Chapter Thirty-Four
Vatican City, Rome
Cardinal Alphonso lifted his head as he heard the footsteps approaching. He was sitting on a wooden pew in front of the altar over the tomb of St. Peter in the magnificent Basilica. Tomorrow, this would be the scene of the first papal mass from the new Pope. He recalled the images of the last time he had attended such a service for his friend and mentor, Pope Paul XII. It was a very traditional service. The long, papal procession heading towards the altar, being halted three times on the way with the words, “Pater sancte, sic transit gloria mundi” – “Holy Father, this is how the glory of the world passes away”, reminding him, amongst the pomp and splendour of the occasion that he is really a mortal man.
Sat alongside him was Cardinal Giacoma.
“Tha
