This book examines the history, organization, and continuing worldwide influence of the International Christian Democratic Movement, which currently has nearly seventy parties on five continents. Although the parties embrace a wide range of political ideologies, from socialism in Latin America to conservatism in Europe, Papini concludes that the movement transcends political, social, and cultural differences to unify itself according to certain fundamental principles: respect of the human person, interpersonal relationships based on justice and solidarity, and attention to a fraternal society open to the transcendent.