The Accidental Pope

by Ray Flynn

  The cardinal could only try to wipe the tiredness from his eyes. “Who knows, Bill? But the real sin is in not trying. Right now, the world community could look itself in the mirror and say, we’ve met the enemy and he is us.”

  “The enemy, dear Gus, is world apathy and lack of concern. That is what I, we, must overcome.”

  38

  MEGHAN FINDS ST. PAUL

  The chills, fever, and stomach pains hit Pope Peter even before he boarded the charted plane in Luanda and continued until his return from Africa. He went straight to the Vatican’s Gimelli Hospital. The doctors, although unable to diagnose his illness, were at least finding ways to make him comfortable and for the moment to relieve his symptoms.

  Despite intermittent bouts of fever, Pope Peter was at work on the important reforms that he had envisioned in Africa. A Catholic-sponsored ecumenical Peace Corps, proclaiming central and eastern Africa a humanitarian disaster area, and including an expanded role for women, ex-priests, and laypeople were high on his list of priorities. But he also felt a deep obligation to those dedicated priests who had remained loyal and faithful to the teachings of the Church. They had played by the rules of the game, but the problem now was that the rules of the game had to be changed, or it would be more than a game that was lost—along with millions more souls.

  At the Gimelli Hospital the doctors were baffled by his illness. Discreetly, Mayor Martin O’Malley and the cardinal from Baltimore had arranged for medical specialists to be brought in from the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, but had no more success than did the doctors in Rome. It was a perplexing medical problem. It went away for a week or two and then recurred. At times Bill felt as fit as ever, and it was on one of these days that he summoned Ambassador Ed Kirby to a private meeting in his apartment to talk about his recent trip.

  “Ed, now that I have seen for myself the tragic problems in Africa, I am almost totally lost on how to deal with it all from a Christian religious point of view.”

  The ambassador nodded sympathetically and waited for the pope to continue.

  “It has crossed my mind that perhaps our religious training has put blinders on the eyes of us priests. We see only the prayerful ‘hope to God’ way and we may overlook the fact that the laity needs to be a major factor from now on. I don’t mean just the ‘people in the pews’ thing. I think the first Peter had the same problem. You may recall in Acts, chapter six, verses one to five, that the Grecian Jewish widows were complaining against Hebrew Jewish widows that they were not given their fair share of the food collected for the poor. The apostles, probably urged by Peter, said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God to wait on tables.’ So seven of the laity or nonapostles were chosen to deal with this and undoubtedly other unjust situations while the priests or apostles minded the word of God.”

  Pope Peter chuckled at the look of puzzlement on the ambassador’s face. “What I’m saying, Ed, is that priests, bishops, cardinals are really poorly equipped to understand politics, governmental structures, and economics. Indeed that is not their place. You laypeople must take command and leave the religious to do the praying and preaching of the love of God for all his people.”

  “I could not agree more, Bill. Why, maybe you could appoint a few laypeople to do your bookkeeping and even”—he shot a quizzical glance at the pope—“appoint qualified, honest accountants to run your bank! You know, Arthur Andersen is headquartered in my lovely Windy City.”

  Bill smiled and nodded. “Good advice, Ed. How about a touch of Irish Mist before you dash off?”

  The pope felt he was on the verge of accomplishing his goals even though Robitelli was putting up as many slow-down signs, if not roadblocks, as possible. However, the bold venture into Africa moved Bill to give deep thought to other reforms he had been envisioning. From the input he received from both bishops and laity in various parts of the Catholic world, he felt he was on the proper course to steer the Church deep into the third millennium.

  At a moment when he felt physically fit and perhaps even cured of his illness, he made arrangements to meet with his secretary of state and key members of the curia to discuss reform platforms. It was late in the morning, a time when he felt at his best physically, that the cardinal and prominent representatives of the Holy See arrived.

  Robitelli was anxious to know what had really happened in Africa, although Cardinal Bellotti had given him a briefing. The coverage and the farewell at the airport only indicated that the pope had seen Motupu, visited some hamlets, and hoped things would someday get better. Robitelli was too wise in the ways of men to be taken in by the pope’s initial, soothing words. But Bill Kelly had gained enough confidence in his new position now to be open with the cardinal.

  “Well, Your Eminence—and members of the curia! There are some things I should let you know immediately. The cardinal secretary of state and curia members should not have to learn anything secondhand. So here it is from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.”

  He went on to give them a detailed explanation of his findings and the proposals he had written out for Gus, presenting them copies.

  “I have also instructed Cardinal Motupu to contact all priests who left active priesthood to marry. We must call them back to service … and if they are willing to retrain as teachers, spread the word of God, help to provide medical care, and participate in other projects such as developing land for food or drilling for clean water in Third World countries, then they are worthy of reinstatement.

  “Certain parts of Africa, Nigeria in particular, have many wonderful young priests, but the entire continent is desperately in need of doctors, nurses, and educators. We certainly need priests in the U.S. and other parts of the world, so why not have the priests go to where they are needed, and send the former priests to where they can do the most good as teachers and medical people? They are all serving God.

  “Africa, central and east, would be the best place to begin, since many American ex-priests already live in remote areas, on farms, and many have gone into teaching. More shepherds to care for the sheep. Why not use those men who have been thus well educated? It is a crime to waste all those years of preparation and study. I’m convinced it won’t have an earthshaking effect on the celibate-priesthood controversy. As you know, I’ve assigned Father Drapeaux to meet with the members of Corpus in various countries to discuss ways in which ex-priests can become active in the Church again. I would like you to discuss this far-reaching innovation with whatever congregations in the Vatican you feel can provide some positive input.”

  The pope paused, unable to gauge his reception by the curia members, who could make it extremely difficult for him to promote his ideas or heed the direction in which he was trying to steer St. Peter’s bark. “Perhaps you would compose a letter for me, maybe an encyclical, a decree, to be read in all churches. Of course, stress the dignity of the call to the celibate life with special admiration and praise for those who dedicate their lives totally to God. But also add that, due to the needs of the Church at this time, particularly in certain crisis areas like education, agriculture, and medical service, we need to welcome back any who may have left to marry. Stress the point that their services are needed and are requested.”

  The cardinal secretary of state and the curia followed this cursory outline carefully and took copious notes.

  “Think also of the resources we will save not having to pay for a housekeeper … maybe the children could even take over janitorial jobs.” His joking was not appreciated, and he hastened back to business.

  “If there are members of the clergy who now feel they want to join the married clergy, let them apply to their bishops for permission and we’ll see if they can be trained in an area critical to the needs of the people of God’s Church. We don’t want priests serving God as celibates unless they choose to do so freely. Perhaps a little historical review on how we moved from a married to a celibate clergy would be in order. No more secrets! Especially pub
lic secrets! The world knows we have had our share of failures keeping the vow of chastity. We must not let a few tear down the reputation of so many that are good. I was appalled last year when, as a layman, never expecting to serve the Church again, I read about the number of priests dying of AIDS. A spokesman for this disgraced portion of our clergy complained that no seminary gave young men studying for the priesthood any guidance in dealing with their sexuality. Now let’s see how things go if we let them choose the role in which they wish to function. This will take months to organize, I know that. But let us start now. Are you with me so far?” He could see that the traditional hard-line cardinals were “with him” in the room, but not in attitude.

  Predictably, Robitelli made the first objection. “Slow down, please. You are moving too fast, Your Holiness. We need to discuss these things with our theologians and bishops in all the dioceses. We must have a response from the priests who have remained faithful to their vows. Some may feel slighted, even betrayed, if Rome welcomes back those who have left it and married. After all, we have allowed them to continue as part of the faithful. They can take the sacraments like the rest of us. Shouldn’t that be enough?”

  The pope politely shook his head and tapped his finger on the Bible. “According to this book, Your Eminence, we are to seek the lost sheep. If Jesus took time to tell us of the prodigal son welcomed back by his father, let us remind the faithful sons they are going to inherit everything belonging to that same father. It doesn’t say much for the faithful sons if they hold themselves slighted. The problem has been discussed to death for the past twenty years. I expect a good, organized plan of attack from your office within two weeks. I know you can do it. You see all the possible problems, better than I ever could. Just solve them! But, Gino, do it in a loving way so that we may better serve our constituents. The laity needs us now. The world is losing its reason. Show them that Rome is still the shepherd that leads its flock.”

  The cardinal became more and more exasperated as, in his opinion, the pope rambled on. Finally he could hold back his vexation no longer. He rose from his chair and leaned on the desk. “Please stop this, Your Holiness! This needs to be thought out. You could hurt the Church, and I know you don’t want that. You even told the conclave that. The faithful will never adjust to this either, with all due respect.”

  Other members of the curia just sat motionless as Kelly and Robitelli squared off. “It was like the first Rocky fight,” said the rotund Patsy Monassari of the Vatican Bank to others later. No other members spoke a word throughout the meeting. It was the Bill versus Gino show.

  Robitelli paused. “Let us call a meeting of the various offices here to discuss the possible consequences of this approach. You state that you don’t know everything about Church law, so you must please listen to the advice the Church gives you.”

  The pope slowly rose from his chair, leaned his own hands on the desk, and looked directly at the cardinal, face-to-face.

  “Let’s use your own words, Your Eminence. You want the Church to give me advice. Fine! Then why not send letters to all the faithful, all of them. We’ll ask them to vote on the issue. A giant council. Two-thirds-plus-one wins! I’ll agree with whatever ‘the Church’ says.” A cunning smile crossed the pope’s lips. “Or do you mean the magisterium when you speak of the Church? I think Vatican Two would disagree with you if you say that, Your Eminence. I think tradition has blinded you, my friend. Our people in the pews are more educated now. They have studied and have the same degrees as we. They must play a role far beyond what they are doing now. This was clearly expressed in the Vatican Two decrees, but never put into effect. The people, the laity, build our churches, support them, and care for our ministers who serve them there. But somehow the clergy displays a bizarre view of its being the sole authority for temporal work.”

  The pope paused and took in the others with a glance. “Maybe it was because I was on the outside and could look at the Church I love in a more objective light,” he continued. “I could see, hear, and understand what Catholics were saying about it. Not only about the ordination of women or about married priests, but about those critical issues like birth control, capital punishment, abortion, gays and lesbians, and the annulment of marriages. I realize that these matters cannot be determined by what is termed ‘politically correct’ or what the elite media and the polls have to say. No. God’s teaching and what is best for the Church must determine our future.”

  The pope was silent, uninterrupted for a moment. Then he spoke up again. “And another area of deep concern to me is, what are we going to do about reforming the Vatican Bank?”

  Patsy’s head sank, and a drained feeling seemed to weaken his entire body.

  “This has become a matter of deep embarrassment to the Church,” the pope said sternly, looking at Patsy. “In the past we have had certain officials who many believe did not act in our Church’s interests, but in their own financial interests. Has this changed? That area also needs investigation and reform.” The pope nodded at his declaration. “At least the windows need to be open and some fresh air let in. The same goes for the opening of our Vatican archives for scholars.”

  “Those are very big and powerful toes you want to step on, Your Holiness.” After a pause Robitelli added dryly, “It has been tried before but without much success.”

  “No success in allowing the laity to be more involved in their Church? To decide what is to be done with their funds the Church collects?” Bill exclaimed. “We have experts in the pews who are not permitted to use the particular talents God gave them on behalf of the Church. Should engineers, carpenters, accountants, lawyers, and doctors remain mute? A sad thought, because such specialists could become more ‘active’ and help us. We need priests and bishops to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and perform other priestly duties.”

  The pope stopped suddenly, an affronted look coming across his features. Then, “But should we not open the Church up and expand the role of women? Allow them to serve us in meaningful positions of authority? After all, aren’t they also God’s children? Has anyone here served God and Church better than Mother Teresa? Are we more important in God’s eyes than she is just because we are men?”

  The pope paused, but the question remained unanswered. “We don’t need to apologize for the past,” he continued, “but rather to build on it. The laity at one time were poor, uneducated immigrants who could hope for nothing more than the mere necessities of life. Their one breath of fresh air was the faith that when they passed on, they would secure a better life under God. Now that they are educated they should not seem a threat but rather a strong right arm. We must become servants as Christ was, or turn into an empty shell. Based on what I’ve experienced from both sides of the altar, I know that the Holy Spirit will direct us through these adjustments that cry out to be made. We respect sacred Scripture, but must seek ways within Church law to effect change, reform, and inclusion. I know that God will guide us in this important matter, Your Eminence.”

  The pope’s lecture to the key members of the curia was interrupted suddenly by a loud knock on the door. Cardinal Robitelli, astonished, turned to see who could be possibly interrupting them.

  “Come in!” The pope called out, also surprised by the interruption. The door slowly opened to reveal a flushed workman and a very disheveled Meghan standing with her head down, covered with dust and dirt from head to toe.

  “Sorry, Your Holiness,” the man began. “May we speak with you?”

  The pope was already on his feet and moving toward his daughter. Robitelli and the four other key members along with Patsy stood with a look of horror at a sight they had probably never seen before, certainly not in the Vatican.

  “Dear God, child! What happened to you?”

  She looked up sheepishly at her father. “I … I fell into a hole, Dad.”

  “It was an accident,” the worker cut in before she could finish. “Please, Your Holiness, I am to blame. I should have been watchi
ng more closely. I was told you wanted Meghan to watch us work as we were excavating beneath the basilica. We got busy and I did not watch her closely. She went into the area we had not yet secured or even explored. I am sorry I did not watch her closer, Your Holiness.”

  The pope watched as the curia members hastily left the pope and Robitelli in the private meeting room, the nervous worker mangling his cap in his hands. Bill also caught the expression on his daughter’s face. It was all he needed, and parenthood took over. “Go back to your work, friend. Meghan will be fine.”

  The pope closed the door as the embarrassed man hurried off.

  “OK, baby, Dad knows that guilty look. What really happened?”

  Meghan’s red face told him he was on the right track. “It wasn’t Antonio’s fault at all. I got a little bored watching them clean stuff. I thought I would scout around a bit … I went into the restricted area when they were not looking and the ground dropped out from under me.”

  The pope grabbed his daughter’s shoulders with both hands, shaking his head in disbelief and anger. “You could have been buried alive. I told you to stay in the assigned area with the other students. You kids will be the death of me yet!” He stepped back to examine her more closely. “Are you hurt or cut?”

  “Just a few bruises. I only fell about six feet and landed on my feet.”

  “Well, you’ll have to stop going down there.”

  “No, Dad, please, not now. It’s a big find. Everyone is excited.”

  “What do you mean … ‘big find’?”

  “Dad, I found what they have been digging for for the last three months. They were wrong in their calculations on which way the tunnel ran. I found the burial entrance site they were looking for!”

  “Found? It sounds more like you just fell into it.” He smiled at Cardinal Robitelli. “Gino, would you go check on this whole thing and let me know what is going on down there? Also, tell that Antonio guy that it’s not his fault. The culprit has confessed.”