“Go, quell the devil’s works. Help spread the love of Almighty God.” Pacelli gave Hitler a look, his words a cryptic directive for Hitler to follow suit. His gaze was intense, a silent command that left no room for misinterpretation.
Quick to comprehend, Hitler cast a glance over the cardinal’s shoulder, his eyes catching sight of a shadowy figure concealed in the darkness. “For the love of Almighty God,” he echoed, before turning to leave the residence of the Nuncio of Germany, eagerly anticipating his next orders.
Pacelli would need to be more cautious in the future, ensuring his discussions with Hitler remained confidential. The grand mission of the Black Nobility could not be exposed, not even to his loyal aide. Despite her decade-long loyalty to him, he did not want Sister Pascalina entangled in the mission entrusted to him by the Council.
Closing the front door behind him, Pacelli retreated to his library and sank into the comfort of his high-back leather chair. His mind began to weave the intricate web of his next moves with the young revolutionary who had serendipitously fallen into his lap. Eugenio’s progression of the mission would undoubtedly bring a smile to his brother’s face.
Chapter 15
28 September 1919
Sunday, 7:03 a.m.
In the secrecy of his private quarters, Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli initiated a secure line of communication with his brother, Francesco Pacelli. His heart pounded with an intensity that echoed the gravity of the situation. The secure phone line was his only connection to his brother; he dared not put their communications in writing. The conversation that was about to take place had the potential to change everything. Eugenio’s voice, a low murmur, echoed through the line:
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli:
“Brother, I believe I have found the man who could act as the linchpin for the Council’s grand scheme.”
Francesco Pacelli:
“Excellent work. Who is this person?”
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli:
“An Austrian. A man by the name of Adolf Hitler.”
Francesco Pacelli:
“An Austrian? How could he possibly lead the German people?”
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli:
“He has proven his allegiance in the German military. His superior officer brought him to my attention. Hitler’s fervor for the German people is nothing short of extraordinary.”
Francesco Pacelli:
“What are his ambitions? He will need an immutable drive to endure the inevitable hardships.”
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.”
