Cardinal Antonelli’s eyes narrow. “Father Domenico, with all due respect to your years of service, this is not a matter for simple priests to decide.”
“On the contrary,” Cardinal Mwangi says, his deep voice commanding attention. “The sensus fidelium—the sense of the faithful—includes all baptized believers, not just the hierarchy.”
Another surprise. Cardinal Mwangi, from Kenya, has always been considered traditional. His intervention creates visible confusion among Antonelli’s allies.
“The African Church faces different challenges than Europe,” Mwangi continues. “But we too see young people leaving because they perceive our teaching as lacking compassion. Perhaps it is time to listen more and pronounce less.”
The debate grows increasingly heated. Cardinal Visconti cites natural law; Sister Lucia counters with historical context for those very concepts. Antonelli warns of doctrinal confusion; Sullivan speaks of pastoral realities. Through it all, I watch the dynamics carefully. The conservative bloc is clearly rattled, but what surprises me most is the nuanced support emerging from unexpected quarters.
Cardinal Esposito from Brazil, normally quiet in these meetings, speaks eloquently about the pastoral challenges of ministering to LGBTQ Catholics in his diocese. Archbishop Navarro from the Philippines questions whether our current teaching truly reflects the merciful Christ he preaches to the poor.
Most surprising is Cardinal Russo, usually aligned with Antonelli, who ruefully admits, “My nephew left the Church because he felt rejected for who he is. I could not answer his questions about God’s love in a way that kept him in the faith. Perhaps… perhaps we should at least listen to these experiences.”
Antonelli shoots him a look of pure shock and betrayal.
“Holy Father,” Cardinal Lombardi finally says, his voice strained, “these proposals would fundamentally alter Church teaching. They cannot be decided hastily.”
“I agree completely, Eminence,” I say, surprising him. “That’s why I’m calling for a synod—a time of prayerful discussion and discernment. I’m not issuing decrees today; I’m opening a dialogue.”
“A dialogue that will cause confusion among the faithful,” Antonelli warns.
“Or perhaps one that will bring hope to those who have felt excluded,” I counter. “The Church has survived far greater challenges than honest conversation.”
Sister Lucia adds, “The early Church in Acts debated whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law. They chose inclusion over tradition. The Church didn’t collapse—it grew stronger.”
For nearly two hours, the debate continues. I notice something interesting: the more passionately Antonelli, Lombardi, and Visconti argue against these reforms, the less they mention security protocols or the Vatican Bank. Their focus has shifted entirely, just as I’d hoped.
But something else is happening too—the Curia is not responding as a monolithic block. The fault lines are more complex than simply progressive versus conservative. Some traditionally minded cardinals show openness to discussion, while some usually progressive voices express caution about moving too quickly.
Finally, I raise my hand for silence. “We’ve had a productive initial discussion. I will issue a formal announcement about the synod. Itwill be held in two weeks time. In the meantime, I ask each of you to pray and reflect on these matters.”
“And what of the security concerns, Holy Father?” Antonelli asks, suddenly remembering his original purpose.
“I appreciate the Swiss Guard’s diligence,” I reply smoothly. “Captain Lombardi has briefed me thoroughly. I see no need for additional restrictions at this time.”
Before Antonelli can protest, I stand. “Thank you all for your candour today. Let us go forward in a spirit of openness and respect, as Christ would have us all do.”
As the cardinals file out, many in animated conversation, Sullivan, Lucia, Father Domenico and Father Tomás remain behind.
“Well,” Sullivan says quietly when we’re alone, “that certainly got their attention.”
Lucia’s eyes sparkle with barely suppressed amusement. “Cardinal Lombardi looked like he might have a stroke when you mentioned married priests.”
“What surprised me,” Father Tomás says, “was the support from unexpected quarters. Cardinal Russo has never contradicted Antonelli before today.”
Father Domenico nods sagely. “The Spirit moves in mysterious ways. Many have held these thoughts privately for years, afraid to speak them aloud. Your courage gave them permission to voice their true hearts.”
“They’ll be completely focused on fighting these reforms,” I say. “Which gives us room to maneuver on the financial investigation.”
“And the reforms themselves?” Sullivan asks carefully. “Was that truly just a distraction?”
I meet his gaze steadily. “No, James. The distraction is tactical, but the reforms are from my heart. I believe in them completely.”
Father Domenico places a gnarled hand on my shoulder. “And now,perhaps, you understand why God called you to this position, Marco. Not despite who you are, but because of it.”
His words echo in my mind as we disperse to our various tasks. Perhaps he’s right. Perhaps my own journey—my struggles with identity and belonging—have prepared me uniquely for this moment in the Church’s history.
As Father Tomás helps me prepare for my next appointment, he hesitates at the door.
