Page 86 of Sacred Hearts

“I serve the Pope, not the College.” His jaw sets firmly. “The true Pope.”

I nod, grateful for his loyalty. Sister Lucia approaches, pressing a small folded paper into my palm.

“From Cardinal Sullivan,” she whispers. “The latest vote count.”

I unfold it, scanning the names. Not enough. Not nearly enough to prevent what’s coming.

I fold the paper, tucking it inside my cassock, close to my heart. Its presence steadies me as Lorenzo opens the heavy wooden doors.

The Sala Bologna falls silent as I enter. Sixty-seven cardinals rise from their seats—a sea of scarlet. Some faces show contempt, others confusion, a few with sorrow or compassion. CardinalAntonelli stands at the centre, clearly having positioned himself as the proceedings’ leader.

“Your Holiness,” he begins, voice dripping with false deference. “We have convened this extraordinary session to address the grave scandal that threatens our Holy Mother Church.”

I walk steadily to the papal chair, not rushing, not hesitating. I take my seat, feeling the eyes of every cardinal upon me.

“The College respectfully requests your immediate resignation,” Antonelli continues. “The evidence of your… inappropriate relationship with the Prime Minister has created an untenable situation. For the good of the Church, you must step aside.”

Cardinal Lombardi rises. “The faithful are scandalized. Donations are already declining. Several bishops’ conferences have indicated they cannot support a pontiff who so flagrantly violates Church teaching.”

I let them speak, one after another. Cardinal Visconti outlines canonical arguments for my removal. Three more cardinals speak of the “damage to the Church’s moral authority.” I notice Cardinal Sullivan sitting quietly, watching, measuring the room as I am.

When the formal statements conclude, I rise. The room falls completely silent.

“My brothers in Christ,” I begin, my voice calm and clear. “I have listened to your concerns. I understand the shock and confusion many feel. But I will not resign.”

Murmurs ripple through the chamber. Antonelli’s face reddens.

“Your Holiness, with respect—”

I raise my hand, silencing him coldly. “I have not finished.”

I step away from the papal chair, moving to the centre of the room where I can see every face.

“When I was elected to the Chair of Peter, I did not seek this office. God called me here for a purpose that is still unfolding. I believe that purpose includes bringing truth to light—both the truth of corruptionthat has infected parts of our Church and the truth of God’s love that knows no boundaries.”

I pause, letting my gaze travel across the room.

“You speak of scandal. But what is the greater scandal? That I have experienced love, or that for decades, some among us have allowed the Vatican Bank to launder money for criminal organizations? That I have opened my heart to another soul, or that funds meant for the poor have been diverted to offshore accounts?”

Cardinal Lombardi stands abruptly. “This is outrageous! You attempt to distract from your own moral failings by making baseless accusations!”

“Not baseless, Eminence.” I gesture to Sister Lucia, who distributes folders to each cardinal. “These documents detail the connections between the Lombardi Foundation and the ‘Ndrangheta. They show how Church funds moved through shell companies controlled by Italian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Carlos Rossi, who has just resigned.”

The room erupts in chaos. I wait, standing still amid the storm until Cardinal Sullivan rises and calls for order.

“Brothers,” I continue when quiet returns. “I was not elected to preserve corruption or to perpetuate systems that protect power at the expense of truth. I was elected to shepherd Christ’s flock.”

I move to the centre table where a Bible rests. I place my hand on it.

“You claim I have violated Church teaching by loving Prime Minister Valentini. Let us examine that teaching more closely.”

I open the Bible to the Gospel of John.

“Christ gave us one commandment above all others: to love one another as he has loved us. His love knew no boundaries of gender, status, or social convention. He touched the untouchable. He spoke with women when custom forbade it. He ate with those society rejected.”

I look up from the text. “Some of you have suggested that my relationship with Matteo Valentini is incompatible with my vocation as Pope. I ask you: where in Christ’s teaching do you find this incompatibility? Christ spoke of love as the fulfillment of the law.”

Cardinal Visconti stands. “Your Holiness twists scripture to justify sin. The Church has always taught—”

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