“But,” he continues, surprising me, “I have also seen how these teachings have wounded people I care about. My cousin Miguel—” his voice catches slightly, “—he left the Church because he felt there was no place for him. Because he loved another man.”
“And what do you think about that?” I ask gently.
“I think…” He takes a deep breath. “I think Jesus would have embraced Miguel, not pushed him away. I think sometimes our traditions become barriers rather than bridges to God’s love.”
Relief washes through me. “So you would support opening this dialogue?”
“It will not be easy, Your Holiness. The conservative faction is powerful.” His eyes meet mine directly. “But yes, I will support you. Completely.”
A knock at the door interrupts us. Father Domenico enters, his elderly frame slightly stooped but his eyes bright with intelligence.
“You asked to see me, Holy Father?” he says, bowing slightly.
“Yes, Father. Please join us.” I gesture to another chair. “I was just discussing my plans with Father Tomás.”
As Father Domenico settles into his seat, I explain my intentions once more. Unlike Tomás, his reaction is immediate—a broad smile transforming his weathered face.
“At last,” he says, almost to himself. “I have prayed for this day.”
“You approve, then?” I ask, though his answer is obvious.
“Holy Father, I have heard thousands of confessions over my lifetime. So many souls tormented by teachings that seem to contradict the fundamental message of Christ’s love.” He leans forward, suddenly energized. “Do you know how many priests have wept in my confessional, torn between their calling and their natural desire for companionship? How many gay Catholics have asked if God truly made them wrong?”
His passion is moving. “Then you’ll help me prepare for the resistance we’ll face?”
“With everything I have left to give,” he promises. “Though you should know—the resistance may not be as universal as you fear.”
“What do you mean?”
Father Domenico exchanges a glance with Tomás. “There are many in the Church who have waited for this conversation, Holy Father. Not just progressives, but thoughtful traditionalists who recognize that the Spirit continues to move among us.”
“Father Domenico is right,” Tomás adds. “I’ve heard whispers, even among cardinals you might consider conservative. Not all agree with Antonelli’s faction.”
This gives me pause. “You believe there could be broader support?”
“I believe,” Father Domenico says, “that the Holy Spirit has been preparing hearts for longer than you realize. Your election was not an accident, Marco.”
His use of my name, so paternal and affectionate, warms me. “Then help me prepare. The meeting is in less than an hour, and I expect significant opposition.”
The three of us huddle together, discussing strategy, anticipating arguments, refining my approach. When Cardinal Sullivan and Sister Lucia return with their materials, they find us deep in conversation.
“I see our circle has expanded,” Sullivan observes with approval.
“We’ll need every ally we can gather,” I reply. “Father Domenico believes we may find support in unexpected quarters.”
Sister Lucia nods thoughtfully. “I’ve had similar impressions. Cardinal Chen from Hong Kong has expressed progressive views privately, and the African Cardinal Mwangi, while traditional in many ways, has spoken about the need for a more pastoral approach to these issues.”
“The key,” Father Domenico says, “is to frame this not as abandoning tradition, but as deepening our understanding of it. The Church has always evolved, always grown in its understanding.”
“Exactly,” I agree. “We’re not rejecting our past; we’re building on it.”
As we finalize our approach, I feel a sense of purpose stronger than anything I’ve experienced since becoming Pope. This isn’t just a tactical move to distract from our investigation—though it will serve that purpose. It’s a step toward the Church I believe Christ truly envisions: one of radical inclusion and love.
“It’s time,” Cardinal Sullivan says, checking his watch.
I stand, smoothing my cassock. “Thank you all. Whatever happens in that room, remember that we serve something greater than institutions or traditions. We serve the living God whose primarycommand was love.”
* * *
