Chapter 23: Chapter 23

3 .12 P.M.

PAPAL PALACE.

"Holy Father, Chief Pique just called. He said that they recovered the hard disk successfully." The Camerlengo said.

The Pope had been sitting in front of a sculpted statue of the Blessed Mother.

"Grazie a Dio Thanks be to God. Have you received any information from the newswoman?" He said, looking up at the young clergy.

"Not yet papa. There's bad news, the Sistine hall section of the Vatican Library has just gone up in flames."

The Pope supports his head with his palms.

"Why the church of the Lord?" He muttered slowly.

"Papa, I understand how all this must be hard on you but it is very important that you leave the city immediately. Please, do this for your life and for your beloved church."

The Pope shook his head remorsefully.

"I can't, holy son. I can't leave the church this way. She needs me most now. I was thinking about addressing the world, I am to give them hope...." He broke off.