A computer hacker penetrates Vatican security and sends an urgent anonymous plea to The Pope. Handsome Father Quart of the church's Institute of External Affairs, an arm of the Vatican intelligence, is dispatched to investigate. The message of the hacker concerns a crumbling 17th century Baroque church in the heart of Seville that apparently "kills to defend itself". As he pursues his investigation, Quart confronts intrigue, mystery, murderers for hire and danger that will challenge his loyalty, vow of chastity, and his faith.