Pageant of the Popes is a non-fiction history book by John Farrow, first published in 1942. It presents a comprehensive narrative of the history of the papacy, from Saint Peter to Pope Pius XII. It focuses on the personal character of the popes, not just their official actions, providing a human perspective on these church leaders. While addressing the human frailties of the popes, the book's central theme is the resilience and enduring spiritual influence of the Catholic Church.