Book excerpt: The Cardinal Sins ignited a worldwide sensation when it first appeared nearly thirty years ago. Selling more than three million copies, it launched Andrew M. Greeley's career as one of America's most popular storytellers. Back in print at last, this powerful saga of ambition, temptation, and love both spiritual and carnal is as timely and provocative as ever. Lifelong friends and occasional rivals, Kevin Brennan and Patrick Donahue enter seminary together, but their lives soon diverge dramatically. Intellectual and independent, Kevin achieves success as a scholar but often finds himself at odds with his superiors in the Church. And his unwavering principles threaten to cut him off from those closest to him—including the former sweetheart he has never forgotten. By contrast, the ambitious Patrick rises steadily through the Church hierarchy, only to fall prey to the temptations of lust and power. As hidden scandals and Patrick's inner demons threaten to destroy the lives of everyone around him, it's up to his oldest friend to save him from himself—and foil a conspiracy that could change the very future of the Papacy! At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.