Page 59 of Sacred Hearts

“Limited at present. We need to identify sympathetic journalists—those not compromised by Lombardi’s network. Sister Lucia has connections at America Magazine and La Croix International. They’re willing to publish theological perspectives supporting your reforms.”

“Not enough,” I say, pacing. “We need to reach the faithful directly.”

“Agreed. But we must be careful. Any communications technology within the Vatican may be compromised.”

I stop pacing. “Not all of it. Captain Lombardi established secure channels after the assassination attempt. And we have one asset they don’t expect.”

“What’s that?”

“The modern world. They think in old patterns—controlling official channels, traditional media. But the world is more than that now.” I feel a strategy forming.

“There’s more. Three theological journals have rejected Sister Lucia’s papers supporting your position on homosexuality and marriage. The editors received ‘guidance’ from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.”

“Cardinal Visconti’s office,” I note. “They’re attempting to control the theological narrative.”

“Precisely. Without published scholarly support, your reforms will appear to lack theological foundation.”

I rise and pace to the window. The Vatican gardens below seem peaceful, belying the storm building within these walls.

“What of our supporters?” I ask.

“They exist, but they’re cautious. Many fear association with what’s being characterized as a radical agenda.” Sullivan hesitates. “Marco, there’s talk of invoking Canon three hundred thirty-two,” Sullivan says gravely.

“I heard them discussing it,” I admit. “But I didn’t realize how far along their preparations were.”

“They’ve already drafted documents,” Sullivan reveals, his voice dropping lower. “Cardinal Visconti has been gathering signatures from sympathetic cardinals, framing it as a ‘contingency measure’ should your health or judgment become compromised.”

“They’re building a case that you’re unfit to lead,” he continues. “Creating a narrative that you’re too young, too inexperienced, too… emotional.”

“They want me to resign before I can implement any real change.”

“Or create conditions where resignation becomes your only option.”

Another knock interrupts us. Sister Lucia enters, her usually calm demeanour visibly strained.

“Your Holiness, forgive the interruption,” she says. “I’ve just come from a meeting at the Pontifical University. My colleagues—” She stops, collecting herself. “Three of my colleagues have publicly withdrawn their names from our theological working papers. They claim my interpretations are ‘dangerous innovations contrary to Church tradition.’”

“Sit, Sister,” I say gently. “Cardinal Sullivan was just briefing me on similar developments.”

She sinks into a chair. “It’s not just academic resistance, Your Holiness. I’ve received… threats. Warnings that my work undermines the faith. One senior theologian suggested I might face investigation for heresy.”

“Heresy?” I can’t keep the shock from my voice. “For theological scholarship?”

“For supporting your reforms,” she corrects. “The message is clear—anyone aligning with your vision faces consequences.”

I close my eyes briefly, feeling the weight of responsibility for those sufferingon my behalf.

“I’m not afraid, I can handle myself just fine” Sister Lucia adds, seeing my expression. “But this coordinated opposition… it’s more organized than I anticipated.”

“They’re trying to isolate you,” Sullivan says. “Cut you off from theological support, from the bishops, eventually from the faithful.”

Before I can respond, Father Tomás appears at the door with Archbishop Chen Wei.

“Your Holiness, Archbishop Chen has arrived from Hong Kong with urgent information,” Tomás announces.

Chen bows slightly as he enters. His presence is unexpected—he should be overseeing missionary work in Asia.

“Archbishop, this is a surprise,” I say, rising to greet him.

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