Robert Kaiser put the finishing touches to this remarkable book at the death of its central character: John XXIII, whose Council is seen as a turning point in Christian history. It is reported-as nowhere else-with an insight and a candour that make the book at once topical and timeless. Pope John is the of the Council's inherent drama. His single vision of a Church refreshed and equipped to meet the challenge of the modern world threads through this narrative. Blocked by bureaucracy, hustled by progressives, harried by urgent missionary needs, helped by some of the ablest theologians in the world, 'a man set from God whose name was John' steadily wins over the Council and the world with charity and courage.