The Cardinal Sins

The New York Times–bestselling author's novel about Catholicism reveals “courage, honesty, and the healing touch of religion” (The San Francisco Examiner).

The Cardinal Sins ignited a worldwide sensation upon its original publication. Selling more than three million copies, it launched Andrew M. Greeley's career as one of America's most popular storytellers. This powerful saga of ambition, temptation, and love both spiritual and carnal is as timely and provocative as ever.

Lifelong friends and occasional rivals, Kevin Brennan and Patrick Donahue enter seminary together, but their lives soon diverge dramatically. Intellectual and independent, Kevin achieves success as a scholar but often finds himself at odds with his superiors in the Church. And his unwavering principles threaten to cut him off from those closest to him—including the former sweetheart he has never forgotten.

By contrast, the ambitious Patrick rises steadily through the Church hierarchy, only to fall prey to the temptations of lust and power. As hidden scandals and Patrick's inner demons threaten to destroy the lives of everyone around him, it's up to his oldest friend to save him from himself—and foil a conspiracy that could change the very future of the Papacy.