Second Wind Publishing discussion

1. You've probably read about Pope Francis, the new pope with the personal touch, who comes from Argentina. He is also called the bishop of Rome. Do you see any similarity between him and the character in the novel, Michael Tucci, archbishop of Turin? Think about their feelings about shaking things up in the church or about the church bureaucrats in Rome or their experiences working with poor people. Do you think such bishops are good for religion or hurtful? Why?

2. The sect that wants to bring the Shroud of Turin back to Jerusalem believes the world is about to end. They see such developments as the growth of Islam in the world or Islamic extremists able to pull off Nine-Eleven as proof things are getting worse. Do you agree? Do you know anyone who believes the world is about to end? How do you react when they start talking about the apocalypse?

3. A member of the sect that stole the Shroud thinks he sees an angel over the city of Istanbul during an earthquake there. You know the saying, "In foxholes there are no atheists." Do you feel closer to God when your life is in danger or when you are terrified over something about to happen? What does that feeling say about your relationship to your faith?

4. Do you think Istanbul is in the path of an earthquake? Is there a major fault nearby?

5. There is talk of declaring Pope John the 23rd a saint in the Catholic church. Are there any saints today? Who do you think fits your definition of a saint? Do you think the character Giovanni Palmitessa in the novel fits your definition?