Opus Dei · An Objective Look Behind the Myths and Reality of the Most Controversial Force in the Catholic Church

The 1st serious journalistic investigation of the secretive, controversial organization Opus Dei provides insight about the rumors surrounding it & discloses its significant influence in the Vatican & on the politics of the Catholic Church. Opus Dei ('work of God') is an international association of Catholics often labeled as conservative who seek personal perfection & strive to implement Christian ideals in their jobs & in society as a whole. Founded in Spain in 1928, it now has 84,000 members (incl. 1600 priests) in 80 countries. But far from running parish bingo nights, Opus Dei has become a center of controversy & suspicion both in & outside the Church. It's been accused of promoting a right-wing political agenda & of cultlike practices, aggressive recruiting, brainwashing new recruits & isolating members from families. Its notoriety escalated with the publication of *The Da Vinci Code* (it plays a sinister role) & with the previous pope's much-debated canonization of its founder (often linked with Francisco Franco's facist regime) & the discovery that convicted FBI spy Robert Hanson was a member. With the eye of a longtime trusted observer of the Vatican & the skill of an investigative reporter intent on uncovering closely guarded secrets, Allen separates myths from facts. Granted unlimited access to the prelate who heads the organization & to Opus Dei centers throughout the world, he draws on interviews with current members, as well as with critical ex-members, to create a portrait of its activities, practices & intentions. Allen reveals the power Opus Dei commands in shaping Vatican policy & presents a detailed look at the full extent of its network, which includes people in key positions in politics, banking, academia & other influential arenas. He even describes the arcane rituals--including self-flagellation--performed to preserve & promote a spiritual tradition unsettling to modern sensibilities. For years, Opus Dei has been the subject of conspiracy theories & uninformed speculation. *Opus Dei* sets the record straight.