‘Even as stories have trickled out about the corrupt financing schemes that have enabled Opus Dei to groom vulnerable adolescents for abusive service on a global scale, no one has exposed as fully as Gareth Gore the menace to democracy posed by its growing stable of political partners like the US Supreme Court kingmaker Leonard Leo. A harrowing tale of sanctimony in the service of subversion that makes for urgent reading.’
Nancy MacLean, author of Democracy in Chains
‘In Opus, investigative journalist Gareth Gore uncovers the clandestine operations of Opus Dei, a secretive Catholic sect that covertly siphoned billions from Banco Popular, one of the world’s most profitable banks, to expand their influence. Gore’s access to confidential records and insider accounts reveals a shocking conspiracy of financial and moral corruption, including the indoctrination of vulnerable recruits and the sect’s hidden role in shaping right-wing agendas. This compelling exposé uncovers a decades-long global deception, challenging our understanding of power and secrecy in modern society.’
Bradley Hope, author of Billion Dollar Whale and Blood and Oil
‘With meticulous investigative research and breathtaking writing, Gareth Gore uncovers the shocking origins of a powerful far-right religious sect that for decades has worked in the shadows to impose its version of conservative Christianity on society. I came away with a fuller picture of the rise of Christian nationalism globally, and a more complete understanding of what’s at stake in America’s coming election.’
Mike Hixenbaugh, author of They Came for the Schools
‘For decades, Opus Dei has served as a hidden hand, corrupting businesses, exploiting women, and working to impose its controversial minority beliefs on an unsuspecting US public. Gareth Gore has done a remarkable job in shining a bright light on its machinations and abuses, from its origins in proto-fascist Spain to its current standard-bearers Bill Barr and Leonard Leo.’
Anne Nelson, author of Shadow Network
‘Under Gore's skillful research readers will learn about a 100-year-old organisation that was designed to impose its view of religion and the world on everyone. Never has “follow the money” been so important. Gore lays out, in meticulous detail, how Opus Dei, whose members are known as “numeraries” and “supernumeraries”, recruit young men who are wealthy, come from wealthy families, or are destined to become wealthy … The wealthy Americans that Gore references in this book, and their relationship to Opus Dei, provides readers with a wealth-based roadmap that exposes the serious threat this organisation poses to the country.’
New York Journal of Books
‘A deeply disturbing and important book which will interest and concern anyone who believes in that blessed trinity of modern democracy — openness, transparency and accountability.
Patsy McGarry, The Irish Times
‘Gareth Gore's investigation into Opus Dei reveals a powerful and shadowy organisation whose reach extends into politics, religion, and finance … Vividly told and excellently researched.’
Miles Johnson, Financial Times
‘Abuse, enslavement, and financial schemes are the stock in trade of the shadowy Catholic sect Opus Dei, according to this chilling debut exposé … Gore’s most alarming line of inquiry is into Opus Dei’s political influence in Washington, DC, via the Catholic Information Center and the Federalist Society. Readers will be disturbed.’
Publishers Weekly, starred review
‘Moving with the suspenseful twists and turns of a political thriller, this well-documented book reveals the hidden agendas and intrigue that belie institutional structures in a post-truth world. Unsettling, informative reading.’
Kirkus Reviews
‘A new, deeply researched book.’
New York Magazine
‘Gareth Gore’s new book, Opus is quite frankly shocking. It’s also a much-needed exposé of what looks very much like a cult within the Catholic Church. … it’s clear from Gore’s own detailed notes and the extensive hours he spent interviewing both members and former members that financial and political scandal has dogged the movement since its very beginning … In 14 chapters, Gore lays out the details that he found, telling the extraordinary story of a small Spanish sect that, with the help of the Franco regime, quickly learned how to excel in financial and political corruption.’
U.S. Catholic
‘One of the strengths of Opus is how Gore situates Opus Dei’s political machinations within the Vatican … Opus is a thoroughly researched, accessible and readable account of its activities and what is in store for the world if it achieves its ambitions. Gareth Gore has done a major service in bringing its operation into the light of day.’
Newtown Review of Books
‘In identifying Opus Dei’s part in the Christian Nationalist movement, Gore has done a public service.’
Religion News Service
‘Opus, written by the financial journalist Gareth Gore, is a solidly researched work and will undoubtedly survive the public-relations, and even legal, blitz that Opus Dei will surely mount against it.’
The Baffler
