I really liked this book and do recommend it to anyone interested in learning about the inner workings of the Vatican and the Catholic Church during Pius's time as Pope. Sister Pascalina and her opinions were respected by Pius and many of his decisions for the Catholic Church were influenced by Pascalina. I walked away feeling that she was totally devoted to the church and Pope Pius. I am happy they had one another as companions and a little sad to think of the family the lives they walked away from to totally devote themselves to the church. I did feel that the author used words like "mistress" repeatedly to lead people to believe there was some sort of inappropriate relationship between them. Back in those days it was unheard of for a woman to have the access she did and this was scandalous in itself!

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