Papal Whispers

Lewes, East Sussex: The Book Guild, 1998. A Fine unmarked copy wit near Fine complete dustjacket. It is 1999, and when the pope dies, throwing the Vatican into a welter of subterfuge, the papal prefect Thomas Costello, finds himself at the hub of affairs he doesn't understand and cannot control. Not even he could have predicted the new pope's unexpected approach to church policy or his subsequent battle of conscience between faith, free will and fatalism. It would take him around the world and across the path of his old friend, Robert Paine. The press are soon alerted and as political editor of The Times, Paine is expected to investigate events in Rome, but when he realises the extent of Costello's involvement, he is torn between friendship and his commitment to his paper. What is the reason for the pope's secret meetings, and why is there a sudden, yet concealed meetings between the world's religious leaders? What is the meaning of the unknown word on the lips of the dying pope? Why are government agencies interested in Paine's activities? Costello and Paine pool resources to try and unravel the mystery. **** NOT EX LIB **** D4E. First Edition. Hard Cover. Fine/Near Fine. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.