Hadrian VII

Hadrian the Seventh

Elected Pope after being overlooked and marginalized; immediately begins enacting radical reforms.

Prooimion

Referenced indirectly through the mysterious events in Rome; not directly present in the chapter.

III

Newly elected Pope, insists on opening the outer balcony to bless the city and the world, showing inflexible resolve.

IV

Acts decisively as Pope, dictating summonses, processing alone through Rome, and announcing his coronation.

V

Resting after the conclave, planning a retreat to Castel Gandolfo, rearranging the household for simplicity, and examining the papal safe.

VI

Criticizes the worldly clergy and interrogates Cardinal Courtfield about his election.

VII

Renounces temporal sovereignty, comforts Cardinal Nefski, writes to Edward Lancaster, and receives English visitors.

VIII

Engages in self-analytical games, summons cardinals to discuss renouncing temporal power, displays wit and autocratic dogmatism, remains psychically detached, and confronts Ragna's implied threat of an Oecumenical Council.

IX

Reflects on his role, addresses the French crisis, commissions a crucifix, and gains international attention.

Chapter X

Issues the 'Epistle to the English,' praises the English race, addresses Catholic defects, ordains married Anglican clergy rules, and decides on the matter of Mary Queen of Scots.

XI

The Pope shows compassion to a struggling painter, experiences a transformative moment of love, and engages in diplomatic and personal reflections.

XII

Seen giving charity, visiting a private house incognito, and returning to the Vatican.

XIII

Walks with Cardinal Semphill, visits the English Ambassador, receives the Kaiser, and retreats to write and contemplate.

XIV

Sorts and responds to pontifical mail, receives generals of religious orders, and confronts the Jesuit General.

XV

Visits St. Andrew's College, interacts with students and staff, recalls his own unhappy student days, and offers comfort and guidance.

XVI

Struggles with guilt over his harshness, confesses his sin of anger, and later reads a libelous article about himself, resolving not to abdicate.

XVII

Summons cardinals, announces dispersal of Vatican treasures, gifts art to Rome, canonizes Dom Bosco and Dante, publishes epistle.

XVIII

Struggles with despair and isolation, reads the Catholic Hour attack, reveals his knowledge of the letter writers, and resolves to serve England.

XIX

Refuses to pay blackmail, offers Sant a chance to reform, and dismisses the cardinals' concerns with disdain.

XX

Presides over the consistory, refutes calumnies by revealing della Volta as His double, and announces the Windsor arbitration invitation.

XXI

Issues the 'Epistle to the Princes,' appoints Talacryn to Pimlico, consults with cardinals, and works tirelessly on the reorganization of Europe.

XXII

Experiences psychical disturbance, lethargy, and panic; later defends himself against calumnies, recounting his past hardships.

XXIII

Reflects on his own arguments, exercises, bathes, changes clothes, then privately counsels Sir Iulo about marriage and photography.

XXIV

Celebrates the anniversary of His pontificate, receives sovereigns, walks with the Northern Emperor, is shot by Jerry Sant, forgives him, and dies after giving the Apostolic Benediction.