a story that deserves to be told, everywhere and always, until it’s part of the common heritage of Christianity and all humanity.