Our main campus libraries have many resources on the history of popes and the papacy. Many of these items can be requested by current members of the Georgetown University community by logging into our catalog. Visit the Law Library Service Desk for assistance if needed.
- Duffy, Eamon, Saints & Sinners: A History of the Popes. New Haven, 2014.
Print available at Lauinger Woodstock Library
- O'Malley, John W., A History of the Popes: From Peter to the Present, 2010.
Print available at Lauinger Library
- Norwich, John J., Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy, 2011.
Print available at Williams Law Library
- Ranke, Leopold von, History of the Popes: Their Church and State, 1966
Digital version available in HeinOnline. Detailed three volume set.
- Rendina, Claudio, The Popes: Histories and Secrets., 2002.
This is a book, translated from Italian to English, that contains entries for each of the 264 men who have served as Pope since St. Peter. While the entries are well written and respectful, criticism of certain papal policies is made and many of the works cited in the bibliography were written before 1980.
- Kelly, J.N.D., The Oxford Dictionary of Popes,1988
Print available at Williams Law Library. This book is the ultimate reference source for quick information on each of the popes. Every entry has an accompanying bibliography of source material and there are many cross-references. The book is arranged chronologically.
