An ambitious American pope makes powerful enemies--from the Italian Mafia to the US President--in this fascinating thriller that "could be next week's news" (Daily Mail).   What if the unused riches of the Catholic Church were called upon to combat global poverty?   Following a tragic earthquake in Italy, Pope Thomas--the first American pontiff and a transformative leader--auctions off one of the Vatican's Renaissance masterpieces to aid in the recovery. The sale is such a success that he decides to go even further: organizing the greatest art auction ever held, with the proceeds going to help the poor.   But as the pope's charitable designs acquire political overtones, he encounters resistance from world leaders, including the president of the United States. And closer to the Vatican, the Mafia have as much interest in the poor as do popes and presidents . . .    "Master of the art-world thriller" (Publishers Weekly), Peter Watson turns his attention to a different kind of political thriller, as Vatican Vendetta--previously published as Crusade--delivers "nonstop action" (The Guardian).