“I’m concerned about making the same mistakes as previous reformers,” I admit. “Cardinal Antonelli made it clear there could be… consequences to pursuing this audit.”
She nods thoughtfully. “You’re not the first Pope to face this struggle. Pope Innocent III in the 13th century instituted major financial reforms, centralizing papal authority over Church finances. Pope Gregory VII fought against simony—the buying and selling of Church offices. Even Pope Francis in our time faced significant resistance to his financial transparency initiatives.”
“And what happened to these reformers?”
“Some succeeded, some were partially thwarted.” She leans forward. “But remember, Holy Father, they were all older men when they became Pope. You have youth on your side—potentially decades to implement change.”
“If I survive the first year,” I say with a wry smile.
Her expression turns serious. “That’s not entirely a joke, is it? Yougenuinely fear for your safety.”
I hesitate, then decide on honesty. “Monsignor Adessi’s death seems… convenient for those who prefer secrets remain buried.”
“Then you need to know whom to trust.” She glances toward the door, lowering her voice. “Cardinal Antonelli has family connections to Italian banking families who’ve had relationships with the Vatican Bank for generations. Cardinal Visconti has blocked every attempt at financial reform for the past fifteen years. And Cardinal Lombardi, while personally honest, is easily influenced by traditionalists who equate questioning finances with attacking the Church itself.”
“And who can I trust, besides Cardinal Sullivan?”
“Archbishop Chen has advocated for ethical investment of Church funds for years. Cardinal Esposito from Brazil has written extensively on economic justice. And Cardinal Rivera from Mexico stood with Pope Francis during his attempts at financial reform.” She pauses. “But be careful with Father Tomás.”
This surprises me. “My secretary? He seems devoted.”
“He is devoted—but his formation was under Cardinal Visconti. His loyalty to you is genuine, but his understanding of Church politics was shaped by traditionalists. Watch how information flows through him.”
Before I can respond, a discreet knock announces Father Tomás’s return. “Your Holiness, Archbishop Chen has arrived.”
Sister Lucia rises. “Remember the words of Pope Gregory the Great: ‘The art of arts is the governance of souls.’ Financial reform is ultimately about spiritual integrity.”
After she departs, Father Tomás approaches hesitantly. “Your Holiness, was your discussion with Sister Lucia productive?”
I study his face, wondering if Sister Lucia’s caution is warranted. “Very. She has a remarkable grasp of Church history.”
“She is certainly… forthright in her opinions,” he says carefully.
“Sometimes forthrightness is exactly what’s needed.” I gesture toward the door. “Please show Archbishop Chen in.”
Archbishop Chen Wei enters with a slight bow. His presence is a welcome sight—as head of the Vatican’s missionary outreach in Asia, Chen represents the global Church I hope to strengthen.
“Your Holiness.” He clasps my extended hands warmly. “I came as soon as I received your message.”
“Thank you for coming, Archbishop. Please, sit.” I gesture to the chair across from me. “I understand you worked with Monsignor Adessi on several Asian development projects.”
Chen’s expression grows sombre. “Yes. His death is a great tragedy.”
“Did he seem troubled to you recently?”
The Archbishop considers his words carefully. “Monsignor Adessi was… conflicted about certain financial arrangements involving our missions in Southeast Asia.”
“What kind of arrangements?”
“I discovered that companies receiving Vatican investment were the same ones exploiting local workers and displacing indigenous communities.” Chen’s voice remains measured, but his eyes reflect deep concern. “When I brought this to his attention, he seemed genuinely disturbed, and promised to investigate. That was three weeks ago.”
I lean forward. “Did he mention specific accounts or investments?”
“He referred to certain portfolios as being ‘historically untouchable’ despite poor financial performance.” Chen hesitates. “Your Holiness, I don’t wish to speak ill of the dead, but Monsignor Adessi implied that questioning these investments could be… dangerous.”
The word hangs in the air between us.
“Thank you for your honesty, Archbishop.” I stand and move to the window, looking out at St. Peter’s Square below. “I’ve ordered a complete audit of Vatican finances.”
