Paul Collins: writer, historian, environmentalist, broadcaster ... and Catholic

Paul Collins's latest book is:

Absolute Power: How the Pope became the most influential man in the world

'Extensively researched and well written, Collins' latest is a tour de force. If you want to have a deep understanding of the modern-day papacy and want to discover the deep roots of the challenges facing anyone (like Pope Francis) who seeks to reform it, then get this book. You won't put it down!'

Robert Mickens, English language editor, La Croix International

Other reviews of Absolute Power ...

'Convincing history ... This trenchant work will be of primary interest to general readers curious about papal authority since the Enlightenment era.' Publishers Weekly

'Well-documented ... An honest but critical analysis of the role of the papacy in both the church and the world in modern times.' Library Journal

'Fasten your seat belt for a rollicking ride through two hundred years of papal history culminating in a generally positive assessment of Pope Francis' new approach to the role. Paul Collins offers a broad and deep albeit astonishingly accessible read of the complicated, deeply fraught currents in the Roman Catholic Church. He wisely does not presume to predict what will be next. But scholars and interested observers alike will want this resource at hand to make sense of it as it unfolds.' Mary Hunt, codirector of the Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual (WATER)

'In this essential guide to the history of the papacy, Paul Collins dramatically traces the Vatican's near-death experience and remarkable restoration of power over the past two centuries. Absolute Power reveals how the history of the papacy affects--and distorts--our understanding of the church today and offers a prophetic challenge to an institution that must evolve if it is to survive. Collins has given us an urgent, meticulous historical study that reads like a page-turner.' Jamie L. Manson, columnist and books editor, The National Catholic Reporter

A note on the title: while the title uses the words of Catholic British historian Lord John Acton ('Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely'), the reference is actually to the words of the First Vatican Council (1870) which says that the pope has 'the absolute fullness of supreme power' in the church, a claim that has always struck me as almost demented! (PC)

More on Absolute Power: See blog post.

Paul Collins is an historian, broadcaster and writer. A Catholic priest for thirty-three years, he resigned from the active priestly ministry in 2001 due to a dispute with the Vatican over his book Papal Power (1997).

Collins has authored fourteen books and is known as a commentator on Catholicism and the papacy. He also has a strong interest in ethics, environmental and population issues.

Collins has a Master's degree in theology from Harvard University and a Doctorate of Philosophy in history from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra, Australia.