This engrossing book encompasses the extraordinary history of the papacy, from its beginnings to the present day. This new edition covers the unprecedented resignation of Benedict XVI and the election of the first Argentinian pope.Praise for the earlier editions:?Duffy enlivens the long march through church history with anecdotes that bring the different pontiffs to life. . . .Saints and Sinners is a remarkable achievement.??Piers Paul Read, The Times (London)?A distinguished text . . . offering plenty of historical facts and sobering, valuable judgments.??Henry Chadwick,New York Times Book Review?Will fascinate anyone wishing to better understand the history of the Catholic Church and the forces that have shaped the role of the papacy.??Gloria J. Tysl,Christian Century