Merchants in the Temple

Inside Pope Francis's Secret Battle Against Corruption in the Vatican

By: Gianluigi Nuzzi

Narrated by: P. J. Ochlan

From a best-selling author with unprecedented access to Pope Francis, an investigative look at the recent financial scandals at the highest levels of the Vatican.

A veritable war is waging in the church: On one side there is Pope Francis' strong message for one church of the poor and all; on the other there is the old Curia, with its endless enemies, and the old and new lobbies struggling to preserve their not-so-Christian privileges. The old guard do not back down; they are ready to use all means necessary to stay in control and continue the immoral way they conduct their business. They resist reforms sought by Pope Francis and seek to delegitimize their opponents, to isolate those who want to eliminate corruption. It's a war that will determine the future of the church. And if he loses the battle against secular interests and blackmail, Pope Francis could resign, much like his predecessor.

Based on confidential information - including top-secret documents from inside the Vatican and actual transcripts of Pope Francis' admonishments to the papal court about the lack of financial oversight and responsibility - Merchants in the Temple illustrates all the undercover work conducted by the Pope since his election and shows the listener who his real enemies are. It reveals the instruments Francis is using to reform the Vatican and rid it, once and for all, of the overwhelming corruption traditionally encrusted in the Roman Catholic Church. Merchants in the Temple is a startling book that will shock every listener. It's a story worthy of a Dan Brown novel, with its electrifying details of the trickery and scheming against the papacy - except that it is real.

©2015 Gianluigi Nuzzi (P)2015 Macmillan Audio

Sad commentary on officials in the Catholic Church

If you could sum up Merchants in the Temple in three words, what would they be?

Sinful, corrupt and self centered describes the highest level officials in the Catholic Church described in this book. Flowery, diplomatic, insincere rhetoric is used by officials to cover their corrupt and evil actions. Considering the actions taken around the world to transfer and hide priests who abuse children and adults, it is naive to be surprised by this further information about officials in the church. Yet I was surprised and beyond disappointed.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Merchants in the Temple?

No one memorable moment. Lots of memorable moments. The arrogance and corruption which appears to be continuing despite the results of audits. I fear for the safety of the pope yet admire his ongoing efforts. The devil exists and he has many followers.

What about P. J. Ochlan’s performance did you like?

PJ Ochlan did a good job in relaying the information.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The popes ongoing efforts move me. The faithful who support the pope moves me. The individuals who, at great risk, work to help end the corruption moves me.

Any additional comments?

I feel torn about the leaking of this information. I hope it helps to support the popes efforts rather than destroying the efforts. Trust has been broken.

informative I learned a lot

The laity in the Catholic Church need to stand with Jesus at the foot of the cross, stop donating to the hierarchal framework of the church and return to tradition and Truth. I encourage everyone to seek out the messages of Our Lady of Lasalette and Our Lady of good success, out of Ecuador.

Troubling times for the Pope

How can you say that you enjoyed a book that so clearly outlines the sins of the church clergy that are the books subject. It was eye opening and shines a light on the greed that Frances is surrounded with. When he says "Pray for me," he means it.

the history lesson

great book and should he a required read in college. Will purchase the book to go onto my bookshelf. Well spoken and read by narrator.