Quote:
Originally posted by adduncan
Dan Brown's writings are fiction. If you are into conspiracies and not really interested in learning how things work, then it's the place for you.
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Of course they are fiction. Nobody is saying otherwise -- although there have been huge amounts of politics, intrigue and even alleged murder in Papal history -- nobody is saying anything like that is happening today. However, Mr. Brown did a huge amount of research for the book and the descriptions of the process and elections are allegedly pretty accurate. I remember as I read the book how familiar the accounts of the actual election were according to news reports of past Papal elections. There have been five Popes and four elections during my lifetime -- each one reported on in the media.
At least they follow closely the descriptions given our TV crews (see earlier post) by Cardinal Dearden and other coverage of past Papal Elections.
Actually, I remember back in 1978, there was a fair amount of speculation involving foul play in the death of John Paul -- who died after only about a month in office. Nothing was ever proven, and it was probably just that -- speculation.
But I'm certainly not besmirching the Church or the office of the Pope. So please relax -- there is no disrespect here.