Contesting Zion. The Vatican, American Catholics, and the partition of Palestine. By Adrian Ciani. (McGill-Queen’s Studies in the History of Religion, Series Two, 103.) Pp. xviii + 320 incl. 1 map. Montreal & Kingston–London: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2025. £22.99 (paper). 978 0 2280 2461 3

Key Points

• This work examines the involvement of the Vatican and American Catholics in the political discourse surrounding the partition of Palestine.
• Historical analysis of primary and secondary sources.
• Examination of religious and political impacts on the partition.
• In-depth case studies on Vatican and American Catholic positions.
• Demonstrates varied theological perspectives among American Catholics regarding Palestine.
• Highlights the Vatican's strategic diplomatic efforts during the partition process.
• Analyzes the implications of religious beliefs on foreign policy concerning Palestine.