Understanding the Role of Bishops

Mike Aquilina's "Good Pope, Bad Pope" explores the lives and legacies of various popes throughout history, highlighting both their successes and failures. The book examines how God's will is manifest even through flawed leaders, demonstrating that the Church's indefectibility is not dependent on the perfection of its leaders. Aquilina's work offers a nuanced perspective on the papacy, acknowledging the human fallibility of popes while emphasizing the enduring strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The book encourages readers to understand the complexities of Church history and to appreciate the enduring power of faith amidst human imperfections. It serves as a reminder that God's plan unfolds even through challenging circumstances.

Michael Sirilla's "The Ideal Bishop: Aquinas’s Commentaries on the Pastoral Epistles" delves into the theological perspectives of St. Thomas Aquinas on the role and responsibilities of bishops within the Catholic Church. The book offers a detailed analysis of Aquinas's commentaries on the Pastoral Epistles, providing insights into his understanding of the episcopacy. Sirilla's work explores Aquinas's teachings on the nature of episcopal authority, pastoral care, and the relationship between bishops and the wider Church. The book is a valuable resource for scholars and students of theology interested in Aquinas's ecclesiology and the historical development of the Catholic Church. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the theological foundations of the Catholic episcopate.