"A murder; an accusation of sexual misconduct in the future cardinal's past; a seminary rivalry; vaulting ambition; a power play in international finance; a virtual schism in the American hierarchy; another Avignon pope; two or three really nice people - McInerny's new novel will keep you in suspense until the next to the last page. A nifty parable and a lot of fun."
- Michael Novak
American Enterprise Institute

"You need not be a Father Dowling to follow Ralph McInerny's trail through the agony of one bishop's lust for the Cardinal's hat with its built-in chicanery, and the ultimate test of his faith - fidelity to the Pope and martyrdom, or media acclaim and power from schismatic peers."
- Msgr. George Kelly
Author, Battle for the American Church