St Mary’s Academic Publishes Book on Benedict XV and World War I

Revd Dr Ashley Beck, Programme Director in the School of Education, Theology and Leadership at St Mary’s University, Twickenham has written a new publication exploring the role of Pope Benedict XV during the First World War. The new publication Benedict XV & World War I: Courageous Prophet of Peace examines Benedict XV’s struggle to end the Great War. Giacomo della Chiesa was elected Pope in September 1914, just weeks after the beginning of the great War and, in the centenary year of the tragic event, this work examines how he, along with so many others, worked to end the bloodshed. Despite having the second shortest papacy in the last century, the legacy of Pope Benedict XV still remains and is a lasting example to all of those who seek peace and the end of war. Dr Beck, who is Programme Director for St Mary’s Foundation programme in Pastoral Ministry, also successfully gained his PhD by publication during St Mary’s Winter Graduation Ceremony last week, the first member of staff at the University to do so through the route of publication. Entitled ‘Catholic Social Teaching in the Contemporary Church – Towards Radical and Prophetic Methodology’, it comprises eight pieces of work published by Dr Beck between 2005 and 2011, along with a supporting statement. Dr Beck said, “This year we mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. It is important that we remember the efforts Pope Benedict XV made throughout the war to try and bring about a negotiated end to the conflict. His condemnation of the conflict began a significant process of change in Christian teaching about the morality of war.” Benedict XV & World War I: Courageous Prophet of Peace has been published by CTS Publications, which specialises in work explaining the faith, teaching and life of the Catholic Church.