As the former Rome bureau chief for Catholic News Service, few understand the inner workings of the seat of Roman Catholicism better than John Thavis. His book reveals that Vatican City’s public image of power, hierarchical authority and reverence for the past often masks a disorganized, inept and uncertain organizational culture.
Thavis joined Catholic News Service as a reporter in 1983 and became Rome bureau chief in 1996. He served three years as president of the Association of International Journalists Accredited to the Vatican – the only American ever elected to that position – and has won numerous awards for his work.
Last year, Thavis retired from Catholic News Service and moved back to the United States to devote his time to writing. He travels frequently to Rome, continues to cover Vatican affairs, and lectures in the United States and Europe.
