In this extraordinary book, the controversial and profoundly influential Hans Küng chronicles the Roman Catholic Church's role as a world power throughout history. Along the way, he examines the great schisms--between East and West, and Catholic and Protestant--as well as the evolving role of the papacy, the stories of the great reforming popes, and the expansion of a global church infrastructure. The book concludes with a searching assessment of how the Catholic faith will confront the immense challenges posed in the new millennium by those seeking reform of traditional strictures.

Includes index. "Includes a new epilogue on the crisis in the Church"--Cover.

The beginnings of the church -- The early catholic church -- The imperial catholic church -- The papal church -- The church is split -- Reform, reformation, or counter-reformation? -- The catholic church versus modernity -- The catholic church--present and future.