Keepers of the Keys of Heaven: A History of the PapacyBasic Books, 2009 - 566 pages One of the most enduring and influential of all human institutions, the papacy has also been amongst the most controversial. No one who seeks to make sense of modern issues within Christendom—or, indeed, world history—can neglect the vital shaping role of the popes. In Keepers of the Keys of Heaven, eminent religion scholar Roger Collins offers a masterful account of the entire arc of papal history—from the separation of the Greek and Latin churches to the contemporary controversies that threaten the unity of the one billion-strong worldwide Catholic community. A definitive and accessible guide to what is arguably the world's most vaunted office, Keepers of the Keys of Heaven is essential reading for anyone interested in the role of faith in the shaping of our world. |
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accept Alexander amongst Apostles appointed archbishop Avignon basilica became Benedict bishops bishops of Rome Boniface Cadaver Synod cardinals Castel Sant'Angelo Catholic century Charles Christian claimed Clement clergy clerical conclave condemned Constantine Constantinople Constantius II council court crusade Curia Damasus deacon death December decree deposed died diplomatic duchy Eastern ecclesiastical election emperor empire encyclical Eugenius excommunicated exiled favour France Frankish French German Hadrian Henry Holy ibid imperial Innocent issued Italian Italy January Jesuits John king kingdom kingdom of Sicily later Lateran letters Liber Pontificalis Lombard Milan monastery monastic monks Monophysite Naples nephew Nicholas Otto palace papacy papal authority papal elections patriarch Paul persuaded Peter Pippin III Pius Pius VII political pontificate pope pope’s predecessors priest recognised reform refused Roman church Rome rulers schism secular Senate sent Sergius Sicily Sixtus spiritual successor synod territories tion took trans Urban Vatican VIII Western