Welcome to the World of
Jack Figel
Dedicated To
Saint Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI,
Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV
Meeting Saint Pope John Paul II in 1999
Meeting Pope Francis in 2014
Meeting Pope Benedict XVI in 2005
Meeting Pope Leo XIV in 2025
About The Author
Jack Figel
Jack Figel was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, and now resides in Fairfax, VA. He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and applied science, beginning a diverse professional career that included working for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, serving as an MIS Manager for the Executive Office of the President, and working as a worldwide PC Product Director in London. In 1991, he founded Figel Technologies International, LLC, providing independent consultancy and project management across various commercial and government sectors. Deeply committed to his faith, Jack is a Lector/Reader for the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic. He is the founder and publisher of Eastern Christian Publications (est. 1993), through which he has published over 300 books, and the founder of the Orientale Lumen Foundation (est. 1997), which organizes annual ecumenical conferences and pilgrimages to foster dialogue between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
Books in this Autobiographical Series
About The Book
My Stories - Volume 6: Audiences
My Stories – Volume 6: Audiences is a captivating segment of Jack Figel’s autobiographical collection, specifically dedicated to his extraordinary encounters with world religious leaders. The book provides an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the author’s seven private audiences with three different Popes—Saint Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis—as well as over 25 personal encounters with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Originating from Figel’s extensive work in religious publishing and ecumenical dialogue, these stories highlight the profound moments of connection, respect, and historic symbolic gestures that have occurred between the Eastern and Western Christian Churches over the past few decades.
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About The Book
My Stories - Volume 1: Boyhood
Over the years, as I’ve told people stories of my life, they have always said, “Jack, you should write a book!” So, I took them up on it and wrote this autobiography. As I started to structure the stories, I discovered that 1) there were too many to fit into one reasonably sized book, and 2) I have thousands of pictures in my archives. So, I have designed a 10 volume collection. My dad was a photographer from day one, and I’ve graduated from an Instamatic to 35 mm to digital camera to smartphone. So, each of these volumes will contain stories and pictures with captions. Some will correspond, but in many cases, I have stories with no pictures or pictures with no stories. I’ve decided to include them all to leave a complete legacy.
Documentary
Testimonials
This book is an exceptional historical document on ecumenical dialogue. The way Jack Figel recounts his audiences with the Popes and the Ecumenical Patriarch makes the reader feel like a part of those grand halls and the hard work behind them. The rare archival photos included in the book make this journey truly unforgettable.
Jack Figel doesn't just focus on strict official protocol; he beautifully brings out the human and compassionate side of these great religious leaders. The lighthearted jokes and small personal moments shared during these meetings show how warm and approachable these historic figures can be. A deeply moving read!
The greatest beauty of this volume is how it showcases the narrowing of centuries-old divides between the Eastern and Western Christian Churches. The historic moment of an Orthodox bishop celebrating the Divine Liturgy at Saint Peter’s tomb is deeply touching. This book is a true message of hope and peace.