The first serious journalistic investigation of the highly secretive, controversial organization opus dei provides unique insight about the wild rumors surrounding it and discloses its significant influence in the vatican and on the politics of the catholic church.

Allen reveals the remarkable power that opus dei commands in shaping vatican policy and presents a detailed look at the full extent of its network, which includes people in key positions in politics, banking, academia, and other influential arenas.

In just 50 minutes you will:

• Learn opus dei's complete history, including its unlikely survival following the exile of its founder from spain
• Understand the organisation's rise to prominence after finding favour with john paul ii and taking a firm traditionalist stance against innovation in the church following the second vatican council
• Discover the secrecy and scandal surrounding opus dei and its controversial practices, including mortification

Though some have taken the sinister portrayals of the opus dei in good humor, much the way similar conspiracy theories hound the freemasons, the depiction of the order has left a bad taste in the mouths of many, including the opus dei themselves. Members of the powerful catholic organization have risen to their own defense. Having said that, while there are indeed a trove of glittering claims that can be quickly disproven, some of the scandals the group has found itself involved in have left plenty of people stroking their chins.