Lomeli would have liked to have walked to the Sistine again—to have inhaled some cool fresh air and turned his face to the mild November sun. But it was too late for that. By the time he reached the lobby, the cardinals were already boarding the minibuses, and Nakitanda was waiting for him by the reception desk. “Well?” “He will have to resign all his offices.” Nakitanda’s head dropped in dismay. “Oh no!” “Not immediately—I hope we may avoid a humiliation—but certainly in a year or so. I’ll leave it up to you to decide what you tell the others. I have spoken to both parties and I am bound by
...more
