1A Catholic parish in present day California is plagued by a serial killer who disguises himself as the Pope and slays pedophile priests. Is he a homicidal maniac or is he actually fulfilling the Ascension Protocols of an ancient organization of the faithful? The answer lies in Gill Stillwell's story, the San Simone parish file clerk who dons the Papal garb and rubber mask and rains vengeance down on the corrupt clergy. It is a story that is also told through the violent and parallel struggle of a young boy in 1400 a.D. Rome who began the ancient Order of Octavius to battle corruption. These two stories collide in present day San Simone with the arrival of the mysterious Father Argus, an envoy from the Vatican. But is Father Argus trying to stop Gil or recruit him? The ultimate answer is only revealed in the aftermath of the Popes final bloody telekinetic assault, a supernatural blood bath that leaves a trail of guilty bodies in its wake.