The Many Lives of a Jesuit, Freemason, and Philanthropist

"In this much-anticipated biography, Éva Petrás presents us with the adventurous life of the Hungarian Jesuit Töhötöm Nagy. Tracing the twists and turns of his life, the reader simultaneously delves into the 20th century history of Hungary, the Hungarian Catholic Church, Freemasonry, and communism. Following him to South America and then back to the by-then communist Hungary, we are afforded a glimpse into the life of Catholic youth movements and the secrets of the Vatican's Eastern policy after World War Two. Painstakingly researched in the Vatican and three continents, and written in a beautiful, readable style, Dr. Petrás's book is not only an important contribution to historiography but can also be recommended wholeheartedly to readers sensitive to history and human destinies."—Judith Kesserű Némethy

"Töhötöm Nagy was one of the most colorful figures of modern Hungarian Catholicism. The central issue of his life was the practice-oriented examination of the possible frameworks and forms of social policy to support the underprivileged, economically and socially exploited strata of society. This is what he sought as a Jesuit priest, as a Freemason, and as an agent of the communist secret service in Hungary, Rome, and South America. Among his many facets, he can be identified as a forerunner of liberation theology. Nagy was both a hero and perpetrator, true friend and traitor, patriot, and citizen of the world."—Attila Pók