White Smoke: A Novel of Papal Election

Blackie, with some electronic help and the assistance of a Black Roman Princesss, prevents some ultra right wing skulduggery in the election of a new Pope. It is a glorious tale by a uneaqualed Irish story teller. That he is a preist, a sociologist, and part of the "liberal wing" of the american church is obvious and may spoil the tale for some. But everything could happen. May God intervene where Blackie can not. In any case you will increase your understanding of Vatican politics and how they affect you, no matter where and how you worship.

Father Greeley presents an interesting and entirely possible scenario. A patently innovative story and great characters (Bishop Blackie is my favorite) make this novel a must read for anyone, especially Catholics

I read other reviews and I think that many forgot that this is a work of fiction. There are no guide lines Greely has to meet. I believe he loves his faith and more to the point, he loves his GOD. I grew up protostant and through this as well as his other works have come to appreciate the Catholic Faith for its beauty and ageless grace. And as I send this review I am reminded ..Judge not lest ye be Judged.

It is indeed seldom that one novel has everything in it to capture the imagination. White Smoke has mystery, intrigue, romance, religion, sexual intimacy, the renewal of relationships and so many other things to hold the reader's attention and make it impossible to put down. Greeley offers the readers hope in the future of the Church - and hope in the future of all of us. We can only pray that Blackie Ryan is real and not simply confined to the pages of books. No one understands the Church better than Greeley. No one is able to touch so many persons as does Greeley. He would make an incredible pope, but that is probably another story

Politics, Vatican style, have much in common with Watergate when Bishop "Blackie" Ryan and Sean Cardinal Cronin travel to Rome to participate in the election of a new Pope. Intrigue, romance, and a look at the behind the scenes activities of the Roman Catholic hierarchy make this a fast paced read, one that you will have difficulty putting aside. This is a must read for all Andrew Greeley fans.