The Fall of Peter

Epistle to the Wicked

1. Pope Francis heads to the conference room. He sits down on his holy chair and stays in deafening silence. Meanwhile, journalists and reporters of the whole world keep flashing their cameras and loudly interrogating in disrespect. It's sad how they keep acting, and the Holy Father knows it too, but he has already passed the acceptance time.

2. For 5 consecutive minutes those disrespectful people keep the same attitude, until some of them start to realize and get quiet. After 2 more minutes, everybody's quiet, and the deafening silence is now all over the room.

3. The Supreme Pontiff starts speaking out loud, so everyone can hear:
4. "Listen to me, because I will not listen to any of you. Those desperate actions of thou pride enraged God, and made me sad. So, today, only I will talk. And you will all listen to me.

5. Because in the epistle of James, it was once told: You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God...
6. So, why would I pay attention to any of you, if your pretext is a commitment to 'the truth for the world'?"

7.Enraged, the Holy Father speaks even louder:
"You only owe explanations to God!! He is the one who puts food on your table! He is the one who gives your family health! He is the one who gave you life!
8. AND HE IS THE ONE WHO GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY SON TO FACE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR US, SINNERS WHO APPARENTLY NEVER GIVE A DAMN ABOUT THIS EXTREME ACT OF TRUST AND GOODNESS!!!
9. Because He gave us our lives, and He can take it all in a matter of seconds, trust me, it'll be a piece of cake!"

10. The silent room became even more silent, if only that could be possible. Those journalists were scared about the Holy Father's rage, while those reporters were afraid for their lives. But at the same time, all of them were red inside their souls. Red of shame.

11. A little calmer, the Pope continues:
"But you shall not worry or claim for pity. Because it was also said: Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you...
12. So, stop asking and questioning in your head if this whole state is wrong at any point of view. Because He built it through the hands of his apostles, and He gave St. Peter the grace and knowledge to lead our church. Submit yourselves to our Holy Savior, and all the evil hidden inside those rebels who call themselves 'men of God' will be expelled from thy houses.
13. Do not worry, children of Christ, we've faced terrorism before, and I know we've lost a few battles. But we won the wars, just like we'll win this one too."

14. The quiet room is speechless. They all keep thinking in silence for about 3 minutes, while the Holy Father prays in his chair.
15. A young journalist, then, slowly gets up his chair. All the others stare at his boldness to the Patriarch Francis. He hesitates for a few seconds, until the Holy Father opens his eyes and questions it:
16. "Son... I said no questions. What is so unquieting that made you defy not only my demand, but also the will of God?"

17. "Forgive me, Your Holiness, for I am no dignified to stand for myself."
The journalist said, lowering his head.

18. "Your boldness is slightly condemnable. But your humility is admirable. You may lift up your head and tell me what bothers your faith."
The Pope said, humbly.

19. "Holy Father, in moments of crisis like this one that threatens not only the Vatican, but also all the faithful members of our catholic family, there's usually a recomforting speech by Your Holiness. Could I ask when will you address it to them... to us?"

The journalist said, with his head up and straight to the Pope.

20. "Tomorrow night, son, at 7 PM. I see your truthful concerning about our church, but I lament your past attitude. Not a single person here had the decency or respect to stay calm and politely ask for guidance to either me or our almighty God.
21. It breaks my heart... But I believe that you, son, will keep praying until you receive forgiveness and the wisdom to never outspeak His voice. And I hope all of you do that as well."
The Holy Father says, hoping that those lost people can hear him and really seek for God.

22. "I hope everyone has a nice day. God bless every single one of you."
The Pope says, getting of off his chair and walking towards the exit.

23. "May God bless you too, Holy Father!"
That young journalist screams as the Patriarch Francis opens the door.

24. "I sure hope He does."

The Holy Father says to himself, preoccupied, and then leaves and closes the room's door.

25. Outside the press coverage cubicle, the Pope looks up and closes his eyes, praying for guidance once again. Frustrated for not getting an answer one more time, he starts walking back to his papal office.