Live video chat today with ‘Vatican Diaries’ author John Thavis

Join us for a live video chat with John Thavis, who reported from the Vatican for three decades, today at 10 a.m. Thavis’ new book is “The Vatican Diaries: A Behind-the-scenes look at the Power, Personalities and Politics at the Heart of the Catholic Church” and he’ll be joining us live from Rome.

In it, he describes his experiences as part of the press corps that covers the Pope. He got about as close to Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II as a journalist could -- which sometimes wasn’t all that close.

How close did he get to Pope Benedict? Close enough to conclude his book with a chapter titled “The Real Benedict.” We’ll ask him about his impressions of the pope, and, of course, what he thinks of Pope Benedict’s surprising decision to step down. He’ll be the first pope in more than 500 years to do so.

With both candor and generosity, Thavis takes us inside the Vatican in “The Vatican Diaries.” His book, which will officially be released Feb. 25, is a delightful read. It’s as informed by Bob Dylan, who he saw perform for Pope John Paul II, as it is by ancient religious texts -- Thavis was Rome bureau chief of the Catholic News Service.

During our chat, you’ll be able to ask questions. Join us here at 10 a.m.

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