The private ceremony is imperative to keep up the ruse of my special needs as spoken of in the The Art of War:
Although you are capable, display incapability.
I shall soon begin my postgraduate studies in canon law. I am honored to follow in Grandfather’s footsteps; he too received his doctorate in canon law.
I will not disappoint you, Grandfather.
Father Eugenio Pacelli
8 June 1902
Grandfather died today. I am heartbroken.
He is the reason I am following this path.
I loved him so much, and now he is gone.
I will miss you.
I will not disappoint you.
I shall make you proud, Grandfather.
Father Eugenio Pacelli
Mario continued reading the newspaper clipping glued on the opposite page of Eugenio’s journal:
OBITUARY
In loving memory of Marcantonio Pacelli who passed away peacefully on June 8, 1902, at the venerable age of 98. Born on April 15, 1804, in the picturesque town of Onan, Italy, he was the cherished son of Gaetano Pacelli and Maria Antonia Caterini.
Marcantonio Pacelli was educated in Rome, Italy and received a doctorate in canon law in 1824. Pacelli was a valuable advisor to Pope Pius IX. His dedication to the pope helped ensure the careers of his children and grandchildren.
On 24 November 1848, Marcantonio Pacelli accompanied Pope Pius IX to Gaeta, as part of the pope’s entourage in exile. During this period, Marcantonio Pacelli served as a political consultant and lawyer for the management of Vatican business from afar.
In 1851, Marcantonio Pacelli was appointed the Deputy Minister of the Interior for Vatican City. He held this venerable position until 1870.
In 1861, Marcantonio Pacelli initiated the publication of the Vatican’s newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano.
As we mourn the loss of Marcantonio, we also celebrate a life well-lived. His memory will forever be etched in our hearts, and his spirit will continue to guide us. Your journey on earth may have ended, but your legacy will live on forever.
Marcantonio Pacelli was a loving husband, father, and grandfather to his wonderful family. He is survived by four sons and two daughters: Ernesto, Filippo, Teresa, Giuseppe, Vincenzo, and Mary Rose.
1 June 1917
The Black Nobility maneuvered my promotion through the Vatican with stunning swiftness, influencing the pope to elevate my position to Apostolic Nuncio of Bavaria. Pope Benedict XV consecrated me as cardinal in the Sistine Chapel two weeks ago. Without delay, I departed for Munich to fulfill my duties as the Vatican’s ambassador to Bavaria.
There is no other Vatican representation in Germany due to all the turmoil surrounding the Great War.
I met with King Ludwig III and Kaiser Wilhelm II. Both received my appointment from Pope Benedict XV positively. I will build relationships with both for I will require favors of them in the future. This will advance the Black Nobility’s directive to expand my influence in Munich.
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli
27 September 1919
Adolf Hitler called on me unannounced last night. General Ludendorff instructed him to come seek my council and guidance. The general knows very well my loathing for Communism and attacks on the Catholic Church.
Hitler will be the perfect pupil for the Council’s plan. I will entice him with his lust to fulfill his utmost desires, guiding him to rule over the entire German Empire.
Before sending Hitler on his way, I gave him a large cache of money. Enough to fund his early revolution and support his efforts to gain notoriety in Munich.
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli
Chapter 14
26 September 1919
Munich, Germany
“Your Excellency, thank you for meeting with me at this ungodly hour,” Adolf Hitler began, his voice meandering with a humble reverence. In his hands he held a letter written by none other than General Ludendorff himself. He extended the letter towards the cardinal, a silent request for him to review its contents.
Pacelli accepted the letter, his eyes scanning the words with an intensity that reflected his anticipation of the general’s commendation. Once he had read the contents, he gestured for Hitler to follow him towards the library where they could speak privately, without fear of interruption.
“Your general speaks highly of you, Herr Hitler,” Pacelli began, his voice echoing in the quiet room. “What is it you seek from me?”
“Germany is under siege, Your Excellency,” Hitler replied, his voice heavy with concern. “The Communists are gaining ground.”
“I am aware of their expansion,” Pacelli responded, his tone reflecting his loathing for the ideology that threatened Germany. “They are making their presence felt here in Munich and Berlin.”
“That is why I am here, Your Excellency,” Hitler continued, his gaze steady on the cardinal. “General Ludendorff believes you can help.”
A slow smile spread across Pacelli’s face as he realized the potential that lay before him. “Then it seems we may be able to help each other,” he mused, his mind already spinning with possibilities.
“How might that be?”
“I am in the process of devising a grand strategy, a plan of such magnitude that it will eradicate communism from Germany,” Pacelli revealed, his eyes gleaming with determination. “And I believe, Herr Hitler, you could be the leader who will bring this plan to fruition.”
Hitler, his body taut with anticipation, leaned in, his eyes gleaming with the prospect of hearing the cardinal’s grand scheme. He harbored grandiose dreams of leading Germany out of the shadows and into the glory it rightfully deserved. The global community’s relentless persecution of Germany, holding it solely accountable for the atrocities of the Great War, was a grotesque display of injustice and cruelty. That his fellow Germans were being driven to the brink of starvation was a cruel and inhumane act. Hadn’t the Geneva Conventions been established to prevent such atrocities, safeguarding citizens of the world’s nations from such torment?
“I have the necessary connections to elevate you to the position of Chancellor of Germany,” Pacelli revealed, his voice barely audible. To expose this confidential information was to take a great risk—this secret, if leaked, would jeopardize the Council’s mission were Hitler to betray him. “But you must understand, this is not something that can be accomplished overnight. It demands time and patience.”
A smile of satisfaction spread across Hitler’s face at the prospect of such a future. But then, doubt crept in. “But how can this be? President Von Hindenburg will never allow it, Your Excellency.”
“This will be a process that spans decades, my friend. Rome wasn’t built in a day,” Pacelli explained, his voice steady and reassuring.
“You’re right. You have higher powers than I could ever imagine. Please, share your vision with me.”
“I need your absolute assurance that our discussions will remain confidential. Can I trust you, Adolf?” Pacelli’s gaze bore into Hitler, searching for any signs of deceit. He needed to be certain that Hitler was the right man to execute the Council of the Black Nobility’s grand plan.
