Page 80 of Sacred Hearts

“I serve God and His Church, Your Holiness. Not political agendas.”

After Lombardi leaves, I remain in the chapel alone, kneeling before the altar. The silence wraps around me like a shroud.

“Is this Your will?” I whisper to the crucifix. “To elevate me only to watch me fall?”

No answer comes. Only the echo of my own doubts.

* **

Night falls, and with it comes a deeper sense of isolation. I’ve been denied access to phones, computers, even newspapers—all under the guise of “security protocols.” My only contact with the outside world comes through carefully curated updates from Cardinals Antonelli and Lombardi, each painting a dire picture of public outrage and calls for my resignation.

A soft knock at my door breaks the silence. It’s Captain Lombardi again, this time with a folded note.

“From Cardinal Sullivan,” he whispers, glancing nervously down the hall.

I unfold the paper once Lombardi leaves:

M—

They’ve moved faster than anticipated. Visconti claims you’ve violated canon law and the papal oath. Antonelli has convinced half the College that your relationship with the PM constitutes “grave scandal” warranting immediate action. They’re invoking a centuries-old procedure for declaring the Holy See vacant due to heresy.

But not all is lost. Archbishop Chen has rallied support among Asian and African cardinals. Sister Lucia’s theological arguments are gaining traction with moderates. And most importantly, the people are divided—not universally against you as A claims.

Stay strong. God is with you, even in this darkness.

—J

I press the note to my chest, a lifeline in my isolation. Not all have abandoned me. Not all believe love is incompatible with faith.

Matteo. My heart aches thinking of him facing his own political crucible. Is he standing firm? Has he heard anything about my situation? Does he regret our love now that it’s exposed us both to such danger?

I sink to my knees beside my bed, not in prayer but in exhaustion. For the first time since my election, I question whether God truly called me to this office. Perhaps this was all a terrible mistake—my elevation, my reforms, my love for Matteo.

“No,” I whisper fiercely to myself. “I will not doubt that.”

Whatever else may be uncertain, the love I feel for Matteo is real. Pure. True. If such love exists within me—a man devoted to God’s service—how can it be sinful?

I think of Father Domenico’s words: “God’s love is boundless, and authentic love, in all its forms, comes from the divine.”

This gives me strength to face what comes next.

* * *

Dawn breaks after a sleepless night with another note from Cardinal Sullivan, delivered by a trembling Captain Lombardi.

M—

Visconti has called for a vote tomorrow on whether to declare you in violation of your oath. If successful, they’ll demand your resignation. If you refuse, they’ll declare the See vacant and convene a new conclave to select your replacement.

Reichlin remains convinced of external threats. I’ve tried reaching him, but A’s people control his information channels.

I’m working on a way to reach you in person. Trust only Lombardi and Lucia. They’ve compromised others.

—J

I fold the note carefully and burn it in the small fireplace. The ashes float upward, like prayers seeking heaven.

A sharp knock at my door. Not Lombardi’s gentle tap, but something more authoritative.