When Lorenzo arrived back in Rome, and had the chance to settle in. He called Archbishop Peter Ignastius, the Papal Household Prefect, or as he is better known as the Pope’s Personal Secretary, to make an appointment to see his brother, Pope Pius XIII, or Angelo Giuseppe Chiesa, his older brother. It was a shame that he had to go through this routine to talk or see his brother, but it is the price you pay to be related to one of the most powerful men in the world and the leader of a religion with over 1.4 billion members. Even though it rankled Lorenzo some when Peter asked what his business was with the Pope, he knew he was just doing his job. It would be much easier to call his brother if he had a cell phone, but he didn’t, so that was that.
Lorenzo told the Archbishop that he needed to see his brother as soon as possible because he needed to talk to him about his son Marco, whom he had just buried in the Philippines. The Archbishop apologized for intruding into his personal affairs and gave his heartfelt condolences for Lorenzo’s tragic loss. The Archbishop, after checking the Pope’s schedule, said that he could make some changes and could get him in ASAP. “Don’t worry, I canceled all of his afternoon appointments, so you will have as much time as you need with your brother.” He finished by asking when Lorenzo could expect to arrive at the Vatican.
Lorenzo said that he just had to freshen up and put on some nice clothes, and he should be there in about an hour. The Archbishop replied that it would be fine. He further added. “The Pontifical Swiss Guard at the main gate would be expecting him, and he would have a badge ready for him, along with a personal member of the Gendarmerie to escort him to the Pope’s quarters.”
Lorenzo was asked to show his ID when he arrived at the gate with his car. When the guard saw who it was, he profusely apologized and directed him where to park. The guard added deferentially, “A member of the Gendarmerie will be with you shortly, so if you wouldn’t mind waiting by your auto.”
In a matter of a few moments, a colorfully dressed member of the Gendarmerie introduced himself to Lorenzo. “My name is Mateo Neri, and I will be your guide today. I will take care of all your needs while you are at the Vatican. Here is your badge, please wear it while you are here. Now, if you are ready, I will bring you to see His Holiness, your brother.”
Lorenzo followed Mateo through one checkpoint after another as they wound through seemingly endless hallways. As he followed his guide, he thought to himself what a difference it was visiting his brother this time. The last time he visited his brother, he was only a Cardinal. There was virtually no security and certainly none of the fanfare he was going through now.
Finally, they reached his brother’s quarters. Another member of the Gendarmerie stood outside the door leading to the Pope’s inner sanctum. They exchanged salutes, then Mateo handed the guard paperwork explaining their business with the Pope.
Mateo and Lorenzo waited while the guard announced the arrival of the Pope’s brother to his secretary, the Archbishop. The Archbishop then escorted them into the Pope’s quarters, where he sat at a small cluster of blue-covered chairs surrounding a low rectangular coffee table with ornate carved legs, enjoying herbal tea.
Even though his brother held such an exalted position, he stood and greeted Lorenzo with a heartfelt hug and a kiss on the cheek. Lorenzo was pleased to see that some things never changed, and that was the love the two brothers had for each other. Angelo spoke first, “Lorenzo, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you are going through. What can I do to help you get through these times?”
Lorenzo said, “Angelo, you might want to sit down for this. I have a terrible story to tell you. My beautiful Marco was abducted at an airport in the Philippines on his honeymoon. They took him from me for his organs. An illegal organ-harvesting ring harvested him. I have no confidence in the police’s ability or willingness to bring these devils to justice. I don’t know what to do. The thought that these individuals are walking the earth freely and without a care in the world drives me crazy. Besides, think of all the innocent people whose lives will be taken by this harvesting ring if they are not stopped.” When Lorenzo finished, he was sobbing uncontrollably. All his brother Angelo could do was hold him in his arms.
Finally, Lorenzo could compose himself enough for Angelo to release him from his embrace. “Lorenzo,” Angelo began slowly. “What I am about to tell you is known by only a handful of my closest advisors and staff members, and now you. I cannot emphasize enough what would happen to the church if this information were to get out. Where should I begin? Leaders worldwide have special people or groups of trusted individuals who are highly trained and available at a moment’s notice to do special jobs for their country. Some people have attached a negative name to this group, which has stuck. That unfortunate name is black ops. Well, the Vatican is no different. Occasionally, I have had to call upon these people to do things that may be questionable in the eyes of the international arena but are morally correct and necessary to maintain the sanctity of the church. I have only one person at my disposal, but because of his skill and single-minded devotion to me and the church, he is a force multiplier. Once he is on point, nothing will stop him from accomplishing his task. So, if I am to understand you correctly, you want the individuals responsible for the death of your son and my nephew to be punished?”
Lorenzo replied adamantly with one word, “YES! My soul will not rest until our Marco has received retribution. YES, I want my pound of flesh ten-fold! I am sorry to bring up this matter, but I have other choice. Innocent people around the world are being hurt or even killed by these unscrupulous, corrupt, and evil people, and they must be stopped once and for all. No matter how high it goes up the ladder. A slap on the hand is not enough, as the bible says, an eye for an eye.”
The Pope stood up as Lorenzo finished and said, “As God is my witness, this matter will be taken care of.”
With that, the two brothers hugged, and Lorenzo walked out of the Pope’s chambers, shadowed by his guide, Mateo. Lorenzo walked a little straighter as if an enormous load had been taken off his shoulders. After his brother and his guide had left the room, the Pope summoned his secretary, Archbishop Ignatius, who had been standing quietly in the adjoining room. “I am sure you heard every word of the conversation exactly as I planned. I felt my brother would ask for something like this, and he should. This matter has gotten out of hand. Unfortunately, I think the church’s reputation will be tarnished somewhat before this matter is concluded. But a promise is a promise, and my brother’s cause is righteous. Peter, please call Devon Howard and Thomas Jenner. This job is too big for even Devon to do by himself. I want to schedule a meeting with them as soon as possible. I would like it to be held in my private garden at my summer palace. I am afraid that even the walls in the Vatican have ears and eyes.”