The Galileo gambit
(Book)

Father Michael Dominic, prefect of the Vatican Secret Archive in Rome, is entrusted with the mission of transporting the original 17th-century trial documents of Galileo to Loyola Law School in Chicago. The stage is set for a modern historical mock trial of Galileo's original heresy charges, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the legendary event. In this riveting reenactment, Galileo's fate lies in the hands of the Vatican's current chief prosecutor-a cunning bishop from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and his defense, a distinguished law professor harboring a mysterious past. All the while, the Pope's deteriorating health has the Roman Curia on edge, as ambitious contenders jockey for position in the anticipated papal election. But the plot thickens when priceless historical exhibits vanish the night before the trial. With no time to lose, Father Michael's team is forced to divide and conquer, pursuing every lead to recover the stolen treasures. As they face perilous twists and turns, they must also contend with shadowy plots from rival factions.