Lovingly researched and compassionately penned, Pope Paul VI and His Quest for Peace: 1963-1978: Volume One: “Never Again War!” by Rev. John F. Tuohey, PhD is a timely tribute to the pontiff’s determined focus on world peace. Laying out a fascinating biography of the “forgotten pope” and detailing the events of his unprecedented visit to New York on October 4, 1965 to address the United Nations, this snapshot memoir captures a historic day for the United Nations, the United States, the Vatican, and those who value peace the world over, reaching far beyond the Catholic faith. Rounded out by an eye-opening review of Paul VI’s greatest diplomatic achievements, including his influence on ending the Vietnam War, this is an accessible and sometimes astounding account of a pontiff who can be characterized as both humble and heroic.
“For Paul VI popes must condemn what is wrong rather than seek to be mediators.”
Author Tuohey has compiled a unique, scholarly, and clearly heartfelt biography of Pope Paul VI, who served the Catholic Church and humanity as pope from 1963 to his passing in 1978. Tuohey presents a concentration, in this first volume, on the man’s slow rise to prominence and acceptance among his peers. There was some reluctance to choose him for the religion’s highest office, and indeed one of the most esteemed global occupations, because as priest and later bishop, Montini (his surname from birth) had proved he was unafraid to speak frankly about international conflict, warfare, and the treatment of the lowly and the oppressed wherever found.
Although he developed chronic health problems as a child, he was highly educated, the son of an Italian lawyer and journalist who encouraged his son’s persistence, which led him from college studies to Rome, where Montini was selected to work at the Vatican Secretariat of State. Montini’s wide-ranging viewpoint expanded as political divergence afflicted Europe and Soviet states, and when, as an aide to Pope Pius XI, he observed the Vietnam conflict rapidly expanding into a much-disputed and vigorously protested war. After attaining his position, Montini recorded in his journal that the role “brings great solitude.” Still, he toiled to reform Catholicism from within, in symbolism such as relinquishing his special tiara and in action, boldly visiting and addressing his faith’s members on six continents. Much of his papacy was spent conferring with and sometimes confronting national leaders. He addressed the United Nations General Assembly in 1965, bringing his pacifist viewpoint to international light as he advocated “No more war, never again war.” His international stance underpinned his wish that Catholicism might expand to tolerate even those of dissimilar rites and beliefs.
Tuohey brings an insider’s perpective to his impressive work. As a Catholic oblate of Benedict with a PhD in religious studies, he has taught moral theology and served in official capacities as an advocate for ethical healthcare. The subject matter he effectively arrays in this volume of Pope Paul VI’s life and efforts moves forward at times to provide an alluring look at what the second volume will include, always with the writer’s purpose to ensure that his readers will learn and intellectually embrace the facts gathered here. This is a task Tuohey deftly performs.
Pope Paul VI assumed his title and carried out his duties in a manner that clearly established him as a pacifist. Tuohey successfully illustrates this point by emphasizing his subject’s assertion that “an informed conscience” could not approve of weapons of mass destruction. The Pope was honored by a second invitation, in 1978, to join in a special session of the United Nations General Assembly Dedicated to Disarmament. Though he was aging and ill at the time, he wrote an address suggesting, as Tuohey styles it, that nations should “disarm and build new mechanisms to preserve the growing peace.” Ever the realist and always outspoken, the pope’s position was simple, yet profound: “If you want peace, make war irrational.”
Throughout this undeniably glowing and timely work, Tuohey skillfully presents Pope Paul VI as a spiritual figure to be cherished. As skillfully propounded by the author in his narrative, Pope Paul VI was a brilliant philosopher whose words should be shared among all believers in the vital importance of peace, acceptance, and tolerance, particularly in light of current global upheavals.
Pope Paul VI and His Quest for Peace: 1963-1978: Volume 2: “If You Want Peace…”
A quest connotes a journey, either metaphorical or actual, towards a goal. Generally, there are obstacles to overcome and difficulties to navigate. A quest can be long and arduous, challenging the quester’s commitment. But, inherent in the concept is the quester’s perseverance to succeed. Rev. Tuohey has given us, in this his second book on Pope Paul VI, the inspiring narrative of a man who never vacillated in his quest for peace in our world.
Pope Paul VI was the head of the Catholic Church for more than a decade and for much of that time the United States was waging war in Vietnam. This is an interesting historical parallel in this narrative that the author presents — a man promoting peace to US leaders at a time the country was embroiled in what at times, seemed like an unremitting conflict. The historical details of the Vietnam War are a compelling backdrop to this Pope’s message, one that never wavered. He wrote, “The measure of our desire for peace must be greater than the difficulty of achieving it.”
He also said, “…dialogue is the pathway to that equilibrium that is peace.” And dialogue he did, both in his written and verbal communications. In fact, the focus of this second volume writes the author is, “his [Pope Paul VI] enduring vision of and the pathways to peace articulated in his annual New Year’s Day Peace Messages.” In his first message in 1968 he “defines the purpose of what is truly a new genre of papal teaching: to give greater insight in the substance of an ‘exact idea of peace’” and, at the same time, inaugurated World Peace Day to be celebrated on New Year’s Day. In his subsequent messages he maintained his role as “a prophet of peace,” as well in his address, twice, to the United Nations.
This book is wonderfully inspiring. Rev. Tuohey has expertly woven an extensive amount of the Holy Father’s words throughout this second volume. It is hard not to be moved by concepts like: “Choose to become neighbors, to become friends with one another; War will disappear on its own if we create, invent, produce, and make genuine peace; Love of peace rather than fear of war; Peace is another word for human rights; An essential element of creating peace is reconciliation.”
You don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate Pope Paul VI’s words. The statement, “If you want peace, create peace” is applicable to all of us, in every country, community and congregation, worldwide. After reading the second in this two volume work by Rev. Tuohey, I am looking forward to reading Volume 1 to gain a deeper understanding of Pope Paul VI’s perspectives. This volume explores the intersection of Catholic teaching, international diplomacy, and moral leadership, making it essential reading for theologians, historians, and anyone concerned with the Church’s mission in the modern world.
Striving to Be Perfect as the Heavenly Father Is Perfect
Amazon Reviews
An enlightening and refreshing take on Christian maturity in decision-making, forgiveness, and reconciliation (as well as how it relates to some of the 12-Step AA Program principles). Father Tuohey discusses through biblical references (and his own difficulties in life) Jesus’ call for perfection and what that means for us. What is the prudent thing to do instead of going by our default solutions to life’s difficulties? The author uses an important model that focuses not on perfection but on grace, confession, practicing penance, and forgiveness. Christians are continually growing closer to God and studying His word, but there will always be room for human error. We will continue to make mistakes along the way, but that’s how life is supposed to be until we meet our Heavenly Father in Heaven someday. A very powerful read. —L DeRollo
This book really spoke to me. Striving to Be Perfect as the Heavenly Father Is Perfect is heartfelt and deeply reflective—it’s not about being flawless, but about growing in grace, especially in how we make decisions, forgive, and seek reconciliation. It challenged me in the best way, pushing me to think more intentionally about how I live out my faith day to day. The tone is gentle but honest, and it felt like a wise mentor guiding me through some tough, real-life spiritual questions. Definitely a meaningful read for anyone serious about Christian maturity. —Grace Eliot
Becoming a better person that practices Christianity is what this book is all about! While focusing on the areas of decision-making, forgiving, and reconciliation, readers get the chance to learn more about how they can improve and grow in all three of those areas of life according to the author! Some people may think this book is short, but the book does contain a lot of great information about all three of those areas, and the author give some great examples to the readers using him as an example of growing in all three of those areas! One of the nice things about this book too is the author encourages readers to not read the book from start to finish, but to jump around in the book in whichever order the reader would like! To also help strengthen the author’s viewpoints about each subject too, the author includes verses from the Christian Bible in his book as well! All of us are not perfect and we are all human at the end of the day, but I think this book will help all of us want to be better humans going forward into the future! Thank you Fr. John F. Tuohey for all the great information on being a better person! —Kenika Peach
To be a Christian does not always mean the same thing to everyone. Part of the reason for this is that there are so many flavors and versions of Christianity. Still, there are commonalities in all of them, mostly connected to concepts like forgiveness, kindness, and reconciliation with individuals we have disagreed with. Now, there is a book that uses the scriptures as a jumping off point to better understand all of these concepts. If you have found it difficult to adhere to any of them in your own life, then this book may assist you with that. The lessons to be found here can improve your life immeasurably and potentially help you to form a closer bond with the Almighty as well. — Steven Finkelstein
Reviews
Pope Paul VI and His Quest for Peace: 1963-1978: Volume One: “Never Again War!”
The Independent Review of Books
https://www.independentreviewofbooks.com/reviews-in-brief
Lovingly researched and compassionately penned, Pope Paul VI and His Quest for Peace: 1963-1978: Volume One: “Never Again War!” by Rev. John F. Tuohey, PhD is a timely tribute to the pontiff’s determined focus on world peace. Laying out a fascinating biography of the “forgotten pope” and detailing the events of his unprecedented visit to New York on October 4, 1965 to address the United Nations, this snapshot memoir captures a historic day for the United Nations, the United States, the Vatican, and those who value peace the world over, reaching far beyond the Catholic faith. Rounded out by an eye-opening review of Paul VI’s greatest diplomatic achievements, including his influence on ending the Vietnam War, this is an accessible and sometimes astounding account of a pontiff who can be characterized as both humble and heroic.
The US Review of Books
“For Paul VI popes must condemn what is wrong rather than seek to be mediators.”
Author Tuohey has compiled a unique, scholarly, and clearly heartfelt biography of Pope Paul VI, who served the Catholic Church and humanity as pope from 1963 to his passing in 1978. Tuohey presents a concentration, in this first volume, on the man’s slow rise to prominence and acceptance among his peers. There was some reluctance to choose him for the religion’s highest office, and indeed one of the most esteemed global occupations, because as priest and later bishop, Montini (his surname from birth) had proved he was unafraid to speak frankly about international conflict, warfare, and the treatment of the lowly and the oppressed wherever found.
Although he developed chronic health problems as a child, he was highly educated, the son of an Italian lawyer and journalist who encouraged his son’s persistence, which led him from college studies to Rome, where Montini was selected to work at the Vatican Secretariat of State. Montini’s wide-ranging viewpoint expanded as political divergence afflicted Europe and Soviet states, and when, as an aide to Pope Pius XI, he observed the Vietnam conflict rapidly expanding into a much-disputed and vigorously protested war. After attaining his position, Montini recorded in his journal that the role “brings great solitude.” Still, he toiled to reform Catholicism from within, in symbolism such as relinquishing his special tiara and in action, boldly visiting and addressing his faith’s members on six continents. Much of his papacy was spent conferring with and sometimes confronting national leaders. He addressed the United Nations General Assembly in 1965, bringing his pacifist viewpoint to international light as he advocated “No more war, never again war.” His international stance underpinned his wish that Catholicism might expand to tolerate even those of dissimilar rites and beliefs.
Tuohey brings an insider’s perpective to his impressive work. As a Catholic oblate of Benedict with a PhD in religious studies, he has taught moral theology and served in official capacities as an advocate for ethical healthcare. The subject matter he effectively arrays in this volume of Pope Paul VI’s life and efforts moves forward at times to provide an alluring look at what the second volume will include, always with the writer’s purpose to ensure that his readers will learn and intellectually embrace the facts gathered here. This is a task Tuohey deftly performs.
Pope Paul VI assumed his title and carried out his duties in a manner that clearly established him as a pacifist. Tuohey successfully illustrates this point by emphasizing his subject’s assertion that “an informed conscience” could not approve of weapons of mass destruction. The Pope was honored by a second invitation, in 1978, to join in a special session of the United Nations General Assembly Dedicated to Disarmament. Though he was aging and ill at the time, he wrote an address suggesting, as Tuohey styles it, that nations should “disarm and build new mechanisms to preserve the growing peace.” Ever the realist and always outspoken, the pope’s position was simple, yet profound: “If you want peace, make war irrational.”
Throughout this undeniably glowing and timely work, Tuohey skillfully presents Pope Paul VI as a spiritual figure to be cherished. As skillfully propounded by the author in his narrative, Pope Paul VI was a brilliant philosopher whose words should be shared among all believers in the vital importance of peace, acceptance, and tolerance, particularly in light of current global upheavals.
Pope Paul VI and His Quest for Peace: 1963-1978: Volume 2: “If You Want Peace…”
Pacific Book Review
A quest connotes a journey, either metaphorical or actual, towards a goal. Generally, there are obstacles to overcome and difficulties to navigate. A quest can be long and arduous, challenging the quester’s commitment. But, inherent in the concept is the quester’s perseverance to succeed. Rev. Tuohey has given us, in this his second book on Pope Paul VI, the inspiring narrative of a man who never vacillated in his quest for peace in our world.
Pope Paul VI was the head of the Catholic Church for more than a decade and for much of that time the United States was waging war in Vietnam. This is an interesting historical parallel in this narrative that the author presents — a man promoting peace to US leaders at a time the country was embroiled in what at times, seemed like an unremitting conflict. The historical details of the Vietnam War are a compelling backdrop to this Pope’s message, one that never wavered. He wrote, “The measure of our desire for peace must be greater than the difficulty of achieving it.”
He also said, “…dialogue is the pathway to that equilibrium that is peace.” And dialogue he did, both in his written and verbal communications. In fact, the focus of this second volume writes the author is, “his [Pope Paul VI] enduring vision of and the pathways to peace articulated in his annual New Year’s Day Peace Messages.” In his first message in 1968 he “defines the purpose of what is truly a new genre of papal teaching: to give greater insight in the substance of an ‘exact idea of peace’” and, at the same time, inaugurated World Peace Day to be celebrated on New Year’s Day. In his subsequent messages he maintained his role as “a prophet of peace,” as well in his address, twice, to the United Nations.
This book is wonderfully inspiring. Rev. Tuohey has expertly woven an extensive amount of the Holy Father’s words throughout this second volume. It is hard not to be moved by concepts like: “Choose to become neighbors, to become friends with one another; War will disappear on its own if we create, invent, produce, and make genuine peace; Love of peace rather than fear of war; Peace is another word for human rights; An essential element of creating peace is reconciliation.”
You don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate Pope Paul VI’s words. The statement, “If you want peace, create peace” is applicable to all of us, in every country, community and congregation, worldwide. After reading the second in this two volume work by Rev. Tuohey, I am looking forward to reading Volume 1 to gain a deeper understanding of Pope Paul VI’s perspectives. This volume explores the intersection of Catholic teaching, international diplomacy, and moral leadership, making it essential reading for theologians, historians, and anyone concerned with the Church’s mission in the modern world.
Striving to Be Perfect as the Heavenly Father Is Perfect
Amazon Reviews
An enlightening and refreshing take on Christian maturity in decision-making, forgiveness, and reconciliation (as well as how it relates to some of the 12-Step AA Program principles). Father Tuohey discusses through biblical references (and his own difficulties in life) Jesus’ call for perfection and what that means for us. What is the prudent thing to do instead of going by our default solutions to life’s difficulties? The author uses an important model that focuses not on perfection but on grace, confession, practicing penance, and forgiveness. Christians are continually growing closer to God and studying His word, but there will always be room for human error. We will continue to make mistakes along the way, but that’s how life is supposed to be until we meet our Heavenly Father in Heaven someday. A very powerful read. —L DeRollo
This book really spoke to me. Striving to Be Perfect as the Heavenly Father Is Perfect is heartfelt and deeply reflective—it’s not about being flawless, but about growing in grace, especially in how we make decisions, forgive, and seek reconciliation. It challenged me in the best way, pushing me to think more intentionally about how I live out my faith day to day. The tone is gentle but honest, and it felt like a wise mentor guiding me through some tough, real-life spiritual questions. Definitely a meaningful read for anyone serious about Christian maturity. —Grace Eliot
Becoming a better person that practices Christianity is what this book is all about! While focusing on the areas of decision-making, forgiving, and reconciliation, readers get the chance to learn more about how they can improve and grow in all three of those areas of life according to the author! Some people may think this book is short, but the book does contain a lot of great information about all three of those areas, and the author give some great examples to the readers using him as an example of growing in all three of those areas! One of the nice things about this book too is the author encourages readers to not read the book from start to finish, but to jump around in the book in whichever order the reader would like! To also help strengthen the author’s viewpoints about each subject too, the author includes verses from the Christian Bible in his book as well! All of us are not perfect and we are all human at the end of the day, but I think this book will help all of us want to be better humans going forward into the future! Thank you Fr. John F. Tuohey for all the great information on being a better person! —Kenika Peach
To be a Christian does not always mean the same thing to everyone. Part of the reason for this is that there are so many flavors and versions of Christianity. Still, there are commonalities in all of them, mostly connected to concepts like forgiveness, kindness, and reconciliation with individuals we have disagreed with. Now, there is a book that uses the scriptures as a jumping off point to better understand all of these concepts. If you have found it difficult to adhere to any of them in your own life, then this book may assist you with that. The lessons to be found here can improve your life immeasurably and potentially help you to form a closer bond with the Almighty as well. — Steven Finkelstein