Page 12 of Sacred Hearts

Cardinal Sullivan lingers behind. Once we are alone, his formal demeanour softens.

“Marco, are you all right? Finding a body like that…”

I sink back into my chair. “I keep seeing his face, James. And wondering what drove him to such desperation.”

Sullivan sits beside me. “This audit—it’s the right thing to do, but you’re making powerful enemies quickly.”

“Someone died, James. Right in our gardens.”

“Yes, and I’m not convinced it was suicide.” His voice drops lower. “The note seems too convenient, too explanatory.”

A chill runs through me. “You think he was murdered?”

“I think we should consider all possibilities.” He leans forward. “The Vatican Bank has a troubled history. Reforms have been attempted before, but resistance has always been fierce.”

“Because of these ‘untouchable accounts’?”

“Perhaps.” Sullivan’s weathered face shows concern. “The Vatican Bank scandal in the 1980s revealed connections to organized crime, money laundering, and political corruption. Pope Benedict and Francis both tried to implement reforms. Some succeeded, others were… quietly undermined.”

“By whom?”

“That’s the question, isn’t it?” Sullivan sighs. “The Curia isn’t monolithic, Marco. There are those like Antonelli who believe the Church’s financial autonomy is paramount—that the ends justify the means. Others, like Visconti, are simply protecting their patrons and benefactors. And some are true believers who think any scandal would damage the Church more than continued secrecy.”

“And where do you stand?”

Sullivan smiles sadly. “I believe Christ threw the money changers from the temple for a reason. But I also believe in proceeding wisely.”He places a hand on my shoulder. “Proceed carefully, Marco. Build alliances before charging into battle. This isn’t just about financial reform—it’s about the soul of the Church.”

I nod slowly. “I’ve asked Sister Lucia to join my advisory team. Her theological perspective will be valuable.”

“Good. She’s brilliant, and respected even by traditionalists.” He rises to leave. “Just remember—the papacy is a marathon, not a sprint. You have many years ahead of you to achieve your goals.”

After he leaves, I stare out the window toward the gardens where I found Adessi’s body. The Vatican’s ancient walls have witnessed centuries of intrigue, power struggles, and yes, even murder. I’ve been naive to think my election would change that overnight.

* * *

“The Gospel is clear about wealth and corruption,” Sister Lucia Bongiorno says, her voice steady as she places a stack of books on my desk. “Jesus drove the money changers from the temple. He didn’t form a committee to study their practices.”

I smile despite myself. Three days have passed since Adessi’s death, and opposition to my audit is mounting. Sister Lucia’s directness is refreshing.

“The conservative cardinals argue that prudence and tradition demand a more measured approach,” I say.

“Prudence doesn’t equal inaction, and tradition includes Christ’s teachings on wealth.” She opens one of the books, pointing to a highlighted passage. “The early Church shared all possessions in common. The Church Fathers wrote extensively against hoarding wealth while others suffered.”

“So I have theological backing for financial transparency?”

“You have a theological imperative.” Her eyes, sharp behind simpleglasses, meet mine. “The question isn’t whether you have the right to examine the Church’s finances, but whether you’ve been remiss in not doing so sooner.”

Father Tomás, who has been quietly arranging papers at the side table, looks up with concern. “Sister, His Holiness has been Pope for barely a month.”

“And found a dead financial officer in the garden,” she replies bluntly. “Timing is sometimes God’s way of setting priorities.”

I nod gratefully. “Thank you, Sister Lucia. Your perspective helps.”

Father Tomás discreetly checks his watch. “Your Holiness, Archbishop Chen will arrive shortly.”

“Sister Lucia, would you mind staying a moment longer?” I ask. “I value your historical perspective.”

After Tomás steps out, Sister Lucia settles more comfortably in her chair. “You’re concerned about the resistance you’re facing.”

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