PECCATOR. SANCTUS.
IL PADRE.
EPHESIANS 2:8-9
IL CAMERLENGO
Two words.
Seems too short, yet being one as the Pope's right hand has a list of never ending responsibility. Given such role in the Catholic Church itself is not just a simple assignment.
As one of the young priests, or probably the youngest, in the Vatican, he's expected to be in the same level of persona and thinking of the Pontiff himself. He could't be just another vicar preaching and dressing up inside the walls. Be a Cardinal, if he must, and govern like the Pope, if he must.
It was never easy having such power for his age. Well, it wasn't his fault that there was an unusual favoritism given to him by the Pope, causing whispers behind his back caused by curiosity and jealousy. Being one required a million things, and a million things he sacrificed to attain such high level of regard and respect. But did he ever really wanted it?
No.
He had no choice. he was . . . obliged to be. To do so. After all, it was a leash he couldn't pull and throw off.
VENTRESCA, CARLO GIANNO
Is he holy enough? No.
but forgivably, yes. (Despite the usual sinnings he tells at the Confession? Sure . . . )
Carlo had spent all his life living within the holy walls of the Vatican. Close to God as a child, another soul who never knew his father, orphaned at nine. The Pope had adopted him as a child -when he was still a Cardinal- after his mother's death after a bombing attack in one of Rome's Cathedrals. It was him who only survived and ever since, they considered him a miracle.
Ah, Catholics...
It seemed like the adoption had caused him good. And fortune, undeniably. Spent two years within the hold of the mandatory services as a medical pilot, and upon his return, took his vows as a vicar of Christ.
But what happened before all these happened? If he was adopted by nine, what happened in those missing years?
No one really knew except him and the Pope. Aside from the two was Cardinal Rosanno and Mortati himself. But all those was better left . . . unsaid. For goodness's sake.
Besides even he himself refused to have such times in his life.
But definitely those events can explain who and why he is such the person he is today. Dare knowing so?
God bless your hopes and soul.
THE SHADOWS
The Walls are indeed vast. It wasn't just about him. not even just about the Pope and the Faith they evangelize. The Walls are wide enough for more souls to keep. The Walls are thick enough to hide a few more things.
Who is who? What does the Camerlengo's shadow tell?
What does Cardinal Mortati know?
How about Peter? his adopted daughter Christine?
Who are the Apostles? and . . . why do they need doctor Cromwell?
What's Cardinal Rosanno's plan?
Who are they?
The Walls are vast enough to keep a million things. And beneath them, they kept each as the unseen.
The shadows.