Sister Lucia has been quiet, still studying my notes. When she looks up, there’s a light in her eyes I’ve never seen before.
“I’ve spent thirty years arguing for a more inclusive interpretation of Church doctrine,” she says softly. “I never thought I’d see a Pope willing to actually consider these changes.” She straightens her shoulders. “I’ll help you prepare the theological foundation. We’ll need to anticipate every scriptural and doctrinal argument they’ll throw at us.”
Sullivan watches her for a moment, then turns back to me. “If you’re certain this is the path you want to take, I’ll support you. But we need to be strategic about who else we bring into this circle before the announcement.”
“I agree,” I say. “I’m thinking Father Domenico for his wisdom and historical perspective. And I need to know where Father Tomás stands—he’s been careful to keep his personal views private.”
“Cardinal Chen might be an ally,” Lucia suggests. “He’s expressed concerns about how our current teachings are received in Asia.”
Sullivan nods thoughtfully. “And Archbishop Navarro from the Philippines. He’s pastoral in his approach, respected by both progressives and moderates.”
For the next hour, we discuss potential allies and opponents, refining our approach and anticipating arguments. Sullivan’s political acumen proves invaluable as he maps out the various factions within the Curia, while Lucia’s theological expertise helps sharpen our doctrinal positions.
“We should prepare written materials,” Lucia says eventually. “Biblical references, historical precedents for doctrinal development, testimonials from pastoral experience.”
“Excellent idea,” I agree. “Can you have something ready before the meeting this afternoon?”
“We’ll need to work quickly, but yes.” She stands, energized by the challenge. “I have most of the research already compiled from myprevious work.”
Sullivan rises as well. “I’ll discreetly sound out potential allies—nothing explicit, just enough to gauge who might be receptive when you make the announcement.”
“Thank you both,” I say, deeply grateful for their immediate support. “We’ll reconvene in two hours to finalize our approach.”
As they turn to leave, Sullivan pauses at the door. “Your Holiness, may I ask a personal question?”
“Of course.”
“Are you afraid?” His eyes, wise from decades of Church politics, search mine.
I consider the question carefully. “Not of Antonelli or the conservatives. Not even of failure.” I think of Matteo, of the courage it took for him to build a life of integrity in the political world. “I’m only afraid of not being true to what I believe God is calling me to do.”
Sullivan nods slowly, a smile spreading across his face. “Then we have nothing to fear at all.”
After Sister Lucia and Cardinal Sullivan leave to prepare their materials, I call for Father Tomás. My secretary has been a quiet presence these past weeks, his loyalty clear but his personal views carefully guarded. It’s time to know where he truly stands.
He arrives promptly, his expression betraying nothing. “Your Holiness requested me?”
“Yes, Tomás. Please, sit.” I gesture to the chair across from me. “I need to speak with you about something important.”
He sits, posture perfect, hands folded in his lap. “How may I serve, Holy Father?”
I study him for a moment. “Tomás, you’ve been my secretary since the conclave. You’ve witnessed everything—the threats, the attempts to isolate me, the corruption we’ve uncovered.”
“Yes, Your Holiness.” His expression remains carefully neutral.
“In one hour, I’m meeting with the Curia. I intend to announce plans for a synod to reconsider Church teaching on homosexuality, clerical celibacy, and marriage.” I watch his face closely as I speak.
His eyes widen slightly—the only crack in his composed demeanour. “I… see.”
“Do you?” I lean forward. “Because I need to know where you stand, Tomás. Not as my secretary, but as a priest. As a man of faith.”
He looks down at his hands, then back at me. “May I speak freely, Holy Father?”
“Please.”
“I was raised in a traditional Catholic family in Madrid. My formation was under Cardinal Visconti, as you know.” He pauses, choosing his words carefully. “I have always believed in the Church’s teachings.”
My heart sinks a little, though I keep my expression neutral.
