The Accidental Pope

A humble fisherman is elected as the next pope in this novel by the bestselling author of The French Connection and the former US Ambassador to the Vatican.

A Boston Globe Bestseller

“A suspenseful, provocative, lively tale of Vatican intrigue and U.S. State Department guile.” —Doris Kearns Goodwin

“This one will hold you, page to page.” —Larry King, USA Today

Locked in a stalemate after days of voting, the College of Cardinals struggles through the arduous process of electing a new pope after the death of Pope John Paul II. In an effort to break the impasse at the conclave, Brian Comiskey, Cardinal Primate of All Ireland, in a stunning surprise development, withdraws from the race. Explaining his decision, he offers an anecdote about being among a boat load of clerics who were caught in an unexpected storm, then miraculously rescued by his friend Bill Kelly, a former priest and now a Cape Cod fisherman.

The next day at the Sistine Chapel, still undecided about who they should vote for, the Cardinals smile to themselves as they cast what they think are throw-away symbolic votes for Bill Kelly—but no one is laughing when he is elected Pope. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, Bill Kelly is on his boat at sea when he has a very clear and disturbing revelation: God is once again calling him to serve his Church. Thus begins the reign of the first American Pope.

Written with the style of bestselling novelist Robin Moore and the political brilliance and authority of former U. S. Ambassador Raymond Flynn, The Accidental Pope is not a religious book about politics, nor a political book about religion, but a story that gives insight into the Vatican and the role of the Holy See in world events. The Accidental Pope is a globetrotting tale full of suspense, drama, and humor.

“A vastly endearing tale, the kind of feel-good story that is bound to attract an audience. Recommend it to anyone looking for another box of chocolates.” —Booklist

“A fascinating page-turner of international diplomacy and the politics of the Holy See.” —Anniston Star