Opus Dei is perhaps one of the mostcontroversial religious organisations of our time.For many years there was little informationabout its history and development. Morerecently attempts have been made to make itsstructure and organisation are now much moretransparent. For some, however, theorganisation is seen as a powerful and shadowyinstitution with wealth, influence and manydark secrets. This revealing book aims to findout the truth behind the myths and thespeculation, and examines the faces andpersonalities behind its institution.This book presents a global perspective of theOpus Dei that considers its influence on aworldwide scale and reveals the truth behindthis powerful institution.• Investigates the secret world of the Opus Dei anddetails its humble beginnings in Spain nearly 80 yearsago to its unique status as a powerful autonomous entityat the very heart of the Catholic church today• Uncovers the background of the characters involved inOpus Dei, such as its founder Josemaria Escriva deBalaguer, General Franco and Pope John Paul II• Looks at the membership of Opus Dei, the commitment,numeraries and supernumaries, rules for entering andleaving, the treatment of women and the controversialrecruitment of members in schools and universities• Reveals the true relationship with the Vatican, thefinances and charities, and explores objectively the manyconspiracy theories about and criticisms of the organization