Pius XIV: The Smoke of Satan and the Man of God

Originally published under the pseudonym Walter Martìn in 1978 with the title Pio XIV Pontefice di transizione. This English edition, which retains part of the original title, is based on the Italian edition published as Habemus Papam by Fede & Cultura in 2011.

Don Giuseppe Pace, a Salesian priest, who originally wrote this novel under the pseudonym Walter Martìn, takes on the excesses and inversions of the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council in this novel, with its host of lovable and infuriating characters and often surprising storyline. The new leader of the Church, a relative unknown who has been elected as a mere transitional pope, upsets the entire process of Reform that held sway over the Church up to his election. Opposed on almost all sides by shrewd careerists, he prudently selects a principled group of supporters, many of whom had been coldly thrown aside in the furor to overturn centuries of Tradition and Faith. Against the odds, they end up reigniting Tradition. 

As one who loves Tradition in general and the Traditional Latin Mass in particular, I welcome the publication of the English translation of this thoughtful and thought-provoking novel. I distance myself from those who fail to distinguish between Vatican II per se and the pernicious things done in the name of its so-called "spirit." Nonetheless, and this necessary distinguo notwithstanding, there is much food for thought and for prayer in the theological drama that unfolds in the pages of this challenging novel. —Joseph Pearce, author of Benedict XVI: Defender of the Faith and Literature: What Every Catholic Should Know

I personally knew and appreciated Don Giuseppe Pace, a Salesian priest of great culture and piety. He lived in Turin and always remained a faithful and authentic son of St John Bosco. His novel Pius XIV is fascinating and theologically astute. —Roberto de Mattei, author of Love for the Papacy and Filial Resistance to the Pope in the History of the Church

Although Pius XIV is a theological treatise in the form of a novel, it tells a fascinating story. Above all it is the passionate testimony of a writer, and many others like him, who fought against the revolution that began with the Second Vatican Council. In his book, written many years ago but still dramatically relevant today, Don Giuseppe Pace demonstrates a lucid, almost prophetic judgment that is both striking and moving. —Luca Fumagalli, teacher and essayist