40
40Vatican City, 6 July 2014
Pope Justin I stood in a corner, in the shadow cast by a curtain. He had a view out the iconic window of his study, into St Peter’s Square. Crowds milled around — the pilgrims, the tourists, curious onlookers alike. Justin often stood in the shadows and watched them. He found it calming and encouraging and inspirational for people to be drawn to the hallowed grounds of the Vatican, irrespective of their faith.
And despite the scandals afflicting the Church.
The pope sighed, a great involuntary letting of tension. He moved away from the curtain, approached his desk, lowered himself with a grimace into his chair.
Standing respectfully, Commandant of the Corps of Gendarmes of the Vatican State, Domenico Giani, watched his charge with concern. At the time of
