Chronicle of the Popes recounts the lives, deeds and misdeeds of the 265 Popes from St Peter to Pope Benedict XVI. The extraordinary dichotomy between the dignity of the holy office and the human passions and pleasures of some of the individuals who have occupied it characterizes the narrative throughout. It shows how ultimately the rôle has come full circle – from selfconsciously spiritual office, through embroilment in political power, and back to its spiritual roots.