Die Divisionare des Papstes by Heiner Boberski (Otto Muller Verlag, US 298.) Otto Herschan
THIS book's title refers to Stalin's riposte: "How many divisions has the Pope?" The author, writing about the world-wide selection of bishops, calls his book "The leaders of the Pope's divisions".
It is nigh impossible to deal in detail with every Bishops' Conference in the world, and since Dr Boberski is one of the editors of the contemporary Austrian weekly Die Furche it is understandable that more attention is paid to Austria than Britain and Ireland.
In the case of Britain the author pays tribute to the work of the former Pro Nuncio, Archbishop Bruno Heim, who had been responsible for the majority of the appointments of bishops in this country. Dr Boberski must regret the fact that Archbishop Heim's recent comment on the appointment of bishops was made after the publication of this book.
Speaking of this process, where a concordat exists and Rome submits three names to the Chapter for their choice, Archbishop Heim said: "It is not good enough to submit one lame, one blind and one the Vatican wants!"
This is a good book for those interested in the past, present and future appointment of Catholic bishops.