Ex-Navy Seal Nolan Kilkenny is called to Rome on the pretence of examining the Vatican library. But on arrival, he discovers his real mission, one that will ultimately involve China, the Mafia, and the conclave to elect the next Pope.

In agony, the ailing Pope reveals the whereabouts of the 'secret cardinal' who has been imprisoned by the Chinese for 30 years and who could become the next leader of the Catholic Church.

With the assistance of the US President, American Special Forces and the CIA, Kilkenny assembles a crack team, and in doing so attempts a daring rescue mission that could determine the fate of mankind...