Anna M. Donnelly

Both biography and Vatican II overview, this book offers new generations interested in religion and Roman Catholic Church history a fresh look at a world figure who balanced continuity with change and opened dialogs with believers and nonbelievers alike. Recommended.

This polished and original study will attract students of early Christian history and religion.

With a breezy style, Luzzato is at his best contextualizing Pio within the major historic events of the time. Despite suggestive probing, he shows objectivity and respect for the modest friar. Recommended for general and religious readers in counterbalance to the many overly pious hagiographies that have been published.