“Heydrich will serve under Himmler and be tasked with rounding up any dissenters. Anyone who dares defy your mission will be rounded up and incarcerated. No exceptions.”
“This is an impressive roster, Your Excellency.”
“Only the finest for your rise to power within the Third Reich,” Pacelli concluded.
With a sense of profound confidence, Hitler carefully folded the letter and tucked it securely inside his shirt pocket as if it were a priceless artifact. This was no ordinary list—it was a meticulous roster of allies handpicked by the cardinal himself. It was far too valuable to be misplaced.
“Adolf.” Pacelli’s voice sliced through the silence, a stern command wrapped in a velvety tone. “There must never be any evidence of our private meetings. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Your Excellency,” Hitler responded, his voice echoing the solemnity of Pacelli’s.
“Commit those names on the list to memory, then destroy it,” Pacelli decreed. This would set a precedent the two men would continue throughout all their future communications, and would also become the unspoken rule for the entire Nazi Party: obliterate any and all incriminating evidence, no matter what.
With a nod of understanding, Hitler took out the list. His eyes scanned over the names one final time, etching each into memory. Then, ever the obedient soldier, he strode over to Pacelli’s grand oak desk, his hand reaching for the gold lighter adorned with an embossed cross. The lighter sparked to life with a flick of his thumb. He held the list to the flame and watched as it consumed the paper, reducing it to ashes that fell neatly into a metal trash can.
“Remember this, Adolf,” Pacelli’s said, his voice low and urgent. “Our communication must always remain a secret. Any leak could jeopardize your ascension to power. You wouldn’t want that to happen, would you?”
“No, Your Excellency,” Hitler replied, his voice firm.
Pacelli’s insistence on secrecy was not merely to safeguard Hitler’s reputation; it was a shield to protect himself and the Vatican from any potential fallout resulting from the rising Nazi leader’s actions. There would be no evidence, no trace of the machinations that were set in motion. Never.
“I will be in contact with you soon,” Pacelli intoned, a clear signal that their meeting had reached its end.
With a final bow, Hitler exited the library, leaving behind the smoldering remnants of the list and the weight of the secrets it once held.
Chapter 17
22 November 1919
Francesco, my dear brother, has been counseling the Fascist in Rome. The Council is carefully evaluating both Hitler and Mussolini to see who will spearhead their mission.
Mussolini appears to have great attributes, but I believe Hitler will become the ultimate leader. He possesses the great oratory skills necessary to lead both Germany and Italy combined.
Yet collaboration between Hitler and Mussolini would result in a formidable force that could reshape the world as we know it.
I will continue with the Council’s plan to shape Hitler’s path to power.
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli
Chapter 18
17 November 1919
Rome, Italy
In the grand, intricately decorated halls of the Vatican, where the administrative heart of the Holy See beats, the office of legal affairs was the stage for a duel of titans. The highly respected Francesco Pacelli, the Vatican’s unwavering legal advisor, found himself locked in a gripping battle of words with the fiery Fascist, Benito Mussolini. The Council, with their profound wisdom and strategic vision, had entrusted him with the daunting task of transforming the passionate Italian nationalist into a formidable contender for their clandestine mission.
“Do not let this electoral setback cloud your vision, signor,” Francesco said, attempting to soothe the storm brewing within Mussolini.
“But this was to be my triumphant moment, counselor!” Mussolini’s voice filled with rage at the counselor’s indifference. Francesco had foreseen a victory for Mussolini in the Italian Parliament, but the votes had cruelly betrayed their expectations.
“Patience, signor. As the Good Book teaches us, patience is a virtue,” Francesco reminded him, his voice steady and calm. Under his guidance, Mussolini had founded the Italian Fascists of Combat earlier that year, a strategic move in line with the Council’s grand plan. This newborn party was the ideal weapon for the Black Nobility’s aim to disrupt the status quo, especially in the wake of World War I, with Italy teetering on the brink of chaos and desperately seeking a leader.
“I fail to see how this defeat can be acceptable to you, counselor,” Mussolini challenged, his anger unabated.
“This setback is but a minor obstacle in our grand design, Benito. We have allies in high places, and a myriad of strategies at our disposal,” Francesco reassured him, his tone firm.
“Why weren’t these strategies employed for this election, counselor?” Mussolini’s voice laden with contempt, his eyes narrowing suspiciously questioning the credibility of the counselor’s network.
“Sometimes, one must lose a battle to ultimately win the war. You understand this analogy, don’t you?” Francesco rebuking the Fascist, his gaze penetrating and unrelenting.
Mussolini found himself at that moment in deep introspection, pondering his fate under the guidance of the esteemed Vatican counselor.
The room was thick with tension, the silence deafening. Francesco allowed the Fascist time to make a final decision: embrace the Council’s grand plan or forsake his destiny.
“I trust you have a plan to ensure my success,” Mussolini finally conceded, rising to leave the counselor’s office. His faith in Francesco was evident, despite the recent setback.
These confidential meetings with the young Italian rebel were bearing significant results. Challenging the Fascists was not only cementing, but fortifying his allegiance to the Vatican counselor. Mussolini was shaping up to be the leader the Black Nobility sought. The Council’s plans were unfolding precisely as they had envisioned.
Chapter 19
15 February 1920
The Art of War
All warfare is based on deception.
Appear strong when you are weak.
Hitler has ascended the ranks of the Nazi Party.
Anton Drexler, captivated by Hitler’s oratory skills, has appointed Hitler as the main speaker at every meeting. Each meeting is electric with anticipation and thick with promise.
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli
28 February 1920
Hitler organized the largest meeting in Nazi Party’s history, with over 2,000 people in attendance. He is gaining notoriety within Munich among the locals.
As I instructed, Hitler has announced the 25-point Programme that the Council prepared. This programme will give hope to the German people and induce them to rise out of the hardships imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.
The German people are looking for a leader. Hitler will be their leader, their savior, their Führer.
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli
Chapter 20
24 February 1920
