Spies in the Vatican: The Soviet Union's Cold War Against the Catholic Church

The shocking history of the Soviet Union's espionage campaign against the Catholic Church. Infamous for the arbitrary and paranoid persecution of their own citizens, it is a little known fact that the Soviet Union also waged a vicious espionage war against the Catholic Church and its followers. From the targeting of local priests to an assassination order against Pope John Paul II, the KGB viewed Catholicism as a threat to stability in Eastern Europe and treated the Church as an enemy of the State. Former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer John Koehler has written the definitive book on this startling history. Using never before seen documents and transcripts, including an order against the Pope that was signed by Gorbachev, Koehler paints a vivid picture of the network of spies and double agents who were working to infiltrate the Church’s infrastructure, from the Vatican down to local parishes. But what is most impressive is the overwhelming evidence of the extreme courage of everyday believers who offered shelter and protection to the persecuted, despite the danger of their own arrest or execution. The KGB’s efforts to purge the Soviet Union of the Church’s “conspiratorial influence” would eventually backfire. This unprecedented history of the Soviet Union’s cold war against the Catholic Church is a vital and important contribution to the works of twentieth century history. 16 pages of color illustrations
ASIN: 1605981400
VSKU: DBV.1605981400.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Koehler, John
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: Gently used with minimal wear on the corners and cover. A few pages may contain light highlighting or writing, but the text remains fully legible. Dust jacket may be missing, and supplemental materials like CDs or codes may not be included. May be ex-library with library markings. Ships promptly!