Chapter 3: The Ill Cardinal
The Cathedral of the Holy Thorn faces directly onto Miracle Square, a vast public square dating back to the Roman era. At its peak, it could accommodate up to 10,000 people for gatherings. After inheriting this legacy, the Church spent considerable effort renovating the square, erecting the Thorned Wings and the Fountain of Grace, symbols of divinity, at its centre. These were meant to be admired and visited by devout pilgrims. Surrounding the square are the palaces of the Church’s bishops and several inns. Directly opposite is the Cathedral of the Holy Thorn, specifically used for papal coronations and high masses, as well as the Papal Palace.
On the second floor of the cathedral, facing Miracle Square, a large terrace was specifically built for the Pope to address the public and deliver sermons. The Church’s architects, demonstrating exceptional talent, crafted a terrace of exquisite design. Not only could it ensure that the Pope could be seen by as many people as possible, but with the help of ubiquitous brass sound amplification devices, even those at the far end of the square could hear his holy words.
Cascading bouquets adorned the snow-white, ornate balustrade of the terrace, predominantly featuring the white lily symbolizing the Church and the iris representing the Pope himself. These were complemented by bishop’s tassels, Madonna lilies, champagne roses, and laurel leaves. Surrounding the central papal coat of arms were the coats of arms of the eighteen cardinals of Florence, symbolizing their allegiance and obedience to the Pope.
The vast square was packed with people, from the ragged paupers to the bejeweled nobility, all eagerly awaiting. Windows overlooking the square were wide open, and colorful heads leaned out as people excitedly greeted each other, waving flowers and papal flags.
When the young Pope, clad in a scarlet cape and a white robe, appeared on the flower-adorned terrace, a thunderous roar of applause erupted. The crowd surged like waves, and people involuntarily waved their flowers, hats, or whatever they had in their hands, paying their respects to the new Pope of Florence.
The gentlemen dismounted, took off their hats and bowed. The ladies sitting in their carriages also came out, lifted their skirts and performed a deep curtsey to the newly enthroned Holy Father on the terrace.
Colorful silks, flowers, and cheers merged into a vast ocean, and everyone looked at the monarch on the terrace with excitement and anticipation.
“Oh my, he’s as beautiful as the Holy Son in a painting!”
The woman who got up early and fought for a good seat was dressed in tattered clothes. She clapped her palms red and spoke to her husband in a hoarse voice amid the cheers.