For 2,000 years the pope has been the acknowledged head of the Roman Catholic Church. As the direct successor of St Peter, he holds a unique position, ruling over millions of Catholics worldwide. Arranged in chronological order, the book covers all the major popes, from the first, St Peter, to Pope Clement VII, whose reign was marked by a rapid succession of political, military, and religious struggles – and Pope Leo XIV, the first head of the Catholic Church from the United States. Journey through time from the glories of Byzantium to the crusades, from the Avignon split papacy to the modern church, discover more about the most powerful men in Catholicism. Beautifully produced in traditional handmade binding and with 150 illustrations and artworks of popes from throughout Christian history, this book will fascinate anyone interested in the history of the Catholic church from the first millennium to the present day.

A journalist for more than two decades, Dominic Connolly was for many years Arts Editor of The Mail on Sunday. He has also written for the Telegraph, Evening Standard, Metro and Saga Magazine, and is the author of four books, including Saints Illustrated. He lives in London.