The Papacy is the oldest institution in Europe and the world. But for this institution, as if symbolizing the timeless nature, the "time of change" has come. This collection of articles is dedicated to how the Papacy has tried and is trying to find its place in a changing world. The author analyzes the papacy's policy towards the USSR and the countries of the socialist bloc and the crisis caused by global changes in the institutional model of the Catholic Church, created in the 16th century and improved in the second half of the 19th century. The author paid special attention to John Paul II and the complicated espionage story surrounding the assassination attempt on him in May 1981. In general, the collection examines the period from the eve of World War II to the election of Pope Leo XIV (2025).