Chapter 12 - The mask falls
Papal Apartments,
Vatican City, Rome
“Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison.
Pope Benedetto XVII was in the second floor library of the papal apartments, kneeling in prayer under a large crucifix. The dying Christ was less dramatic than the one in front of which he used to pray in his private palace. The room was deserted now, but in the Papal residence it was almost impossible to be alone. There was always someone nearby ready to be of assistance if the need arose, like the very attentive Sisters of Mercy in charge of his personal care.
There was a knock on the door and Father Rea entered, accompanied by two nuns. “Your Holiness...” started the Jesuit.
The Pope kept on praying: Lord, you are my shepherd, I lack nothing. You make me lie down in gre
