Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli:
“He harbors a profound aspiration to become a celebrated artist.”
Francesco Pacelli:
“An artist?”
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli:
“He has expressed his deep disappointment in not being accepted into the Vienna art school on multiple occasions. Art seems to be his ultimate passion, above all else.”
Francesco Pacelli:
“Then we must lure him with a grand vision that will sustain him as he ascends to power in Germany.”
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli:
“I’ve just had a remarkable thought: Hitler could construct the largest museum in Germany, surpassing the grandeur of the Louvre, the British Museum, even the Smithsonian.”
Francesco Pacelli:
“A splendid idea, brother. Present this to Hitler at your next encounter. I will relay this information to the Council and keep you updated with further directives.”
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli:
“Agreed, brother. Excellent.”
Francesco Pacelli:
“The Council and I are also working with a potential leader here in Italy. A Fascist by the name of Mussolini. I will keep you informed of any new developments.”
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli:
“A Fascist?”
Francesco Pacelli:
“The Council is exploring every possible avenue.”
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli:
“I will continue my work with Adolf. I am convinced he is the one.”
Francesco Pacelli:
“Well done, Eugenio.”
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli:
“Thank you, brother. You as well.”
Chapter 16
13 December 1919
Munich, Germany
In the confines of the cardinal’s library in Munich, a private meeting was taking place. Pacelli leaned forward, his voice a low murmur. “Adolf, your leadership skills have not gone unnoticed. They are truly remarkable.”
Hitler, standing tall and imposing, said, “Anton Drexler has been a great ally. His trust in me has led to my appointment as Party Speaker of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party.”
Pacelli nodded, his gaze steady on Hitler. “Your unwavering loyalty and adherence to directives have caught not only my attention but also that of my esteemed Council.”
Hitler’s eyes gleamed with a sense of accomplishment. “Your guidance has been instrumental. The transformation from the old German Workers’ Party to the NSDAP has given us a distinct identity. The unanimous acceptance of our new flag has elevated my status within our party.” He moved to take a seat in the cardinal’s library. The air was heavy with anticipation.
Pacelli said, “To make a global impact, you require a symbol that will instill terror in the hearts of the people. The Swastika on the Nazi flag will serve as that symbol.”
Hitler’s gaze bore into the cardinal. “The flag is indeed a sight to behold. Its blood-red background is a powerful symbol.”
The room fell silent as both men thought dark thoughts.
“To aid the continuance of your mission, I am assembling a formidable team of leaders for you.” Pacelli’s eyes gleamed with a fierce determination. “They will be your loyal subjects as we strive to restore Germany to its rightful place on the world stage. Are you with me?”
Hitler’s gaze, steady and resolute, bowed his head in deference. “You have my unyielding loyalty, Your Excellency.”
Pacelli continued, his voice a low, commanding rumble. “I am assigning you an aide-de-camp, a trusted confidant who will shadow every step of your ascension within the Third Reich, Adolf. Through him, I will relay my directives. Do you understand?”
“I understand, Your Excellency,” Hitler affirmed, his voice steady.
Pacelli extended a piece of paper towards him. “Here are the names of the individuals I am enlisting on your behalf.”
Hitler’s eyes scanned the paper. He read out the first name. “Rudolf Hess.”
“Hess will be our primary liaison. He will be the conduit through which I relay my directives. He will be your steadfast companion, always by your side throughout your rise to power.”
“Hermann Göring,” Hitler continued, his eyes flicking to the next name.
“Göring will be the commander of your Luftwaffe,” Pacelli declared, his voice unwavering.
“But the Treaty of Versailles forbids Germany from having an air fleet,” Hitler interjected.
“Göring will build the Luftwaffe in secret. The world does not need to be privy to the resurgence of the German Air Force,” Pacelli retorted, a sly smile playing on his lips.
“Heinrich Himmler,” Hitler said, moving on to the next name.
“Himmler will command your police force. The current SA are nothing more than rabble-rousers.” Pacelli’s voice dripped with disdain for the current Sturmabteilung Brownshirts. These stormtroopers were reckless, unfit to serve the grand vision of the Black Nobility. “Your leadership is far too crucial to be associated with those ruffians.”
“Reinhard Heydrich.”
