The mysterious and strictly secretive Catholic society Opus Dei, from the moment of its inception, aroused increased suspicion among both the laity and high officials of the Vatican. Numerous political and religious scandals are associated with him. Its members were accused of Masonic activities and patronage of the Illuminati. In modern fiction, it is portrayed as a totalitarian terrorist organization of Christian militants who use the dirtiest means to achieve their goals. The names of US President George W. Bush, actor Mel Gibson, and former FBI Director Louis Freeh are associated with membership in this mysterious order of crusaders. However, despite all the rumors, the Roman papacy has always been extremely favorable to the Opus Dei society and its members, who are directly subordinate only to the Vatican to the throne. So who are they, these mysterious monks living in the world: cold-blooded killers engaged in ritual self-torture, or true Christians seeking their path to God in everyday life? Slandered by envious competitors and demonized by Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code, or secret Vatican saboteurs ready to carry out the most terrible order? The first serious journalistic investigation into the activities of the secret Catholic organization Opus Dei, written by CNN analyst John Allen, provides the reader with a unique opportunity to get acquainted with its true life and reveals the depth of her influence on the Vatican and the politics of the Catholic Church.