From the determined lead to the enigmatic supporting cast, the people populating Altar of Secrets are flawed, real, and compelling. You will find yourself trusting no one, which makes the eventual resolution all the more satisfying.

The book acts as a "call to action" for transparency, challenging the Church to rediscover its prophetic mission. Analysis from Asia Sentinel notes that even when the Philippine clergy tried to establish stricter protocols for misconduct, the Vatican initially rejected them for being too lenient.

: The book was launched during a period when Pope Francis was actively urging the global Church to engage in self-criticism.