Mario’s discovery of this journal could potentially shatter the Vatican’s image of purity. Roberto knew his friend was a stickler for rules, but could Mario, just for one night, dare defy the rules once again? The thought was thrilling yet filled with uncertainty.
“Do you think I could take a look at it?” Roberto ventured.
“Are you out of your mind? If I’m caught smuggling anything out of the Archives, I’ll be more than out of a job—they could impose laicization!” Mario’s voice was laced with both conviction and fear.
Roberto’s confusion at the unfamiliar term was evident on his face.
“Laicization. It’s when the authority strips me of my lawful position as a priest.”
“Got it. Wasn’t aware of that one,” Roberto conceded, understanding that Mario was a man of unshakable loyalty to the Catholic Church. There was no breaking the iron grip the Church had on his best friend. He might not agree with it, but Roberto respected Mario’s wishes that he not interfere with his faith and principles.
To defuse the tension, Roberto quickly scrolled down the search results, eager to uncover more information.
Eugenio Pacelli, who would later become Pope Pius XII, was born into a distinguished Roman family on March 2, 1876. The Pacelli family, part of the “Black Nobility”, had a long-standing connection to the papacy. Marcantonio Pacelli, Eugenio’s grandfather, held significant roles in the Papal Ministry of Finances and the Interior under Pope Pius IX, and was the founder of the Vatican’s newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, in 1861. Ernesto Pacelli, Eugenio’s cousin, was a trusted financial advisor to Pope Leo XIII. Filippo Pacelli, Eugenio’s father, was the dean of the Sacra Rota Romana, while Eugenio’s brother, Francesco Pacelli, was a lay canon lawyer who played a crucial role in negotiating the Lateran Treaty in 1929, resolving the Roman Question. Despite the family’s legal tradition, Eugenio, at the tender age of twelve, declared his intention to join the priesthood.
“See this guy, Marcantonio?” Mario said, pointing at the name glowing on the monitor. “He’s the one who revealed to Eugenio on his twelfth birthday that he would ascend to the papacy.”
“The pope, huh?” Roberto’s interest rose as he rapidly skimmed through the entries. “Seems to align with this detail of him entering the priesthood at the tender age of twelve.” His finger paused the mouse on the screen, highlighting a peculiar term. “And what is this ‘Black Nobility’?”
The term “Black Nobility” refers to a group of Italian aristocratic families who remained loyal to the papacy during the reign of Pope Pius IX. This period was marked by significant political upheaval, as the Kingdom of Italy’s army invaded Rome on September 20, 1870, effectively ending the Papal States and seizing control of the Apostolic Palace. In response to this, the pope retreated to Vatican City for the next 59 years, claiming to be a prisoner within the Vatican to avoid acknowledging the authority of the Italian government. Those aristocrats who had received their titles from the Holy See symbolically kept their doors closed in mourning of the pope’s confinement. This act of solidarity earned them the moniker of the “Black Nobility”.
Roberto’s fingers flew over the keys, anxiously digging deeper into the vast expanse of the internet.
The Influence and Continuity of the Black Nobility in the Catholic Church: Numerous individuals from Black Nobility families, distinguished by their ancestral connections to the papacy, have ascended to prominent positions within the Church, including the papacy itself. Notable examples of such families that continue to exist today include Eugenio Pacelli, who ascended to the papacy as Pope Pius XII; Ernesto Pacelli, a significant financial figure; and Prospero Colonna, who served as a mayor of Rome.
“Eugenio Pacelli knew from age twelve he would become the pope because of his ties with this Black Nobility group. Almost like the mafia where your life’s path is chosen for you at a young age,” Roberto summarized, his voice heavy with the weight of the revelation of Eugenio Pacelli’s clandestine rise to the papacy.
Mario, sinking back into his chair, felt a wave of disbelief wash over him. His decision to join the priesthood had never been about power or status. His vocation was a commitment to serve God and mankind, utilizing his God-given talents and abilities in the most impactful way he could. This shocking revelation was a jarring contradiction to his deeply held beliefs and understanding of selfless service. He had always followed the teachings of the Church hierarchy, striving to be a faithful steward and servant of Jesus Christ. His convictions were firmly anchored in the teachings of the Catholic Church. Was there more going on behind the scenes he was completely oblivious to? How had he been so blind to this covert deception?
Roberto broke his train of thought. “You need to dig deeper into that journal.”
Mario met Roberto’s gaze with a determined look. “I’ll get to it tomorrow.”
Chapter 13
March 7, 2000
Tuesday, 8:23 a.m.
Vatican Secret Archives
With heightened anticipation, Mario activated the complex array of equipment, its hum filling the aisle with an electric tension. He stretched his arm up, reaching for the four ancient books that stood sentinel before the journal. With a sense of reverence, he placed the books on the worktable, their dust-laden covers whispering tales of forgotten lore.
His hand moved to the journal—its presence commanded his attention. He placed it beside the quartet of books, his gaze locked onto the papal stamped-wax seal. A sense of trepidation gripped him. The prospect of unearthing a truth that could shatter his belief in the Catholic Church was daunting.
The truth was a double-edged sword. On one side, the allure of knowledge was irresistible. On the other, the fear of irrevocable change felt paralyzing. Once seen, the eyes could not unsee. Once learned, the mind could not unlearn.
With a deep breath, he untied the twine, its coarse texture a stark contrast to the smooth brown paper it bound together. The moment of truth was upon him. He opened the book, revealing the next journal entry, a gateway to a world unknown.
8 September 1894
I started my theology studies at Almo Collegio Capranica this week.
Following the direction of the Council, I also enrolled at the La Sapienza State University to study language and history. Grandfather instructed that I will need to acquire extensive knowledge of languages and history for my mission.
There is much work required of me. However, I am honored to have been chosen.
I will not disappoint you, Grandfather. I will make you proud.
Eugenio Pacelli
21 June 1895
Latest instruction from the Council:
It is necessary I drop out of seminary to continue my studies from home. The Council says I need more focus under the tutelage of father and mother; they along with other tutors will help me complete my studies. I will graduate and be ordained a minister according to schedule.
This strategy follows the teachings in The Art of War:
Although you are capable, display incapability.
I have been preparing the professors and the dean for my departure by feigning intolerable stomach pain after eating the food in the cafeteria the past several weeks. They have given me a special dispensation to continue my studies from home.
Eugenio Pacelli
2 April 1899
I was ordained a priest today by Monsignor Romeo Cassetta. Romeo has been a family friend for a long time. I was honored to have him conduct the private Easter ceremony for my ordination with only my family in attendance.
