A COUNTERFEIT PRIEST

 When  Pope Benedict XVI abdicated as the Supreme Pontiff and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, the world press was very explicit in informing  the public on how the selecting of a new pontiff was going to work.  However, it failed to go into the political maneuverings that are  brought into play by the Roman Curia and its most influential cardinals.  What the news commentators didn't tell you was how separate coalitions  comprised of cardinals from each continent would try to manipulate their  particular candidates into the seat of Peter for various reasons. The  princes' of the Church would no doubt be uncomfortable with admitting  that the papal selection process works pretty much the same way as any  other political election with candidates and their promoters vying for  votes in order to win power. But when the College of  Cardinals select  its leader, it's ostensibly accomplished with only the help and guidance  of the Holy Spirit. However, the novel A COUNTERFEIT PRIEST, which is based on Cross' screenplay by the same title, gives a different perspective to this esteemed spiritual selection.