White Smoke

by Andrew M. Greeley

The cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church have gathered in Rome for the papal election following the death of the incumbent pope. Torn by internal conflict and with many of its members alienated, the Church faces one of the most serious crises in its history. A coalition of cardinals favors a more moderate and pluralistic style of papal governance, but must contend with shadowy Vatican forces that oppose change and loss of their own power. These forces are determined to destory the coalition's candidate, a gentle and brilliant Spanish scholar. The leader of the coalition is Chicago's wily Sean Cardinal Cronin, aided by his patently indispensable sidekick, Bishop John Blackwood "Blackie" Ryan.

A lone assassin stalks the Vatican, his crazed mission: to destroy the next pope as soon as the traditional white smoke issues from the cardinals' meeting room--the Sistine Chapel--followed by the ancient words Habemus papam.

Can politics--Chicago style--turn the Catholic Church around? What will happen when the next pope must be chosen? Only Andrew M. Greeley, priest, bestselling novelist, and respected sociologist could have written this blockbuster tale of the forces actually ripping the Church apart, and of the next papal election, when the fate of the entire Catholic Church itself may well hang in the balance.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Religion, Historical Fiction, Thriller, Literature, Politics

480 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Andrew Greeley was a Roman Catholic priest, sociologist, journalist, and author of 50 best-selling novels and more than 100 works of nonfiction. For decades, Greeley entertained readers with such popular characters as the mystery-solving priest Blackie Ryan and the fey, amateur sleuth Nuala Anne McGrail. His books typically center on Irish-American Roman Catholics living or working in Chicago.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/andrew...

Reviews

[Alyse Webster · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing about the election of the pope and politics that go into it was alright, if a bit bogged down in details. However, I was sick to death of reading about how Dinny's 'once and future' wife was so tortured by her demons and had such great breasts and how red her hair was. Seriously, it felt like it was brought up every time Breasty McRedhead was mentioned. Also, I find it highly unlikely that two high ranking officials in the Catholic Church, let alone the future pope, are sitting up at night discussing whether two reporters are gonna give their marriage another go. And lastly, what SWAT team leader is gonna bring their girlfriend and a middle-aged newspaper reporter on a midnight rescue mission???

[Elaine Cougler · Rating 4 out of 5]

White Smoke by Andrew M. Greeley is a novel centered on the Catholic Church and is written by a priest, a little out of my usual reading patterns. The book was enlightening but not earthmoving, wholesome but not always realistic. I think a priest has problems with some life experiences because they're not his. the theme is that the papacy needs to be more like that of Pope John XXIII--open-minded and open to debate on all issues, particularly women, marriage of popes and clergy and the finances of the church. An interesting look inside the Catholic church.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story of a theoretical conclave, a fine display of Father Greeley's perspective on Modern Roman Catholicism. I particularly enjoyed, and widely agreed with, his NY Times editorial at the end of the year. *Rounded up from 3.5 stars.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating contrast to Conclave (which I read around this time last year, I think). In some ways, they're very similar books. They are novels centered on a Catholic papal conclave and both also have favorable views of the more progressive faction of the Catholic church. The books differ quite a bit though - both in how they end but also in the things the authors choose to focus on within these stories.

White Smoke is written by Fr. Andrew Greeley, a (now passed) Catholic priest, novelists, and University of Chicago sociology professor.* White Smoke was written and published in the mid-90s and, to some extent, it's written as a not-so-veiled critique of Pope John Paul II and his predecessors and a bit of wish-casting about conclave that goes in a different direction. What's funny is that the conclave that elected Pope Francis sort of gave Greeley what he wanted, but I'm not sure it turned out in a way that he'd have really liked.

*I can't imagine UChicago or any non-Catholic college having a priest-sociologist these days. I was fortunate to catch Greeley saying Mass a couple of times at UChicago too.

The story itself is great. I liked how it focused more on the characters outside the conclave than on the ones inside. I also loved the Chicago focus - a Chicago cardinal, bishop, and two reporters are the major players and it's a really a Daley-inspired political thriller.

This stands out from Conclave too because the ending is much less of a puzzler than that book. This conclave earns its result in a way that I didn't think Conclave did. This was definitely a good $1 purchase at the Book Barn this summer though!

[Alice Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although released in 1996, White Smoke could just as easily describe the goings on of a papal conclave today. Apparently the more things change, the more they stay the same. Catholic priest and prolific writer Andrew Greeley pens a story pitting liberals against conservatives in the church, issues with church finances, the secrecy of the conclave versus the media's insatiable desire to know what's going on, etc. The author includes enough history about popes and descriptions of Rome and the Vatican to make that alone worth reading his book While the main storyline involves the selection of the next pope, subplots include a health crisis, a kidnapping, and a broken marriage that might be restored. While physical encounters between the civilly divorced, but still married in the eyes of God, Dinny and Patricia Anne play a part in Greeley's point about the church's intrusion in the sex lives of married Catholics, the graphic details and number of encounters was a bit much for me as a reader, and jarring coming from the pen of a priest. A fascinating read, nonetheless.

[Sorcha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story wasn't what I expected it to be, though my edition doesn't have a book description on it. I assumed it would fit in the genre of papal thrillers, but the "thrills" were maybe 10 of the 450ish pages. This one was definitely more a political story, which I would have been okay with, just wasn't what I was expecting. That's not my biggest issue with the book, though.

I did not enjoy the writing, and thought about not finishing many times. For a character who opens with his divorce, celibacy, and disinterest in women, that had lasted a chapter before he has to mention everyone with boobs he passes. Constantly. While having dinner with future popes. (I guess kudos for noting within himself that he's being creepy.) The author mentions that he structured this as a romance, but those aspects hardly appear. He has two ways of describing the Irish, and five nicknames for every character, making the writing repetitive.

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book when it first came out and had a copy for many years. I've been reminded of it during this most recent conclave. Greeley's inside knowledge and flair for storytelling tells a story that feels incredibly realistic. I loved seeing Sean Cronin, featured in many of Greeley's book, becoming a player in the conclave and Bishop Blackie (his personal insert) being his usual awesome self. The romance didn't feel over the top like some of his books. It's just a perfect balance and I suspect still relevant today.

[Wendell Hennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second time reading this book written 28 years ago. A good mix of sexual banter and intrigue and Roman Catholic history and repaired relationships/marriages. Good commentary on the steadfast faith of Catholics despite who is running or mishandling the church. The cloak of secrecy is criticized and rightfully so. Secrecy leads to the abuse of power and to corruption. The same holds true for politics.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because of the recent election of Pope Leo, this book would be of current interest. Greeley has passed away but does a great job of portraying Catholicism and its clergy in an honest, human way. Greeley was a thorn in conservative Catholics but he portrayed through his books a true voice of the Church’s lack of understanding of today’s women and both men and women’s sexuality. It is time for an update on so many issues; we pray that Pope Leo might be able to accomplish this task. task.

[Aaliyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew M Greeley just has a way with words. The novel was a bit slow paced and I did take a lot of time to finally finish it but when the white smoke was sent out I was just as excited as Dinny and the Principessa out there! The sarcasm in the book was off the charts and it takes quite some time to pick up on Dinny's humor, but I bet the re-read will be funnier.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

(1996) Greeley does it again with a work of fiction that brings the Catholic Church's flaws into focus. Set in Rome during an imaginary Papal Conclave, he weaves a love story and attempted murder into the plot. One must be careful to separate fact from fiction, but Greeley is wonderful in his scrutiny as well as love for his faith.

[Richard Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Great Insight into the Catholic Church

A well-written story. A little slow at the beginning but picks up. Shows what is wrong with the institutional Church, and provides a viable solution. Yes, I am Catholic.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only just scraped a 3 stars.
Started off okay. I particularly enjoyed the characterisation of Blackie Ryan. But it went downhill quickly. So much sex!
Learnt a bit about the machinations of the RC church, of course.
Won’t bother reading another by this author.

[Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

What could have been an exciting story, turned out to be so disappointment. There is nothing good about this story. The characters are bland. The story is dull. There is nothing good about this book.

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting, book a big page turner with so many things trying to elect a pope. If you like this kind of book I highly recomend it

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about how a new Pope is chosen. The book was written in 1996, by Andrew Greeley, a priest and talented writer.

[Judi Politte-Downs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting novel about the election of the pope. Includes romance between media personnel, intrigue,a kidnapping and rescue and much more.

[Julie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novel about the election of a new Pope. Another Bishop Blackie mystery

[Triton Bishop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was interesting, it’s about the election of a new pope and some political drama with the Vatican. I wouldn’t consider this a favorite but the storyline between Dinny and his Ex wife was good.

[Edward Branley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13951708

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fictional book about electing a new Pope incorporated some Catholic facts and procedures. It reminded me of a Dan Brown adventure, but not as adventurous. In addition to the election of the new pope, reporters Dinny (NY Times) and Patricia (CNN) are in Rome covering the conclave. They are divorced, but still married in the eyes of the church. Their reconciliation was a nice addition to the story. There were some bad guys, church corruption and a kidnap too. It was a nice storyline mix and an enjoyable read. The story was told in narrative and press release format and filled with many Chicago and Irish heritage references.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'm going to write a novel about the election of a new pope but it's a spy thriller" sounds like a bad elevator pitch. However, this book is probably one of the best spy thrillers I've read. Yes, it had its fill of spy clichés but the premise kept me engaged the entire time, the length was actually justified by the plot (most spy thrillers are unnecessarily long), the hero characters were actually likeable, and the main female character was not a raging bitch for once (despite sort of being introduced that way - that changed pretty quickly though). Also, I wasn't entirely sure if they would succeed or not. Definitely kept me on my toes.

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one went pretty slow and is a strange mixture of slow church political discussions, some intrigue, and descriptions of a hot affair between the main character, a writer, and his ex-wife (who is really still his wife in the eyes of the church). I'm going to finish it but I'm looking forward to reading something else.
Finished this book on a trip to Europe. It ended predictably, still a strange mixture. I think if they stuck more to the intrigue and politics and left out some of the 'action movie' stuff it might have been a more cohesive book.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

It's pretty much impossible to truly know the process of electing a pope, but Andrew Greeley has managed to take some of the mystery out of it and give the reader a pretty good idea of the process. Whether you love the Church or hate it, it's fascinating to watch the pomp and ceremony and Greeley captured the reader in true form. The love story woven in the book is proof positive that love can triumph and that forgiveness can heal everything.

[Ronspross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel of papal succession/conclave was the most recent monthly selection by our church book club, which does mostly non-fiction. I likely would not have read it ever, but I'm glad I did. One gets the feeling that the author is giving one the "inside scoop" of the sausage making of papal selection. And the writing, plot line and the characters in the book keep things moving. It was fun.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book several times over the years and find it fascinating each and every time. While it is certainly fiction, it does give an interesting perspective into the election of a Pope while managing to toss in a mystery, a romance, a principessa and of course the always charming and somewhat mischievous Bishop Blackie Ryan. This by far my favourite of the Bishop Blackie novels.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book taught me more about the election of the Pope than I ever learned before. It was good insight into the process, the way the Catholic Church is organized and I felt I better understood the Papal elections after reading it.

[Mom Demers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first Greeley book I read and I didn't appreciate his writing at the time. I have since reread this one after having read more than a dozen of his other works. I appreciate his take on the Catholic church--its saints and sinners, foibles and strengths.

[Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

the writing style was not to my taste. i did not care for the multiple narrators and the repetition of words and expressions. and there was not enough tension achieved in the ramp up to the Conclave vote.

the subject matter was fascinating however.

[Paula Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fr. Greeley gives a definite insiders view in his books. White Smoke was about the events surrounding the death of a pope the election of a new papal leader. His books are fully of theology, doctrine, dogma and the conflicts of the Church in the modern world. The book did not disappoint.