After the publication of the second English edition of this book, the opening of the archives of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (formerly the Congregation of the Holy Office), which occurred in 1998, brought to light important new documents on aspects of the trial of Galileo and on steps taken by the Church in 1757. New historical research, especially that of Francesco Beretta, on the procedures of the Holy Office and legal aspects of the Inquisition have provided important material for a better interpretation of the decisions taken by the Catholic Church in 1616 and 1633. This third English edition takes advantage of this new research and also of Fantoli's personal reflections upon that research.