“I try to sway everyone within my reach,” Pacelli confessed, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
“I’ve heard your influence extended beyond mere ‘sway’, Archbishop,” FDR countered, his eyes twinkling with a knowing look.
“Ah. I did meet with cardinals and archbishops in key voting areas to encourage the parishioners to vote for you. However, I don’t want to detract from your achievement, Mr. President. Your dedication to the American public is the reason they voted for you so overwhelmingly.”
“Thank you. I appreciated the Vatican’s endorsement during this critical election.”
For the next hour, Pacelli and FDR engaged in a lively discussion about their shared passion for treasure hunting, politics, and learning. As their conversation drew to a close, Pacelli provided guidance to the president regarding issuing any public statements about their meeting.
“Officially, this meeting’s agenda involved discussing topics considered important by the pope—that is, I came here to enlist your support for the anti-Communist campaign declared by Pope Pius XI. Secondly, to extend an invitation from the Vatican to establish a Papal Nuncio in the United States. And lastly, clarify that Reverend Coughlin’s attacks over the airwaves are in no way endorsed by the Vatican.”
“That Coughlin infuriates me,” Roosevelt grumbled, clearly irritated by the two-faced reverend who had initially supported his New Deal program only to openly recant it later.
“We have spoken with the reverend. I can guarantee you his inflammatory rhetoric will cease.” Pacelli’s voice was resolute. He did not go into the details of the bone-chilling conversation he’d had with Reverend Coughlin in which he’d given a stark ultimatum: cease the onslaught directed at the President, or face fatal consequences.
“Thank you, Your Excellency. I appreciate your involvement with the reverend.”
“My pleasure, Mr. President. May I say I am looking forward to further conversation with you in the future?”
“It would be my pleasure, Archbishop.”
6 November 1936
New York City
Pier 59
On the brisk morning of November 6, 1936, in the bustling metropolis of New York City, Pier 59 was abuzz with activity. Vatican Secretary of State Pacelli was preparing for his return trip aboard the majestic SS Conte di Savoia cruise liner back to Rome.
Chapter 39
7 November 1936
The Art of War
#17 According as circumstances are favorable,
one should modify one’s plans.
USA mission accomplished. My confidential discussions with the United States cardinals secured a second term for President Roosevelt. The election was a landslide victory.
President Roosevelt affirmed his isolationist stance and promised to keep America out of the conflict in Europe. He agreed to appoint a personal representative to the pope, thereby establishing a direct line of communication between the Vatican and the White House.
My whirlwind tour of America was a resounding success. The impact of my visit will be felt for generations to come. The United States of America is now yet another cog in the great mechanism we are creating that will secure the Vatican’s financial stability for centuries to come.
Secretary of State,
Archbishop Eugenio Pacelli
March 9, 2000
10:48 a.m.
Vatican Secret Archives
Mario found himself rooted to the spot, his eyes wide with shock as he delved into the journal entries detailing Pacelli’s meteoric rise to power within the hallowed halls of the Vatican. As he read about the Pacelli’s cunning manipulations and how he laid low many an unsuspecting victim in his path, a biblical proverb by King Solomon resounded in his mind:
My Child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! They may say:
“Come and join us.
Let’s hide and kill someone!
Let’s ambush the innocent!
Let’s swallow them alive as the grave swallows its victims.
Though they are in the prime of life, they will go down into the pit of death.
And the loot we’ll get!
We’ll fill our houses with all kinds of things!
Come on, throw in your lot with us,
we’ll split our loot with you.”
Don’t go along with them, my child! Stay far away from their paths.