“Stubborn. Working too hard.” She pauses. “He misses you terribly.”
“And I him.”
“The parliament vote has been postponed again. The corruptionevidence against Carlos is too substantial to ignore. Matteo’s position is stronger today than yesterday.”
“Good. And the other matter?”
“The Vatican Bank documents? Being reviewed by prosecutors as we speak. Cardinal Lombardi doesn’t know it yet, but the Italian financial police have frozen several of his foundation’s accounts. They’re preparing arrest warrants for all of the Cardinals indicated in the documents you presented to them. They won’t know what hit them.”
After we hang up, I turn back to the television. The news has shifted to international reactions. The German Bishops’ Conference has issued a statement supporting the synod process. French Catholic intellectuals have published an open letter defending theological exploration of sexuality. American Catholics are split along familiar liberal-conservative lines, but even there, surprising voices have emerged in support.
A knock at the door, Captain Lombardi enters.
“Your Holiness,” he says, “I have news from the security detail. We’ve identified the officers who’ve been reporting directly to Cardinal Antonelli. We’re replacing them quietly, one by one.”
“How many of the Guard remain loyal to the office of the Pope rather than to Antonelli?”
“More than two-thirds, Your Holiness. Many were disturbed by the attempt to isolate you. It goes against our sacred oath.”
“When will I be free to move about again?”
“Soon. Perhaps tomorrow. We’re being careful not to tip our hand. Reichlin still hasn’t realized the truth of the matter though, which is why it has taken longer than I would have liked to get you free of this room.”
After he leaves, I walk to the window. From here, I can see a corner of St. Peter’s Square. The crowds have grown again. Signs in multiple languages. Families with children. Elderly nuns alongside youngactivists.
My phone buzzes with a message from Sister Lucia: “Conservative coalition fracturing. Three cardinals who stood with Lombardi yesterday have requested private meetings with Cardinal Sullivan.”
Another message arrives, this one from Archbishop Chen: “Asian and African conferences standing firm. We represent the future of the Church. They cannot ignore us.”
I press my hand against the cool glass of the window. For the first time in days, I feel the tide turning. Not victory—not yet—but movement in the right direction.
My phone buzzes once more. Matteo again: “La Repubblica poll shows 58% of Italians support me remaining as PM. Public response to anti-corruption arrests overwhelmingly positive. Love conquers all, Marco. Even politics.”
I smile at his optimism. The battle is far from over. The synod still looms ahead—a theological confrontation that will determine not just my fate but potentially the direction of the Church for generations. Antonelli and his allies will come armed with centuries of tradition and selective readings of scripture.
But I will come with something stronger: truth. The truth about love in all its forms. The truth about a God who created humanity in magnificent diversity. The truth that has been buried under layers of fear and control for too long.
24
The Liberation
Captain Lombardi
I stand at attention in Colonel Reichlin’s office, my posture rigid despite the storm raging inside me. The Colonel’s eyes narrow as he examines the security roster I’ve placed before him.
“Explain this again, Captain Lombardi,” he demands, his Swiss accent more pronounced when agitated. “Why have there been unauthorized personnel changes to His Holiness’s detail?”
“Sir, while you have been occupied with the supposed threats to his Holiness, Cardinal Antonelli ordered the changes directly. He claimed it was for the Pope’s protection following the… revelations.” I choose my words carefully. “But the men assigned aren’t following standard protocols. They’re preventing access rather than providing security.”
Colonel Reichlin’s jaw tightens. “And you allowed this?”
“I questioned it, sir. Cardinal Antonelli said the orders came from higher authority.”
“Higher than the Pope himself?” Reichlin slams his palm on the desk. “There is no higher authority within these walls, Captain!”
I swallow hard. “Sir, I believe His Holiness is effectively under house arrest.”
The silence that follows feels eternal. Colonel Reichlin has alwaysbeen the embodiment of Swiss precision and unwavering loyalty to protocol. But now I see something I’ve never witnessed before – doubt creeping into his stern features.
