Conclave

Holy See #1

by Greg Tobin

Timothy John Mulrennan journeys from post-World War II suburban New Jersey to a career as a Catholic priest to the turbulent election of the first pope of the Roman Catholic Church in the third millennium. 75,000 first printing.

Genres: Fiction, Religion, Historical Fiction

430 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2001

About the author

Greg Tobin is the author of several books on the Catholic Church. He was the editor of The Catholic Advocate, and during the April 2005 papal transition he appeared frequently on national radio and TV programs as an expert commentator on the popes and the papal election process. His books Selecting the Pope and Holy Father were widely used as authoritative resources on the subject and were quoted in the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times, as well as the Associated Press. He lives in West Orange, NJ."

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tobin pulls the reader into a world that is known about only by the rules that govern it and the Hollywood depictions of it; the papal conclave. The Conclave's use is, usually, quite rare and so the reader can latch onto the story and the drama with ease. At the time of publishing, it had been around 33 years since a Conclave had occurred and even reading this 6 weeks after the most recent one brought Francis I, the drama is still high. Using an interesting premise (discussed below), Tobin uses his knowledge of the Catholic hierarchy to explore possibilities and lays out just how political (and how deep the politics fester) the Church tends to be, dogma being only one part. The action and attention to detail, combined with the metaphoric characters makes for a splendid book that can be enjoyed by religious enthusiast and political nut alike.

I read the book more for the political aspect than anything else. The mystery and intrigue as it relates to a Conclave is surely one of the most interest and secretive forms of democratic action alive today. Tobin’s continual movement through the death of John Paul II (his name never used directly, as he was still alive at the time) and subsequent selection process for a successor is so well done, complete with forbidden lobbying and strong factions fighting for control of the Papal Throne. Tobin does inject a form of flashback to justify some of the ‘current day’ actions that can push the reader into great confusion. However, had the book been written in a solely chronological setting, the book could be no less than 1000 pages, weaving all these happenings together and surely would find the Conclave itself in the middle of Book 2 or 3.

Kudos Mr. Tobin. I will soon read the second in the (yet to be) unfinished trilogy and I hope it is as exciting as this introduction to the subject.

[Lora Shouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cardinal Timothy Mulrennan of New Jersey is a good man and a good priest. He has seen and done a lot and has been placed in some questionable situations. Remarkably, he has not broken his vows (although he has come really close).

But when the pope passes away and it is time for the Conclave to select a new pope, Tim Mulrennan’s friend, the Italian Cardinal Biagi, tries to promote him as the next potential pope – the first American to hold that position.

The possibility of this brings the attention of a Cardinal Venholme and his lay supporter, billionaire Frank Darragh, members of an ultra-conservative group within the church called the Evangelium Christi Society, who think that the moderate Mulrennan would be hostile to their aims. They are promoting another man for pope, and to further their aims they hire an investigator to dig up whatever dirt they can find on Mulrennan.

Cardinal Mulrennan does not particularly want to be pope. He and many others in the college of Cardinals see it as an extremely difficult job – probably even worse than being President. When the newspaper stories about his past start appearing and news of them leaks into the Conclave, despite the fact that they are supposed to be secreted from the outside world until the new pope is chosen, Mulrennan confesses the truths of his past life as best he can to the Conclave. In fact, another candidate appears almost out of nowhere who seems to be a very good choice, although he is no more anxious to be pope than Mulrennan, and it looks for a time as if the whole mess has been satisfactorily resolved. But then the unthinkable happens, and college of Cardinals find themselves back in Conclave once more.

A very satisfying read.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think I would enjoy this when I started it but what a fascinating read, towards the end I couldn't put it down and ate it up for the last third of the book.

I find The Papacy and the workings of the Vatican and Conclave especially fascinating. This is my second foray into Papal fiction, after Robert Harris's novel, also called Conclave. Whilst that was more meaty in terms of action, I found this more interesting in terms of content, a deeper look into the role of a Cardinal and fictional take on the journey from the start.

For me this teeters between 4-4.5 stars, I cant give it 5 because it left a loose thread I would have liked to see closed. I am curious about the sequel Council and that will be read in the near future and hopefully my loose thread will be tied up.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conclave

Fascinating view into the machinations of the Holy See. Bouncing back in time to show Cardinal Mulrennen's failings and growth as a priest.
Am looking forward to the second book in this series.

[Becky Rosas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book during the days after Pope Francis had passed and this did not disappoint. It was filled with details of a man of the world called by God. The details surrounding the conclave were excellent. Whether or not you are Catholic, you will enjoy the story and the characters within.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absorbing and thought-provoking.

[Gerard P Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written? Compelling to the end.

A great read. Well thought out and flows nicely throughout. If you find church hierarchy and intrigue this is a must.

[Mark Stephenson]

This book moved me. Published before the death of Pope John Paul II, but looking towards the transition which would occur at that time this author has created a memorable series of portraits of fictional (but true -to-life) characters based on his own experiences and observations as a believing American Catholic. I can't help but believe that much prayer as well as impressive learning, labor and craft went into its creation. There is a lengthy appendix which informs interested readers as to the rules governing the selection of a new Pope. Though my own world view differs significantly from this author's I respect the many positives demonstrated in this work. But little attempt is made to sugar-coat the problems of modern Catholicism. The novel's hero, Cardinal Mulrennan, is a New Jersey priest who struggles to deal with tragedy within his own family as well as among those whom he is called to serve - and serve with. At one point he falls in love with a Jewish woman, Rachel Seredi, an artist, to whose good sense alone he owes the continued observance of his vows of celibacy. Celibacy throughout life for those who would serve God as priests is not part of my own background. My Dad was a Latter-day Saint bishop for a number of years and I'm quite sure his experiences as a faithful husband to Mom and as the father of us nine children were a plus for him in his attempts to serve the Philadelphia Ward congregation of which I was a member in my youth. This is not to sugar-coat the problems of modern Mormonism - for problems inevitably attend believers of any stripe - but neither should the tragic problems of unbelief be ignored, sugar-coated or minimized. Sometimes people need help, even miraculous help, and a good case can be made for the faith which actuates those who serve with faith, whatever the creed (or non-creed) may be. I think that is what this author has done with Conclave and this is part of what moved me. I was also moved to warm gratitude for the blessing of the Word of Wisdom (the Mormon prohibition on the use of tobacco and alcoholic drinks) which has done much, when faithfully observed, to prevent many problems of which this novel takes such vivid notice.

[Keilani Ludlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! I am not a Catholic, in fact my faith is very far from it. However, I loved reading this story about a Catholic Archbishop, the pope, the process to elect a new pope, etc. The story is primarily about the archbishop and moves back and forth between stories in his past and the present. I had to google a few terms, called my good friends who are Catholic to verify which elements were true to the faith and which were elements of the story (because I know how my faith is misrepresented in fiction - I am not about to just assume someone else's faith is being represented correctly).

It comes down the the story of a very good man. He isn't perfect, but he is good. He truly believes. He loves others. He doesn't use his faith as a weapon. While he is wholly committed to his God and his faith, he doesn't judge others for their sins. This is how I see true disciples of God, no matter what religion they belong to.

The political machinations in the election process, the different splinter groups within the church, etc. are all part of the plot. Yes, they to some degree exist in real life, but they are not THE FAITH, they are people who misuse the faith. Some truly believe that they are acting on God's will. Some believe in God but also like to tweak things in the here and now. It makes me think of the Spanish Inquisition. It was not the religion that was the problem, it was evil people using religion as a tool just like Nazi's used politics as a tool and warmongers use weapons as tools. Any type of person who wants power will use what is available to them. That doesn't mean the religion is bad, that doesn't mean that God approves of what is being done, it just means that humans are good, bad, and everything in between.

I was surprised at how much I like this book. I found myself crying for the main character several times, or crying when good things prevailed, and crying when bad things happened. It was a great book!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Parish Library Book Group read this in January along with White Smoke by Andrew Greeley. They cover the same theme--fictional accounts of the papal conclave after the death of the long-time Polish pope (John Paul II, of course). I enjoyed comparing and contrasting the two books.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A conclave is held each time a new pope needs to be selected for the Catholic Church. This work follows the life of a Catholic priest and his trials and tribulations as he at times questions his faith. Another wonderful read about the Church from Greg Tobin that shows we are all human.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling mystery about the election of popes and the potential politics that can influence it. Well written with believable characters. And quite a bit of information/insight on the papal election process.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book to the series the second book is called Council.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catholic fiction about the inner workings of the Church during the time of Conclave. Not very realistic but engaging fiction.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book about the proceedings of the Conclave to elect a new Pope. Looking forward to the "sequel" Council. Vatican III???

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives one a good idea of what probably actually goes on during a Conclave. Constant prayer and waiting for the Holy Spirit it is not.