The Fall of Peter

Epistle to Vatican

1. "It's alright, Holy Father, those mundane people just don't know the meaning of devotion. Don't pay attention to them, pay attention to our sheeps that are right now trusting in your words... in God's words."
2. The secretary of state tells Pope Francis, with confidence and determination, referring to the journalists and then the catholics out in the 'piazza', respectively.

The Holy Father, then, walks towards the facade of St. Peter's Basilica. Before facing the thousands of devouts, he tries to pray for God one more time, but once again fails to get an answer. He, then, faces the crowd at St. Peter's Square, and starts his preaching.
3. "Why me, Lord? What have I ever done to deserve even one of the blessings I've known?
Why me, Lord? What did I ever do that was worth love from you and the kindness you've shown?"

4. The people are deeply thinking: who said that? Was it in the bible? Am I not worth to be here just because I don't remember this proverb?

5. "I know you must be wondering who wrote this. Was it a prophet, an apostle... a saint? No, but it was God who spoke through his servant, Kris Kristofferson...
6. But why am I citing a country song? It's because it tells the truth. We're all sinners, and we don't deserve God's love. Yet, He chose me to be his vicar, the supreme pontiff...
7. That does not mean I am a saint or some kind of a 'chosen one'... Because he chose all of us!"
The Holy Father emphasizes this truthful statement, as the devouts keep quiet in profound wonder.

8. "So, think, is it worth for us to give in to fear and desperation, or is it worth to listen to what God tells you? I bet you all prayed for protection and mercy, but have you prayed for courage and guidance?"
9. Even with the Pope taking a pause through his words, the crowd is totally silent. They know it's true. They know that their feelings are always speaking louder than their faith.

10. "Listen to me, because I promise this: none of the followers of this so called 'prophet descendant of St. Peter', or even himself, will make evil to our church or to our homes. None of their words will let us down!
11. Because the Lord is our shepherd, and we lack nothing!"

12. The people cheer and scream for a minute straight. When the Pope is about to leave the facade, and the crowd begins to low their voice, an unknown person screams:
"But what do they want, Holy Father?"

13. The Supreme Pontiff hesitates for a second. He sure wanted to give an answer to keep that soul in peace, along with others who thought the same but didn't have the courage to say.
14. But he knew that if he'd come back to the facade, it would only show that the enemy is pressuring them. Not only to answer all the fearful thoughts of the devouts, but to suggest that a single man should have all the answers.
15. He was afraid that the people would make the same mistakes as the hebrews in their journey to the promised land, complaining in fear.
16. And even more afraid that they would face a worse penitence than the hebrews did.

17. At that time, all he could think was how the church was being tempted, just like Jesus in the desert. But how will they behave toward this?
18. Will they be wise and patient, or try to transform the stones into bread and jump off the cliff and ask an angel to save them?

19. In either way, the Pope couldn't let the enemy fill his pride with confidence.
20. He leaves the balcony, and inside the basilica he prays one last time before going to the papal office. And still, he gets no answers...