This biography draws new conclusions about Paul's contribution to the modern papacy. Unlike his predecessor, John XXIII, there are few anecdotes about Paul. There is consequently no industry surrounding him. Hebblethwaite argues that Paul's pontificate was of more decisive importance for the future of the Church. There had, he suggests, been unreasonable liberal optimism at the death of John XXIII. Paul was bound to disappoint given these expectations. As it was, he consolidated the post-Vatican II Church with a mixture of openness and fidelity.