If Rome is the glorious capital of the world, then St. Peter's Basilica is undoubtedly the heart of this capital.
Beginning in 1506, this church was built for more than 100 years. During this period, several generations of popes spared no expense in investing, making it the largest Catholic church in the world and an unparalleled artistic masterpiece.
Raphael, Michelangelo, Sangallo... a series of great names are closely connected with this building, and the artistic treasures collected inside the church are also too numerous to mention.
It is no exaggeration to say that St. Peter's Basilica, together with its treasures, is the most brilliant treasure house of the Christian world. As long as it exists in the world, the Catholic faith will also survive forever; if one day it is destroyed, then the Christian world It is also tantamount to the end of the world prophesied in the Bible.
Outside St. Peter's Basilica is St. Peter's Square. This square has also been carefully constructed and is as grand as St. Peter's Church. Its width is enough to accommodate hundreds of thousands of people attending the ceremony at the same time.
There are 4 columns with a total of 284 columns around the square, forming a semi-encirclement of the square in two rings. On top of the columns are 140 statues of saints. In the center of the square is a huge column brought from Egypt during the Roman Empire.
At this time, the broad square was already filled with people. Although it was not hundreds of thousands in size, it was still quite crowded, and everyone's eyes were focused on the majestic St. Peter's Basilica. on the steps.
Because today, the current Pope Leo XII of the Holy See will deliver a public sermon in this magnificent square.
Next to the pillars are the Swiss Guards who belong directly to the Pope. At this moment, they are patrolling everywhere in full force to protect the safety of His Majesty the Pope.
According to the ancient tradition, delegations of believers from all over Europe entered the venue one after another, and then were arranged in different positions according to their parishes. Then, the entire audience began to sing hymns. These ancient and solemn hymns were heard on thousands of With thousands of people chanting at the same time, it is enough to create a dazzling spectacle and sacred atmosphere.
In this spectacular and sacred atmosphere, who can still remember that in the past thousand years, the Holy See has never said goodbye to filth, blasphemy, betrayal and massacre?
Amidst the endless singing, the door of St. Peter's Church slowly opened, and then a group of people walked out of the church and stopped on the steps.
The appearance of this group of people immediately greeted the cheers of the entire square, and the focus of the crowd's attention was focused on the person in the middle.
This is an old man in his sixties. He is wearing a ceremonial robe and a white cap on his head. His waist is half hunched, and he looks humble and gentle.
This person is naturally the protagonist of today’s sermon—the current Pope Leo XII.
This unspectacular old man has experienced the entire bloody era, witnessed the collapse and restoration of the French Kingdom, and witnessed the life and death of countless people.
Relying on countless struggles, he dealt with various opponents, and finally climbed to the top of the Christian world. Now, he has long been accustomed to all kinds of glorious scenes, but faces it all with an indifferent expression, showing With the solemnity that a church leader should have.
The excitement of the believers present could not touch him at all. He just waved his hand calmly and silenced the whole audience.
Then he began his sermon.
His voice was not loud, and the pope was Italian. Of course he spoke Italian when he preached, which most of the people present did not understand at all.
For the believers present, it doesn't matter even if they don't understand, because they are listening to the holy music in the most sacred square. This is a glory that they will never forget in their lifetime.
While the Pope was preaching, there was an old man in the cloister isolated by the columns, listening to the Pope's words with cold eyes.
This old man was also a high-ranking member of the church - he was Emperor Napoleon's uncle, Joseph Fish, who once served as Cardinal of Lyon. After the fall of Napoleon's empire, he had lived in seclusion in Rome for many years, no longer involved in world affairs. .
After his nephew escaped from Austria and began to work hard to restore the empire, the old man's once dead soul seemed to have regained power, so he also began to secretly work for his nephew within the Holy See, some kind of In a sense, he has also become Egron's unofficial representative in Rome.
Not long ago, Aigron came to the city of Rome in person and made a deal with the Roman Church - he presented a heavy treasure and a large sum of money to the Pope in exchange for His Majesty the Pope's personal approval of himself.
Just two days ago, Cardinal Joseph Fish received news from Greece. Aiglon had won consecutive battles in Greece and severely defeated the Turkish army in Lepanto. Then the letter asked the cardinal to go inside the church. activities to urge the Pope to fulfill his promise.
Now it's time to pay off the deal.
As the executor and supervisor of the transaction, Joseph Fish watched this sermon to confirm whether the Pope kept his promise.
The pope's first sermons were lengthy formula-like formulas. Ordinary believers might burst into tears after listening to them, but Cardinal Joseph Fish had already heard them countless times, so he just ignored them. He just kept silent. Quietly waiting for the arrival of the "personally customized" part of his nephew.
His patience was not in vain. After some time, the Pope finally began to mention the recent war in Greece.
“——Christians who have enjoyed peace, don’t forget the wonderful times gifted by God, and don’t forget that at this moment, too many Christians are suffering boundless suffering under the iron heel of the pagans.
The Greek people had been fighting against the pagan tyrants for several years. During these painful times, they suffered unimaginable suffering. In order to punish their efforts to fight for freedom, the tyrants' minions poured out the most vicious weapons on them. revenge……
Although the Greek people have some differences with us regarding doctrine and ritual, and we have quarreled over this throughout history, I ask everyone to remember that in the highest and most good faith, we have no differences. They are lambs who belong to the Lord. We also bear the Lord’s mercy and are bathed in the same divine grace... Therefore, the suffering they suffer is the suffering we suffer. If their light of freedom is extinguished, it is tantamount to It leaves burning scars in our souls.
Fortunately, during the difficult struggle of the Greek people, there were too many righteous men from all over Europe who devoted themselves to their cause without hesitation. These people could have enjoyed a peaceful and peaceful life, but for the sake of morality and the glory of the Lord, they resolutely took the He raised his weapons and faced the tyrant and his minions, without any fear or hesitation even in the face of life-threatening danger.
The most outstanding of these martyrs is the Duke of Lechstadt, who is now only 16 years old. At his age, many people are still ignorant or are still learning how to establish themselves in the world; however, the Duke is completely different. , he found courage and determination, wisdom and perseverance in his devout faith. He took his followers with incomparable courage and generously came to Greece to help the Christians there fight for freedom.
His efforts were by no means ineffective. During his advance, the Turks were retreating steadily, and no one could take charge. He defeated the enemy several times, and recently, he completely routed the enemy at Lepanto. Encirclement and suppression - history has remembered this place for us. It was there three hundred years ago that our Christian ancestors defeated the Turkish fleet and saved Europe from danger.
Yes, God appeared in the same place - without God's blessing, how could a teenage boy achieve these great achievements?
Duke Lechstadt is a devout warrior in the Christian world. At this time, he single-handedly fights for the Greeks who are also the people of God. All countries that believe in God should follow him as an example——
And those Christian monarchs who are still hesitating, have they ever asked themselves? If a young person dares to do and can do these things, why do they hesitate?
God has revealed His will to every devout believer, and we must obey the Lord..."
With everyone watching, Pope Leo XII calmly completed his sermon, and then greeted everyone with an unchanging solemn expression.
However, there was some commotion among the people in the square - those who understood were looking at each other, and those who could not understand or did not hear clearly were asking the people around them what happened and why His Majesty the Pope specifically said These.
Cardinal Joseph Fish, who was listening quietly not far away, felt sincerely satisfied.
He didn't expect that His Majesty the Pope not only fulfilled his promise, but also spoke in such a high-profile manner, which seemed a bit like flattery.
Logically speaking, there is no need for him to go to this point.
Cardinal Fish didn't know what happened, but he knew that at least this situation was greatly beneficial to his side - no matter what, the money Aigron spent was finally worth it, and that was enough.
He thought for a while, and then walked straight towards the cloister next to the square, trying to find Cardinal Vittorio Esposito.
This cardinal is a confidant of His Majesty the Pope and the middleman of this transaction. On the one hand, Cardinal Fish wants to thank him; on the other hand, he also wants to get a closer look at His Majesty the Pope and his next plans. Intend.
At this moment, Cardinal Vittorio Esposito is also trying to get rid of the entanglements of those around him.
The sermon that the Pope just delivered greatly shocked other senior Vatican officials who attended the sermon. Of course, they wanted to get news from the Pope's confidant, or at least find out what happened.
"Can you tell me how much the Pope charges?" A cardinal asked in Cardinal Esposito's ear with the most intimate smile.
"Everything is just out of sincerity to God." Cardinal Vittorio Esposito solemnly made the sign of the cross, and then replied calmly, "His Majesty the Pope hopes to urge all Christian countries to work together to save the suffering people. Suffering Christians are in fire and water.”
The cardinal opposite didn't speak anymore, but looked at him with a look of "Do you think I'm stupid?"
And he obviously had no intention of explaining to the other party anymore and left directly.
Indeed, only Cardinal Vittorio Esposito, who is the Pope’s confidant, knows why His Majesty the Pope speaks like this——
The Pope is quite supportive of the independent cause of the Greek people. He very much hopes to see them expel the rule of the pagans and bathe in the glory of God again. After all, this also means the "political achievements" of his generation of Popes.
Therefore, at this time, he could just use this young man as a positive teaching material, and he must be able to touch these Christian monarchs who are still scheming.
Of course His Majesty the Pope is willing to do the best of both worlds by taking a large amount of money and fulfilling his wish, and he must do it properly.
Cardinal Vittorio Esposito came to the cloister of the church, and at this time, he happened to run into Cardinal Fish who came to see him.
"Thank you for your help!" Joseph Fish's face, already covered with aging wrinkles, was now covered with a smile, "He will never forget your kindness."
Cardinal Vittorio Esposito still did not change his ways, but nodded reservedly.
“As servants of the Lord, we should support each other.”
"Yes, we are all acting for the glory of the Lord," Cardinal Fish suppressed a laugh before replying with equal solemnity.
He was satisfied enough - the only slight regret was that the Pope insisted on calling Aigron only "Duke Lechstadt" instead of King of Rome.
But this is understandable. After all, the title of King of Rome is really not welcomed by the church, so it is natural for the Pope to turn a blind eye to it...
"Your piety will definitely be rewarded by our Lord." After saying this, Cardinal Fish looked at the cardinal with humble and passionate eyes, as if waiting for his bid.
However, the Cardinal did not answer immediately, but kept looking at Cardinal Fish, as if he was weighing something.
"I have a nephew who is just in his early 20s. He is a smart and ambitious young man." Cardinal Vittorio Esposito suddenly changed the topic, and then continued in a calm tone, "He hopes to create a big career, but like other people of his age, he suffers from not having the opportunity to display himself..."
Although the cardinal's words sounded a little confusing, to the old man Joseph Fish, who was also in the church, this was a clear hint.
——In Italy, when a cardinal says "I have a nephew" with such a solemn and incomprehensible expression, he often really means "I have an illegitimate child."
Therefore, his true meaning became clear - he hoped to get his illegitimate son "support" from Aiglon.
This is indeed not an exorbitant price, but a reasonable subsequent cooperation condition.
"The angel commanded me, saying, Write, Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." Cardinal Joseph Fish recited a scripture to give a clear answer.
Now it was time to tell the good news to his nephew, so he withdrew with a satisfied look and disappeared into the crowd.
