Page 101 of Sacred Hearts

I look directly into the cameras broadcasting my words worldwide.

“To those who feel excluded by the Church because of who you love: I say you are welcome here. You are cherished children of God. Your love, when it is faithful, committed, and life-giving, reflects God’s love for all humanity.”

I pause, aware of the historic nature of these words coming from a pope.

“To those concerned that we are abandoning our moral foundation: I say that love—true, self-giving love—is the highest morality Christ taught us. When we judge love by its fruits rather than by external categories, we draw closer to God’s own perspective.”

The crowd has grown so silent I can hear the fountains splashing in the square.

“The Church has survived for two millennia not by remaining static, but by responding to the signs of the times while holding fast to Christ’s central message. We have evolved our understanding of slavery, of science, of religious freedom. Now we are called to evolve our understanding of human love in all its God-given forms.”

I straighten my shoulders, speaking with quiet authority.

“I do not take these steps lightly. I take them because I believe with all my heart that they are what Christ is calling us to in this moment. As your shepherd, I can do no less than follow where I believe the Good Shepherd is leading.”

A breeze stirs my white robes as I deliver my closing words.

“I ask for your prayers as we embark on this journey together. I ask for your open hearts and minds. Most of all, I ask that we proceed with love—love for God, love for one another, love for this Church that belongs not to any pope or cardinal, but to Christ alone.”

I make the sign of the cross over the gathered faithful.

“May the peace of Christ be with you all.”

As I step back from the balcony, the square erupts—cheers and applause mixing with shouts of protest. The sound follows me as I walk back through the papal apartments, my closest advisors falling in step beside me.

“It’s done,” I say quietly. “Now the real work begins.”

Cardinal Sullivan looks pale but determined. “The synod preparations are already underway, Your Holiness. We’ve secured the Synod Hall and accommodations for the cardinals.”

“And security?” I ask.

Captain Lombardi steps forward. “Comprehensive, Your Holiness. The Swiss Guard remains loyal to you, and we’ve coordinated with Italian authorities.”

I nod, suddenly feeling the weight of the day. “Thank you, all of you.”

As they disperse to their duties, I retreat to my private chapel. Kneeling before the crucifix, I find myself wondering if Matteo watched my address, what he thought of it. But those are thoughts for another moment. Now, I must prepare for the battles ahead.

“Not my will, but yours,” I whisper, echoing Christ’s words in Gethsemane. Then I rise, ready to face whatever comes next.

27

Synod

Marco

I stand at the entrance of the Synod Hall, taking a deep breath before I step inside. For two weeks, we’ve been engaged in the most intense theological discussions of our time. The Extraordinary Synod on Human Sexuality and Love has drawn Cardinals from every corner of the globe—Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.

Without the looming presence of Cardinals Antonelli, Lombardi, and Visconti—now facing criminal charges—there’s a palpable difference in the atmosphere. Cardinals who previously remained silent now speak freely, without fear of retribution or political consequences.

“Your Holiness,” Cardinal Sullivan greets me as I enter, “we’re ready to begin the final session.”

I nod, clutching the small USB drive in my pocket. Sister Lucia gave it to me weeks earlier—thousands of anonymous confessions and testimonies from LGBTQ+ Catholics collected by a network of progressive priests over the past decade. These voices, silenced for so long, will finally be heard in the highest chambers of the Church.

The hall falls silent as I take my place at the centre. Hundreds of red-capped Cardinals sit in concentric circles, their faces solemn yet expectant.

“My brothers in Christ,” I begin, “we have spent two weeks in prayer, study, and dialogue. We have examined Scripture, Tradition, and the lived experiences of the faithful. Today, before we vote on the proposed reforms, I wish to share something with you.”

I hold up the small USB drive.

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