Page 49 of Sacred Hearts

“Thank you, Captain. Please keep me informed of any developments.”

“Of course, Your Holiness.” He bows slightly and exits, passing Cardinal Sullivan who appears at the doorway, relief evident in his tired face.

“Your Holiness, I was just speaking with Colonel Reichlin. Thank the Lord you’re safe.” Sullivan enters, his shoulders slumped with fatigue. “How are you feeling?”

“Better than I expected, James,” I answer honestly. “Is Sister Lucia available? There’s something important I need to discuss with both of you.”

“She’s in the library, preparing a report on the security situation. I’ll have her join us immediately.”

While Sullivan makes the call, I move to my desk and begin writingrapidly, outlining thoughts that have been crystallizing throughout the night. By the time Sister Lucia arrives, I’ve filled several pages with notes.

“Holy Father,” she says as she enters, her practical habit wrinkled as though she’s been working through the night. “It’s good to see you safe. Captain Lombardi briefed us on the operation’s success, but seeing you in person is a relief.”

“Thank you both for your concern,” I reply, gesturing for them to sit. “And for managing things during my absence.”

Sister Lucia studies my face carefully. “You seem… different, Holy Father.”

Her perceptiveness doesn’t surprise me. Of all my advisors, Lucia has always been the most intuitive.

“I am different,” I acknowledge. “Last night clarified many things for me.”

Sullivan leans forward. “Cardinal Antonelli has called an emergency meeting of the Curia for this afternoon. Ostensibly to discuss your protection, but I suspect—”

“He’ll use it to try to isolate me further,” I finish. “Yes, I expected as much.”

“We should prepare a measured response,” Sullivan continues. “Perhaps agree to some additional security while maintaining your essential freedom of movement.”

“I have something else in mind entirely.” I push my handwritten notes toward them. “I’m going to use this meeting to announce a special synod.”

They both look down at my notes, then back at me with widening eyes as they grasp what I’m proposing.

“A synod on homosexuality, clerical celibacy, and marriage?” Sister Lucia reads aloud, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes.”

Sullivan removes his glasses, polishing them nervously. “Holy Father, with all respect… this is extraordinarily bold. The timing—”

“The timing is perfect,” I interrupt. “Antonelli and his allies expect me to retreat after this assassination attempt, to accept increased security that effectively isolates me from my supporters.”

“So this is strategic?” Lucia asks. “A diversion from the Vatican Bank investigation?”

“Partly,” I admit. “It will certainly divert their attention and force them to fight on multiple fronts. But it’s more than strategy.” I meet their eyes directly. “I believe in these reforms with my whole heart. I always have.”

A moment of silence follows as they absorb this. Sullivan’s political calculation is visible in his expression, while Lucia seems to be searching for something in my face.

“What changed?” she finally asks. “You’ve always been progressive in your private theology, but this… this is revolutionary.”

I consider how much to share. These are my closest advisors, people I trust implicitly, but some experiences are too personal, too sacred to fully articulate.

“Let’s just say I’ve been reminded of what matters most,” I reply carefully. “The Church’s purpose is to bring people closer to God’s love, not to erect barriers around it.”

Sullivan sighs heavily. “The conservatives will fight you with everything they have. Antonelli, Lombardi, Visconti—they’ll claim you’re undermining the very foundations of the faith.”

“Let them,” I say with newfound conviction. “I’m prepared for that battle.”

“Are you?” he presses. “Because once you open this door, Holy Father, there’s no closing it again. The debate will consume your papacy.”

“Perhaps that’s exactly what my papacy is for.”

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