From the first moment of his papacy Karol Wojtyla sought political influence and a role on the world stage. Promising a renewed church, he was the first media Pope and travelled around the world to preach his message. It is said that he was central in the fall of Soviet Eastern Europe. One year after his death, there are calls for his sainthood. But is this the whole truth? Investigative journalist Yallop explores the myths and half truths of John Paul II's long reign and asks some difficult questions ranging from the role of the Vatican in the momentous events in 1989, and the continued mismanagement of Vatican finance, to the failure to address the child sexual abuse crisis and the rise of Opus Dei. Including revelations from the CIA, the KGB, and the Vatican itself, this is an unflinching look at a man who may soon become a saint.--From publisher description.