Episode 13
- 00 A.M.
PALACE OF HOLY OFFICE, ROME.
The College of Cardinals sat down in the cushions that were arranged in neat four rows. Some were fingering their rosary, while some others occupied themselves with silent meditation and prayer.
The large chapel of the Holy Office was gracefully designed with frescoes depicting scenes from the Old Testament on its vaulted ceiling. The walls were awash with lush mosaics with lurid details depicting the twelve apostles, each represented with his symbol of apostles. A gold chandelier which was ornately designed with lapis lazuli gems and glass, held over 50 scented candles whose reflection on the gems gave the chapel a peaceful aura and a prayerful atmosphere. Stained glasses served as louvers and separated the vaulted ceiling from the stucco walls. In front of the chapel was an ivory life size crucifix and âINRIâ sign was engraved in gold.
Fredrick Cardinal Bernozio stood up and quitely walked to the Cardinal Dean, Joseph Cardinal Franzio.
âA moment, pleaseâ, he whispered
âThe Holy Father is yet to arrive for the divine office. I wonder if something is wrongâ, Cardinal Bernozio said in an exasperated voice when they got to the adjoinig corridor.
The septuagenarian Cardinal Dean shrugged, âIâve been worried myself. The whole cardinals are almost becoming impatientâ.
âI wonder what the Curia would think of this. They have always been at his neck endlessly for inefficiencyâ.
âLeave the Roman Curia out of this, brotherâ, he said with a shrug.
âWhy not contact the Chief of the Swiss Guards?â
âI thought about it. I just hope itâs not something serious. It gives room for serious concern. Papa Georgia is never late to any functionâŠ..â He paused as a swiss Guard rounded a corner and came into view, their attention turned towards him.
âMorning, my Lordâ, he greeted kneeling in reverence.
âAny news?â They asked.
âThe Holy Father wants to see you, my lord, the Cardinal Deanâ.
âMyself? I hope all is well?
âSi, grazia a Dio (By the grace of God).He demands urgent attention, my Lordâ.
âIâll be there right away,Dio vi benedicto,âhe said making the sign of the cross.
âThank you so much, my lordâ, he said and briskly walked away.
âObviously, neither yourself nor the Pope would be present for this morningâs divine officeâ, Cardinal Bernozio said.
âI suggest you go on with it, let me run along and know why the Holy Father is seeking my attentionâ.
âWith all pleasure, brotherâ, he said and made his way back to the chapel.
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