Introduction Part I. The Papacy and the Popes 1 The Millennium and the Papalization of Catholicism 2 Papal Job Descriptions: Yesterday and Today 3 Cardinals in Conclave: A Troubled History 4 Reform of the Papal Curia: Historical and Theological Perspectives 5 The Beatification of Pope Pius IX 6 Two Popes: Benedict and Francis Part II. Two Councils: Trent and Vatican II 7 The Council of Trent: Myths, Misunderstandings, and Unintended Consequences 8 Bishops and Theologians at the Council of Trent: A Lesson for Today 9 The Council of Trent and Michelangelo's Last Judgment 10 Ten Sure-Fire Ways to Mix Up the Teaching of Vatican II 11 What Happened and Did Not Happen at Vatican II 12 Dialog and the Identity of Vatican II 13 Two Councils Compared: Trent and Vatican II Part Three: The Church at Large 14 Some Basics about Celibacy 15 Were Medieval Universities Catholic? 16 Excommunicating Politicians 17 One Priesthood, Two Traditions Conclusion: My Life of Learning.