It is interesting to relive history, in the context of journalism, when the election of a non-Italian Pope was fresh surprising news. The behind-the-scenes revelations, and guesses, about the two conclaves were also interesting. Comments about the papacy, its history and theology, form the last chapter. I was struck by the author's interpretation (p. 200) of the Church: "Instead of the image of a pyramid with the pope [author does not capitalize] at its apex and the laity way down at the base... an interlocking network of local churches all in communion with each other .. [and] in communion with the Bishop of Rome." This is in fact a network model with the Pope as, very appropriately, the server; and it does accord with the sensus fidei in that the faithful feel a close relationship to their Holy Father. ( )