“Religious revelations and prophecies, for one. Also, the Vatican’s financial affairs and its investments. These are subjects that have caused more speculation and scandal than most. My examiners will report to me when their work has been completed. We shall proceed from there.” Becket paused. “Is that why you came to see me, Umberto, to inquire about their progress?”
“No, Holy Father. If I may I be honest, I have two concerns.”
“Tell me your concerns.”
“One has to do with your personal safety. The other to do with your pledge to open the archives to public scrutiny. I simply wonder if you still think it wise to abide by this pledge, Holy Father.”
“And why should I not, Umberto?”
Cassini sighed, then said as delicately as he could, “I have heard of anxious whispers among Curia members who seem to think that it will destroy the church, and be the end of our religion as we know it. That your desire to embrace other Christian churches in your mission of truth is a step too far. They say your new beginning could really be an ending. I hate to even say this, but some have wondered aloud if this could be your true intention. The question I heard was, ‘What if he’s a devil in lamb’s clothing?’”
“Are you among them, Umberto?”
The unexpected question caught Cassini off guard. He flushed, the first time he had done so in many decades. Fifteen years of curial office had taught him to readily answer any question, never act surprised, but the directness of the query unsettled him. “I—I am merely voicing concerns that I have heard. We both know there are secrets within the archive vaults that could shake the church to its core. Many among the Curia believe those secrets would be best forgotten. Some of my colleagues have voiced certain questions.”
“What questions?”
“Do we really want to ignite the flames of controversy? To heap trouble upon ourselves? To unsettle the world by our supreme honesty?”
“I seem to recall our Savior did exactly that. In regard to other Christians not of our church, belief in Jesus’ words are truly what matter, and is the glue that unites us. Christ believed in unity, but for too long, through our own pride and arrogance, I fear so many churches have ignored that belief. Perhaps we can begin by forsaking our own pride and reach out to them, Umberto. The simple truth is that deep in our hearts, all believers are more alike than unalike. We believe in the same creator.”
Cassini flushed again. “Of course, but we are shepherds of the flock, responsible for the people and the church’s continuation. The foundations of the faith may be at risk.”
“Do you really believe this, Umberto?”
“I believe such concerns are genuine,” Cassini answered diplomatically.
John Becket paused, closed his eyes. For a moment his fingers toyed with the rosary beads in his hands, and then he opened his eyes again. “Do you know why I chose the name Celestine, Umberto?”
“No.”
“Celestine was a very simple man. But he had an honest wisdom we can all learn from.”
“Holy Father?”
“He knew that while many popes have called themselves servants of God, few of them behaved with the humility of servants. Sadly, when the Curia conspired against him, Celestine resigned and soon after he was killed.”
The pope paused and fixed his visitor with a gentle stare. “Know that I intend to be an honest servant, Umberto. The church is built on love and truth. They are the real foundations of our faith and are among our most important obligations as priests. Out of love for my flock I intend honoring my obligation to truth, come what may.”
“But—”
“No buts, Umberto. For years our flock has called for a new papal leadership, one that functions less as a monarch, more as a friend, a pastor. On the night I was chosen I promised that I would be an instrument of that change. I see no reason to alter that promise.”
“And your personal safety, Holy Father, is that of no concern?” A trace of argument crept into Cassini’s tone. “The forces of darkness may wish to destroy you, as they have tried to destroy other popes. The church has many secretive groups who may even plot your downfall because of your intentions. There has been hate mail containing veiled threats. Monsignor Ryan has voiced to me his fears.”
“Christ was threatened also, but did not succumb. We must follow his example, Umberto.”
Cassini persisted. “Then will you at least change your mind about Sean Ryan’s recommendations? A bulletproof vest. Extra personal security?”
Becket stood, his tall figure towering. “I place my safety in God’s hands. I know He will not fail me, Umberto.”
There was unshakable strength in the reply, a power to its belief that made Cassini feel humbled. At that moment, the blue eyes that stared back at him were piercing, and Cassini felt himself almost wither under the unyielding intensity of Becket’s gaze.
