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The College

Marco

I smooth my white cassock, feeling the weight of centuries of tradition on my shoulders. The antechamber outside the Sala Bologna feels both stifling and empty as I wait. Captain Lombardi stands at my side, his presence reassuring amid the storm.

“Your Holiness, they’re ready for you,” he says, voice low.

“Thank you, Lorenzo.” I meet his eyes. “Whatever happens in there—”

“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. Cardinal Antonelli 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 corruption that 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—”

“The Church,” I interrupt firmly, “has changed its teaching many times throughout history. We no longer condone slavery. We no longer burn heretics. We no longer forbid scientific inquiry. The Church grows in understanding as the Spirit leads us into all truth.”

I close the Bible and walk slowly around the perimeter of the room, making eye contact with each cardinal.

“I stand before you not as a perfect man, but as one who seeks to follow Christ with his whole heart. I have prayed deeply about my feelings for Matteo Valentini. I have wrestled with God. And in that wrestling, I found not condemnation but liberation.”

Cardinal Sullivan rises. “Your Holiness, if I may speak.” When I nod, he continues, “Many of us have been troubled by the appearance of impropriety. But I must ask my brothers: have we considered that God might be doing a new thing in our midst? Throughout scripture, God often works through the unexpected.”

Archbishop Chen stands next. “In my country, many faithful Catholics live in fear because of who they love. They believe God rejects them. Is this the fruit of the Spirit? Fear? Or is love, joy, and peace the evidence of God’s presence?”

I return to the papal chair, sitting with quiet authority.

“Brothers, I will not denounce my relationship with Prime Minister Valentini. I will not call love a sin when I have experienced it as grace. But neither will I abandon my responsibilities as Pope. I propose a third way forward.”

The room grows still, every ear attentive .

“While the previously announced Synod on Human Sexuality and Love will proceed as scheduled, I am establishing an immediate investigative commission into the Vatican Bank corruption. Cardinal Sullivan will lead this commission with full authority to examine all records and question any individual, regardless of rank.”

Cardinal Antonelli’s face darkens. “You attempt to divert attention from your own moral failing by launching investigations?”

“I am addressing both matters directly,” I counter. “The moral questions surrounding love and sexuality deserve thoughtful theological discussion in the proper forum of a Synod. The criminal activities documented in those folders require immediate investigation.”

I stand, moving to the centre of the room again.

“You may proceed with your vote of no confidence if you wish. That is your right under canon law. But know this: whether I remain Pope for decades or days, I will use every moment to bring truth to light—both the truth of God’s boundless love and the truth of corruption that has festered too long in shadow. ”

Cardinal Lombardi sputters, “You cannot simply—”

“I can and I will,” I interrupt, my voice steady but firm. “The Swiss Guard has already secured the relevant financial records. The Italian authorities have been provided with evidence of criminal activity. This process will continue regardless of any vote you take today.”

I look around the room, meeting each gaze directly.

“If you remove me for loving another human being with dignity and respect, history will judge that decision. But if you remove me to protect corruption, God will judge it.”

A heavy silence falls over the chamber. I have not stopped their proceedings, but I have ensured that they cannot stop mine.

Cardinal Sullivan speaks into the silence. “Your Holiness, before any vote is taken, I move that we take time for prayer and reflection. These matters are too weighty for hasty decisions. ”

“I second the motion,” Archbishop Chen says quickly.

Cardinal Antonelli looks furious but cannot reasonably object to a call for prayer. “Very well. We will adjourn for one hour of silent prayer in the chapel, then reconvene for discussion and potentially a vote.”

As the cardinals file out, Sister Lucia approaches with a message. “Prime Minister Valentini’s vote of no confidence has been delayed. New evidence of corruption against Carlos Rossi has been presented to Parliament.”

I nod, feeling a small measure of hope. “Thank you, Sister. Please ensure the investigative commission begins work immediately, regardless of what happens in the next session.”

“Yes, Your Holiness,” she replies with quiet determination.

In the momentary solitude, I close my eyes and breathe deeply. I think of Matteo facing his own tribunal across the city. Neither of us denouncing the other. Neither of us denying the truth of what we’ve found together.

Whatever comes next, we have chosen authenticity over expedience, love over fear. And in that choice, I find a peace that transcends the chaos swirling around us.

* * *

Matteo

The parliament chamber buzzes with tension as I approach the podium.

My hands tremble slightly, though I keep them pressed firmly against my sides.

Years of political training have taught me how to wear composure like armour, but beneath it, my heart hammers against my ribs with such force I worry it might be visible through my suit jacket.