Chapter 673 - 1: Pope
To the southeast of the outskirts of Rome lies a picturesque and pleasant climate region.
Due to the unique soil and sunshine in this area, it is rich in grapes, olives, and fruits and vegetables. Coupled with its distance from the bustling city, many towns built on the Albany Hills have distinctive features and have long been famous holiday destinations, known as the Roman countryside.
Among the numerous towns established on the Albany Hills, one mountain city attracts the most attention from the world, because in this small mountain city, there is an "Independent Kingdom" — Gandolfo Castle.
It also goes by another name, the Pope’s Summer Palace.
Although this Pope’s Summer Palace does not match the reputation of the highest authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
In terms of area, however, this summer palace, covering about 70 hectares... is larger than the seat of the highest authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
Most importantly.
No tourists.
Therefore, many popes throughout history have enjoyed coming here for the summer, often staying for extended periods, with some spending up to half a year here.
This includes the Iron-blooded Pope, Gregory III, who ascended amid a power transition over ten years ago.
Even though times have changed, and the Church is always thought to be out of touch with the world and losing people’s hearts, while the belief that bishops and priests are trying to sell is just an expired commodity.
No matter how much it is belittled, it cannot change the fact that — Roman Catholic Church remains the most influential religion in the world, and their Pope remains one of the most powerful people in the world.
No matter how the common people may doubt it, the Church’s foundation will not waver.
And in the extraordinary domain, this Gregory III, infamous within the Holy See, is comparable to a celestial god descending to earth.
After becoming Pope, the previously declining Roman Catholic Church experienced a revival and began a wild expansion, its power continuously swelling.
Even restoring the retrograde achievement of the divine right of kings.
Though secular power in most of Europe still seems to be in the hands of the people, or more accurately, in the hands of their votes.
What they do not know is that no matter who is elected... they will all come to kiss the Iron-blooded Pope’s ring.
And regarding this.
There are indeed dissenters within the Holy See, with the Rebaptism Sect once even attempting to assassinate this Pope.
However, to this day, this Pope is still alive and well, while the once-thriving Rebaptism Sect of over ten years ago... have all become sinners, with five knights of the Holy Coffin still suffering in the Inquisition.
This has further elevated the power and authority of this Pope.
As it has developed up to now.
Within the Holy See, even those who oppose him only dare to mutter complaints in their hearts.
Of course.
This is merely from the perspective of ordinary believers.
And for higher-level believers, such as the Cardinal Group... His Holiness the Pope is even more intimidating.
Gandolfo Castle, southwest, the namesake hillside town.
Cardinal Lamar Aihai slightly raised his head, his gaze passing over the town, looking at the highest point of Gandolfo Castle, then adjusted the four-cornered hat on his head, taking several deep breaths until he was sure he wouldn’t tremble, before continuing to walk forward.
But after taking just a few steps, a team of guards wearing brightly colored traditional uniforms, holding spears and swords, blocked his path.
In the modern society, guards suddenly appearing as if they traveled through time from the Middle Ages are indeed a bit striking.
However, considering the Pope is on vacation there, it’s not surprising.
Because the seat of the highest authority of the Roman Catholic Church... also has such gendarmes, responsible for the social order, border control, traffic control, and criminal investigation of Vatican City.
Nominally, they are the Pope’s personal guards, his most reliable bodyguards.
But to put it bluntly, they are police officers.
Of course, that was in the past...
Swish—
The team of brightly colored uniformed guards suddenly raised their spears, blocking Lamar Aihai, the leading guard expressionless, said:
"Halt."
"..."
Lamar Aihai looked at the guard captain in front of him, feeling the holy aura exuding from him, his eyes stinging, and he immediately lowered his head: "His Holiness the Pope summons."
"..."
The guard captain scrutinized Lamar Aihai for a moment, then raised his head, and closed his eyes.
Two seconds later.
He stepped back two steps, and the other guards put away their spears, forming up on both sides.
Lamar Aihai breathed a sigh of relief, able to continue forward... though the entire time, he dared not raise his head.
Walking slowly all the way.
Finally.
He reached the highest point of Gandolfo Castle... and saw Gregory III, full of silver hair, hunched, wearing a white cassock.
Gregory III had his back to him, gazing eastward at the mountains and the Albano Volcano Lake, seemingly unaware of Lamar Aihai.
Nonetheless, Lamar Aihai respectfully moved forward and slightly raised his hand toward Gregory III.
Gregory III finally turned around, revealing a face weathered by the years, etched with wrinkles, and raised his right hand.
Lamar Aihai piously kissed his ring, saying, "Your Holiness the Pope."
"Lamar."
Gregory III, this legendary Iron-blooded Pope, did not appear to be a difficult person to speak to; his expression was kind and gentle. Just uttering Lamar Aihai’s name made him feel a refreshing breeze on his face.