12 years at the heart of the Vatican
The man who whispers in the ears of popes are the disturbing and explosive confessions of a non-clergyman at the heart of the Vatican. For twelve years, Pierre-Jean Gire has been one of the Holy See's leading advisers: he was one of Pope Francis' closest confidants and is the ambassador of the Pontifical Foundation of Pope Leo XIV.
In this rare and exceptional account, the former UN diplomat lifts the veil on many closely guarded secrets, some of which have been kept for centuries. He recounts the intrigues of the Curia that Pope Francis had to deal with upon his arrival, explains the reasons behind the appointment of the “College of 100 Cardinals” from which the new Pope emerged, the tensions surrounding the institution's reforms, relations with other countries, particularly France, which have been abysmal since the election of Emmanuel Macron, the scandals and trials involving prelates, and the power struggles at the time of the handover between the two Popes...
Pierre-Jean Gire was a privileged witness to all the highlights of the decade: conclaves, synods, state visits, official trips, and the preparation of major speeches. He also shares personal and private conversations he had with Pope Francis.
In this book, rich in previously unpublished revelations, the author also recounts his encounters with the great and inspiring figures who have marked his life, including Mother Teresa, Canon Guillon, and Fathers Gérard and Lemonon.
He warns of the profound and decisive steps that must be taken to save the Roman Church.
Pierre-Jean Gire, French by birth, Swiss by nationality and Italian by residence, is Ambassador of the Pontifical Foundation, with the title of privileged interlocutor of the Holy See for Reserved Affairs. He has acted as coordinator of world events for His Holiness and of the Global Compact for Education. He is also Chairman of the Global Agency for Good Governance.
Previously, he was United Nations Information Officer, in the cabinet of Secretary General Perez de Cuellar. In particular, he organized a world conference on humanitarian affairs.
Thierry Niemen, born in Paris in 1961, is a professional journalist. He worked for But, Midi-Libre, and Le Sport before becoming a freelancer. He also wrote Le Gang des machines à sous (L'Archipel, 2023), after co-authoring his first book, J'ai séquestré Kim Kardashian, with one of the five “grandpa robbers” who kidnapped the world's most influential woman in 2021, published by the same publisher.
