President Paul von Hindenburg has died. His already declining health simplified the process for the assassin who administered the overdose of morphine, sealing the president’s fate.

Upon his death, Hitler abolished the Office of the President and declared himself both Chancellor and Führer of the German Reich. He has become the absolute dictator of Germany. Nothing can stand in his way.

Secretary of State,

Archbishop Eugenio Pacelli

Chapter 37

21 September 1936

Vatican City

Francesco rushed into his brother’s office and said, “Your Excellency, there’s been a change in your itinerary.”

“Francesco, we are brothers. There’s no need for such formalities.”

“It is out of respect, brother.” Francesco’s voice carried a note of reverence.

“Yes, well. What is this change?”

“Your summer retreat to Switzerland has been cancelled. Instead, you will go to the United States for a series of high-stakes meetings.” Francesco’s words hung heavy in the air.

“Is this the Council’s doing?”

“Yes. Your unofficial American tour will include private meetings with influential archbishops. We are also orchestrating a potential meeting with President Roosevelt, although that confirmation is still pending.”

Eugenio’s gaze held steady on his brother. “And what is my mission there?”

“Your mission is three-pronged. First, you will rally the support of President Roosevelt and the United States. Second, you are to extend an invitation to the U.S. government to establish formal diplomatic relations with the Vatican and accept a papal nuncio. This will forge a direct line of communication between the Vatican and President Roosevelt. Last, you are to reassure President Roosevelt that Reverend Coughlin’s recent verbal onslaughts by were not sanctioned by the Holy See. There will be a private discussion with Coughlin, instructing him to cease his tirade over the airwaves against the U.S. president.”

“When do I leave?”

“The first of October. A team of your most trusted allies is being meticulously selected and briefed on the tasks at hand.”

Eugenio’s eyes reflected the weight of the impending task; he studied his brother, his mind engrossed in the intricate details of this monumental undertaking.

“When you arrive in New York, you will be staying at the Grand Inisfada Estate in Long Island, the home of Genevieve Brady.”

Eugenio furrowed his brows. “I am unfamiliar with this woman.”

“She is the late wife of Nicholas Brady, a duke of the Holy Roman Church. She will act as your bridge to the influential and powerful elite of America.”

Eugenio nodded. “I appreciate you orchestrating this crucial mission, Franco.”

Francesco paused, his gaze intense and penetrating. “This assignment, brother, is a turning point for the Vatican’s future. Do you comprehend the sheer scale of this visit?”

“I do understand the gravity of the situation. I assure you, I will not let you down, brother.”

“Excellent. If you should have any questions, do not hesitate to summon me.”

Chapter 38

8 October 1936

New York Harbor

The majestic SS Conte di Savoia ocean liner sliced through the waters of the Hudson River, making its grand entrance into the bustling New York harbor. Awaiting its arrival was an esteemed apostolic delegation led by a formidable assembly of bishops, high-ranking clergy, and distinguished civic representatives. The Vatican Secretary of State was not just greeted by these dignitaries, but also a buzzing swarm of journalists, photographers, and Catholic reporters, all eager to document this momentous occasion and probe Pacelli about the intentions behind this unprecedented visit to the United States.

The six-foot tall, slender Archbishop, with an austere countenance that commanded respect, delivered a succinct yet impactful statement to the audience of reporters. As he opened the floor for questions, Pacelli’s piercing dark eyes surveyed the eager press corps shouting out questions.

“Are you here to support President Roosevelt in his reelection?” one reporter managed to ask, his voice rising above the others.

Pacelli responded in his plaintive voice with a calm and measured tone, “As I explained in my brief, I am here on my first visit to the United States to see with my own eyes this country and feel the pulsations of its life and its labor. My desire is to know firsthand this great and powerful nation which holds such a unique and important place among all the peoples of the world.”

Another journalist, eager to stir controversy, asked, “What is the Vatican’s stance on Reverend Charles Coughlin’s scathing criticism of President Roosevelt?”

Pacelli, maintaining his composure, replied, “I am afraid I don’t have a response from the Vatican on that matter.”

Bishop Spellman boldly interposed himself between Pacelli and the throng of reporters. “Gentlemen, thank you for coming out today. Archbishop Pacelli has just arrived from a long voyage. Let’s offer him his privacy so he can get to his lodging and get settled in. Thank you, gentlemen.” With a firm hand, Spellman guided Pacelli away from the voracious crowd of journalists towards a waiting vehicle.

“Your assistance is invaluable, my friend.” Pacelli expressed his gratitude by firmly shaking Spellman’s hand.

“Think nothing of it, Your Excellency. Your schedule is packed, and I didn’t want those relentless hounds to exhaust you on your very first day. I haven’t forgotten your health concerns.”

With the protection of a police escort, Pacelli, Spellman, and their entourage swiftly departed en route to the first of many meetings with U.S. Cardinals during Pacelli’s momentous visit to the United States.

8 October 1936

Afternoon

New York City

“Cardinal Hayes, let me get right to the matter at hand,” Pacelli’s voice sliced through the air, his gaze fixed on Cardinal Patrick Joseph Hayes. The Cardinal of New York, a seasoned veteran of the Church, felt a chill run down his spine. Whispers of Pacelli’s relentless demands had reached his ears through the sacred corridors of the Church. He knew that any command from Pacelli—the Vatican’s iron fist sheathed in a velvet glove—was not to be taken lightly. Any defiance could result in catastrophic repercussions. Hayes was acutely aware that the Vatican Secretary of State’s unprecedented visit to America was no casual affair—the stakes were high, the air thick with anticipation.

“President Roosevelt’s success in the upcoming election is of paramount importance. I demand that you steer the Archdiocese of New York to rally behind FDR.” Pacelli’s words hung heavy in the room.

Cardinal Hayes, despite his initial shock, understood that this was not a request, but an ironclad command. “May I ask the reason behind this directive, Secretary?”

“That it is of the highest importance is all you need to know. Do I make myself clear?” Pacelli’s patience was wearing thin; his annoyance with the New York cardinal’s probing question was undeniable.

“It shall be done.”

“Ensure the faithful understand that a vote against FDR is a vote against God himself.”

“I will personally relay this command.” Hayes hastily scribbled down the instructions, mentally preparing to summon an emergency meeting of all the priests, bishops, and deacons of the district.

“Furthermore, I want you to reinforce America’s commitment to isolationism with your entire archdiocese.”