Chapter 36 Chapter Thirty-Four

Aringarosa was picked up by the driver at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in a nondescript black Fiat sedan.Aringarosa thought about the past.At that time, Vatican cars were large limousines with railings and medallions and flags bearing the emblem of the Vatican City State.That era is gone forever.Vehicles in Vatican City are now less decorated, sometimes without logos.Vatican City claimed it was an effort to cut costs to better serve the diocese, but Aringarosa suggested it might be a matter of security.The whole world has gone mad, and in many parts of Europe, blatantly expressing your devotion to Christianity is often seen as unacceptable, like painting a bull's eye on the roof of your car.

Wrapped in a black robe, Aringarosa climbed into the back seat of the car, ready to start the long journey to Castel Gandolfo.He had already been there once five months ago. He sighed, last year's trip to Rome was the longest night I have ever experienced in my life. Five months ago, Vatican City called and asked Aringarosa to come to Rome immediately, without explanation.The plane ticket has been booked for you.The Vatican City State strives to maintain a layer of mystery, even to the most senior clergy. Aringarosa suspects that the mysterious gathering was meant to give the bishop and other Vatican officials a chance to showcase one of Opus Dei's latest masterpieces -- the completion of their New York headquarters. Architectural Digest called the Opus Dei building a "shining example of the masterful fusion of Catholic spirit with a modern landscape."These days, the Vatican seems to have something to do with everything, including the word "modern."Aringarosa had no choice but to accept the invitation reluctantly.Aringarosa, like many conservative clergy, is not a big fan of the current Catholic Church administration, and they have watched the church with apprehension during the new pope's first year in office.In one of the most contentious and extraordinary electoral sessions in the Vatican's history, a new pope took the throne, a transformation without precedent.Now the pope, undaunted by the suddenness of his election, immediately prepared to act with the highest Christian governing body.The new pontiff, enlisting the support of the innovative forces in the College of Cardinals, has declared that the mission of his term is to "revitalize the Vatican keystone and adapt Catholicism to the third century".

Aringarosa worries that this could mean that the new pope will think he can rewrite God's will, attracting back those who think Catholic precepts are outdated. v Aringarosa, backed up by the electors and the means of the electorates of his district, endeavored to exhort the bishop and his counselors that the relaxation of the laws of the church was not only a cowardly act of disloyalty to God, but suicide amounting to the abdication of all power.He reminded them that the last attempt to loosen the church's laws—the promulgation of Vatican II—was not only a major failure but also had a terrible impact: fewer people than ever before, less donations, and even no Enough pastors to preside over church activities.

Aringarosa insisted that people need education and guidance from the church, not coddling and pampering. But that night a few months ago, as the Fiat left the airport, Aringarosa was amazed to discover that the car was not headed for Vatican City, but headed east on a winding mountain road. "Where are we going?" he asked the driver. "Alban Hills," replied the driver, "your meeting is at Castel Gandolfo." The bishop's summer home? Aringarosa has never been, and has no intention of going.The 16th-century castle was not only the bishop's summer residence, but also home to the Vatican Observatory, the most advanced observatory in Europe.Aringarosa felt sick at the thought of the Vatican's monuments being associated with science.What's the point of mixing science and faith? People can't find scientific truth without faith in God.Faith also does not require any form to justify itself.

Still, it was there, Aringarosa thought, and Castel Gandolfo loomed before him, towering under the November stars.The castle sits on the edge of a cliff and slopes outwards.From the road, it looks like a stone statue of a monk trying to commit suicide by jumping off a cliff.Below the cliff is the birthplace of Italian civilization - the place where the two Scottish nations, Couriaz and Olazi, fought before the establishment of the Roman Empire. The outline of Castel Gandolfo is very eye-catching. The row of defensive walls and its dangerous position on the edge of the cliff together show the majesty of the castle.Much to Aringarosa's dismay, the two gigantic aluminum telescopes now atop the castle have ruined the Vatican's image, leaving the once majestic structure like a proud warrior in a strange hat .After Aringarosa got off the car, a young Christian pastor rushed up to greet him and said:

"Bishop, welcome. I am the godfather of Mangula, and I am also an astronomer here." You are fine.Aringarosa greeted perfunctorily, and followed the receptionist into the front hall of the castle—it was an open space, but the decoration was not elegant, and the Renaissance art style was mixed with Elements of astronomy.He followed his escort up the wide marble steps and saw the sign for the conference room, the science lecture hall, and the travel desk.It is incredible to him that the Vatican Castle, which has always provided guidance for people's spiritual sublimation, also provides lectures on astrophysics for tourists. "Tell me," Aringarosa asked the young priest, "when did the tail start wagging the dog?"

The pastor looked at him in surprise: "Sir, what did you say?" Aringarosa waved the subject off, determined not to offend anyone tonight.The whole Vatican City went crazy.Just like some lazy parents who think that it is easier to acquiesce in their child's pampering and willfulness than to discipline him severely, the church is loosening the rules everywhere, trying to reshape itself to adapt to the chaotic culture. The corridor on the top floor is very wide, with many rooms on both sides.It leads to an oak door with a bronze plaque that reads: astronomy library Aringarosa had heard of this place—the Astronomical Library in Vatican City—rumoured to contain more than 25,000 volumes, including rare works by Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton, and Sage .That's also where the Pope's most senior officials are said to hold a secret meeting...they don't want that kind of meeting in Vatican City.As he walked towards the door, Bishop Aringarosa could never have imagined the shocking news he would hear, or the chain reaction it would cause.In less than an hour, he stumbled out of it with the terrible news in his mind.Six months from now! God help us, he thought!

At this moment, Aringarosa, sitting in the Fiat sedan, realized that he was thinking about the meeting, and his fists were clenched.He exhaled, then inhaled slowly, relaxing his muscles.Everything will be fine, he said to himself, as the Fiat sedan drove up the winding road up the hill.Why hasn't the mentor called me? Silas should have found the stone by now. To ease his tension, Aringarosa played with the amethyst on the ring.Caressing the patterns and precious stones of the crown and staff on the ring, he reminded himself that the power symbolized by this ring was far less than the great power he was about to obtain.