Work Text:
May 16, 2025 - Apostolic Palace
Luis walked through the corridors of the Apostolic Palace, where he was scheduled to meet Bob - no, his Holiness now - for their very own private audience.
He was the last to be scheduled for the Pope’s meetings this afternoon, and he was sure that Bob - no, again - the Holy Father, was feeling a bit peckish from all the meetings. He tightly clutched the handle of his paper bag as he walked to the direction of the Pope’s office, as if the snacks he brought would be snatched away from him any moment.
As he reached the front of the Papal Office, he greeted the bodyguards and the press, then checked his watch. He was a few minutes early. One of the assistants approached him to lead him to one of the seats in the separate waiting room. He thanked them, and the assistant bowed and left him to his thoughts.
He thought back to the messages he received from His Holiness last night, right when he was just about to do his nightly meditations before bed.
- Flashback -
Pope Leo XIV: Blessed evening, ++Chito. I trust that you received your sched for tomorrow?
Luis smiled at the message. He had been hesitant to message Bo - His Holiness ever since the conclave ended, but apparently they had let him keep his own personal phone and number for the time being. He quickly typed out a response as he sat on the side of his bed:
Card. Chito Tagle: Yes, Santo Padre. I have also prepared the necessary documents to discuss the ongoing projects under my jurisdiction. Do you want a short agenda now?
He quickly pressed send and waited for the Pope’s response. In just a few seconds - like Luis predicted, his phone beeped thrice with the Pope’s response.
Pope Leo XIV: Please, Chito. No need for formalities when it’s just us. Just call me Bob.
Pope Leo XIV: And, no, I know we’re workaholics, but I don’t want to talk about projects tonight haha
Pope Leo XIV: I just wanted to ask if you’ve thought about the question I asked you back after the celebratory dinner.
At the second message, Luis pressed his thumb to send a haha! reaction before mulling over the third message. The memories of the dinner resurfaced in his mind.
—--------
Bob had pulled him aside after the celebratory dinner of his election to the papacy to ask him something important:
“Chito, I know this isn’t the time and place to ask but I’d like to ask you before I become swept up in Papal duties… will you be the one to present The Fisherman’s ring to me at my Inauguration Mass?”
Stunned and slightly tipsy from the wine offered - Luis can only remember giving a meek reply.
“I’ll think about it, Bob”, smiling widely to assuage the worries prominent on his friends’ face – before someone else called the attention of His Holiness. Bob - no, Pope Leo now, patted his shoulder and gave a lopsided smile in acknowledgement and slight apology before walking over to the Cardinals that called for him.
—-------
And now, a week later, Luis still hasn’t given his response to the Holy Father.
His thumbs hover over the keyboard, for once at a loss for words. On one hand, how can he refuse the Holy Father’s request - who was he to question the decision of His Holiness? On the other hand, why did it have to be him - when he’s unworthy of the duty asked of him?
Another beep rouses him from his thoughts - another message from Bob.
Pope Leo XIV: I hope you didn’t fall asleep yet - Matthew 8:24.
Matthew 8:24 “And behold there rose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being stamped by waves; but he was asleep.”
Luis laughed at that message – even with the burden of the Papacy, Bob still hasn’t lost his sense of humor and wit. Back when they were both cardinals, he and Bob had a habit of using the Holy Scripture’s verses to communicate their thoughts to each other after a long day working at the Curia, almost as if this has become an inside joke between them. He quickly typed out a response after sending a haha! reaction.
Card. Chito Tagle: Psalms 3:5
Card. Chito Tagle: Also, no, I wasn’t sleeping. Apologies, I just genuinely didn’t know how to respond. I have thought about it, yes - but if it is the Will of God, so shall it be mine as well.
Psalms 3:5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
A haha! was sent by Bob on his bible verse reply - and he could see him typing on the screen. Seconds later, he received his friend’s - no, His Holiness’ response.
Pope Leo XIV: No need to dwell on it tonight, we can discuss it more tomorrow. I wouldn’t want to force you into something you’re not entirely comfortable with in the name of the seat of St. Peter.
Pope Leo XIV: Get some rest, Chito. I’ll see you tomorrow. Proverbs 3:24
Proverbs 3:24 “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet,”
Card. Chito Tagle: See you, Bob. May the Holy Spirit comfort you and may God renew your strength. Psalms 4:8
Psalms 4:8 In Peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in your safety.
- End of flashback -
“Ah, Cardinal Tagle. I’m so glad you made it here safely.” A familiar voice snapped Luis away from his recollection - standing immediately at the presence of His Holiness.
“Holy Father,” he beamed in acknowledgement, shaking the Pope’s hand while being acutely aware of the media’s cameras snapping away at their interaction. “How have you been?”
“I’m good, thank you for asking. And you?”
Their conversation flowed like how the gentle waves of the beach splash onto the shore harmonically, as if the changing tides had not affected them. Amidst their conversation, Luis finds himself acutely missing his friend who was once his seatmate in the Cardinal meetings.
“Shall we pose for the media before we begin?” Pope Leo asked, gesturing to where the photographer was standing by.
Luis smiled and nodded a bit too enthusiastically and faced the cameras, still holding Pope Leo’s hand as they smiled at the camera. Leo noticed that their hands were still in contact, but didn’t mention anything. He subtly tightened his hold around Luis’ hand to provide comfort to the younger man.
They proceeded to go inside the office, where Luis remembered the paper bag he had brought with him to give to the Holy Father. He placed his bag on his seat first before placing the paper bag on the table, catching Leo’s attention.
“I’ve brought with me a few snacks from the Philippines - the pilgrims who visited the Collegio gave me quite a few and I wanted to share it with you,” Luis said, showing the contents to Leo inside the paper bag. He knew the photographer was still snapping photos - so he opted to have both him and Leo peek down at the bag.
“There are banana chips and dried mangoes, as well as pastillas de leche and yema,” he said, bringing up the pack of pastillas to show to Leo.
Leo looked at Luis with a glint of recognition in his eye. “Ah, is this your second act of charity? Bringing me the candy you brought inside the Sistine Chapel?”
Luis, taken aback, goes, “N-Nooo Holy Father, I simply thought that you would be hungry after all these meetings - ”
Leo couldn’t hold back his laugh at teasing his friend. “Of course, of course, I was simply joking. We can eat some of these later since we have a lot of things to discuss, no?”
Luis laughed with him and nodded. They left the paper bag and began to sit to begin their meeting, with Luis pulling out his binder from his bag.
From behind him, he can hear the bodyguards and the photographer excusing themselves and stepping out of the room, closing the door behind them.
They’re officially left alone.
Luis let his smile drop a bit, his unease and nervousness already cracking through his jovial exterior. If His Holiness had noticed - and Luis is sure he did - he didn’t make any mention of it. Instead, he takes out his notes and pen and starts the discussion on the current projects and events for his dicastery.
The discussions on the current state of affairs and projects for his jurisdictions went smoothly - Bob, no - Chito, again, it’s His Holiness - quickly gave suggestions and alternative solutions for Luis to cascade to his offices. It was that other thing they briefly discussed last night that Luis was dreading to discuss.
He realizes why he’s the last to be scheduled now.
“Well, now that these paperwork are over and done with for now,” Leo started, with Luis feeling his pulse quicken and a lump forming at his throat at what’s to come, “I would like to discuss the other matters we've talked about.”
Leo, no, Bob? put away his notes and pen and was now reaching for the white paper bag, looking excited at opening the pack of pastillas he pulled out.
Luis mustered up the courage to say “Of course, your Holiness,” smiling a bit too tightly at the person in front of him.
His Holiness stared at him - quickly noticing the change in Luis’ smile, and paused at opening the pastillas de leche. Luis, for the lack of nothing better to do, reached out and grabbed the pack to open for his companion.
“Chito, allow me to ask you again,” Bob stood up and walked briskly to Luis’ side, gently grabbing Luis’ right shoulder and bending slightly so that they’re at eye level with Luis.
“Will you be the one to present the Fisherman’s ring to me at my Inauguration Mass?”
Luis looked through Bob’s eyes - and saw nothing but trust and respect for him. Luis knew there wasn’t any standard protocol for choosing which Cardinal will present the ring to the new Pope, but he found himself wanting to ask nevertheless.
“But… Bob, why me? Why not Cardinal Farell or Cardinal Re?”
Bob smiled and tilted his head. He knew this was what was plaguing Chito’s mind when he asked, and he knew the answer wouldn’t be satisfactory either way. It was against logic and tradition - and Bob knew it would take a bit of convincing to his friend that he was the one deemed worthy by him for the task.
“I would like you to represent the rank of Cardinal bishops in that mass, Chito. What better way to include our fellow Cardinal bishops and represent the Asian cardinals in the ceremony than through presenting the ring. And personally,” Bob reached for the opened pack of pastillas in Luis’ other hand - the scent of frankincense briefly passing through Luis’ senses - and raised up the piece of candy in front of his eyes. “I would like this task to be like a thank you, to you, the so-called “little boy” who gave me this candy in the Sistine chapel to calm me down as they were counting the votes.”
Luis said nothing, the lump on his throat a bit too tight to keep down, but his free hand reached for Bob’s hand that was on his shoulder and squeezed it. He never really liked talking about himself as someone so worthy of the positions and tasks given to him by God. To have someone like the Pope wanting someone like him to present the symbol that would seal his Papacy, partly because of his rank, mostly because his friend was grateful to have him by his side - was a bit too much for Luis. He breathed deeply.
Bob squeezed his shoulder back and took his hand in his. The sudden change of contact pushed Luis out of his thoughts, noticing that Bob had turned his left hand upright to place the piece of candy he took from the pack.
“Would you want candy, my dear eminence?”
Luis laughed, his thoughts and worries casted out by the same words he asked Bob in the Sistine Chapel. Bob looked pleased to remove a bit of the tension that was clouding his friend. Luis offered the hand that had the pack of pastillas for Bob to get his own candy.
Bob took one and opened his share. Luis placed the pack of pastillas on the table behind Bob before opening his, savoring the small silence surrounding them in the brief reprieve given by Bob. He popped the pastillas in his mouth, savored the sweet sugar crystals mixing with the powdery milkiness of the chewy treat.
Knowing it was his turn to speak after this, Luis chewed his candy slowly to gather his thoughts.
Bob opened his share of candy, briefly closing his eyes to savor the milky treat. Luis remembered seeing the same Bob moments before he was declared Pope, and briefly mused that he must be acting like a little boy, to be so wary and afraid of accepting this task when his friend had to accept the burden that is the Papacy.
Swallowing the last bits of candy in his mouth, he cleared his throat. “Matthew 8:8,” he said, quirking his lips at the inside joke.
Matthew 8:8 “The Centurion replied, ‘Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.’”
Bob widened his smile at the verse. “1 Timothy 4:12,” he quipped back, happy to see a bit of Luis’ jovial self come back.
1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Right on the money, Luis thought. As one of the youngest Cardinals back in the 2013 conclave, and now to one of the youngest Cardinal bishops, his “youth” has been his crux in deeming himself unworthy of the praise given unto him. There’s always so much more to learn, so much more to experience, so much more to see God in the life given to him.
But if his friend and now Holiness sees what he does not - who was he to refuse?
“1 Samuel 2:30”, he replied back - reaching out to Bob’s right hand and enclosing it with his own two hands.
1 Samuel 2:30 “Those who honor me I will honor.”
Bob shook his hands and smiled widely at hearing the verse - happy to have convinced his friend of accepting the task. Luis stood up from where he was seated and pulled Bob in for a hug.
“Thank you, Chito. You’re the best person I could entrust with this symbolic task.” Bob whispered on his shoulder.
Luis tightened his hug in acknowledgement, letting the moment linger between them.
A few seconds passed, and Luis was the first to pull away from the hug, seemingly deep in thought.
“Santo Padre,” he started, noticing Bob’s eyebrows furrow at the sudden formality - “can I practice?”
Bob looked at him with a hint of confusion. “Practice?”
Luis chuckled at his Holiness’ expression, patting the other man’s arms. “Yes, practice. I would like to practice how to put the ring on your hand. I’m no longer worried about my worthiness - but I’m worried about my clumsiness. What if I drop the ring? What if I put it on the wrong finger? Everyone will be watching us and I would want to make sure that in that moment, along with everything in that inauguration mass - is perfect for you. For your Papacy.”
Bob swallowed the lump forming in his throat - afraid to show the feelings he kept hidden for the sake of his role. He forced out a chuckle at his friend’s words and nodded his head in agreement.
“‘Sure, Chito. Let’s practice. For your sake.”
Luis beamed widely at His Holiness, happy to have been given approval for his absurd request.
“Okay, well, you just stand there Bob. I’ll- I’ll go to the other end of the office.” Luis carried the chair he was sitting on and placed it on the far side of the room, presumably to make space for the “procession” he was about to do.
Bob just watched him, unsure of what to do to help. He leaned back against the table and felt the crinkle of plastic - he reached out and saw the pastillas pack, slightly open, with two of the rolled candies missing from their comrades from their earlier snack break. He smiled at the candy, remembering the calmness that washed over him as Luis offered it to him – a sign maybe, from the Holy Spirit - that the Papacy may be his to bear, but that he is also offered a brother, beloved by all, holding space and bringing joy, reminding him of his own humanity in his Ministry.
“Bob!” He heard Luis call out to him from the other side of the room. He looked up, placing the pastillas back on top of the table, and saw Luis waving shyly.
“Are you ready?” He called out, standing a bit straighter to pretend he’s in his inaugural mass, about to receive the ring that would mark his status as the Successor to St. Peter.
“I forgot to ask for your ring!” Luis called out, walking back towards Bob.
“No, wait, stop,” Bob said, putting his hand out in a stop gesture. Luis paused, waiting.
“Use your ring instead.”
“But - “
“It’s just practice, no? Besides, you’re already halfway across the room. I think we more or less have the same size. I’ll just remove mine.”
Noticing the apprehension and hesitancy in Luis’ expression, he then called out a verse.
“John 15:10, dear Chito.”
John 15:10 “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”
Chito’s expression broke out in a wide smile, recognizing the joking yet thinly veiled threat in the passage.
Unable to remember the particular number of the verse, he called back: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
Bob laughed at Luis’ forgetfulness. “That’s 1 Peter 5:6. Keep up, Chito!”
Luis chuckled back sheepishly. “Yeah, I know. I just forgot if it was the first or second gospel.”
Their laughter subsided, and solemnity now took place in the walls of the office. Bob removed his ring and tucked it in the pockets of his cassock. Luis removed his and polished it with his handkerchief, making sure the ring is clean before putting it on his dear friend. As practice.
Luis looked up to where His Holiness - no, this time, it’s Bob, his friend… - was standing. He saw his friend tilt his head and quirk his brow, as if to say, “Well? Aren’t we starting?”
Luis pulled out his phone and quickly searched the words he was supposed to say.
Once he cleared his throat and steeled his expression, he started saying the following words in Latin:
“Beatissime Pater (Most Holy Father),
Episcopus et Pastor animarum nostrarum,
Christus, Filius Dei vivi (may Christ, the Son of the living God, the shepherd and guardian of our souls),
qui super petram, Ecclesiam suam aedificavit (who built his Church upon rock, grant you the ring),
Ipse tibi donet Anulum sigillum Petri Piscatoris (the seal of Peter the Fisherman),
qui suam spem in Mari Galilaeae expertus est (who put his hope in him on the sea of Galilee),
cui Dominus Jesus caelorum Regni claves commisit (and to whom the Lord Jesus entrusted the keys of the Kingdom of heaven).”
Luis took a deep breath, resting between the next statement and steeling his resolve to finish. He knew that if he did this for the first time in front of the billions of Catholics watching, he wouldn’t be able to hold back his tears. A show of vulnerability for what was supposed to be a happy celebration, he knew what the media would say if they saw him cry. He silently prayed a thank you to the Holy Spirit, grateful for the Holy Father, no - Bob, for granting his request.
He briefly remembered Ambo - Cardinal David’s words, “Which sane man would want the papacy? We’re looking for a superhuman to handle all these responsibilities.”
Right here, right now, in the room with only the two of them, he could feel the weight of the papacy temporarily symbolized by the ecclesiastical ring he holds in his palm. A weight, a burden, that only his dear friend will bear for the rest of his life.
Bob was just looking at him solemnly, understanding his need for the pause, for the deep breaths he held before continuing on. He understood now the meaning behind his friend’s request - and he was prepared to be the rock to the man standing in front of him, in all the man’s empathy and understanding of Bob’s humanity amidst his unique status as the Holy Father.
He heard Chito clear his throat, sensing the melancholic wave of emotions coming forth. He smiled gently at his friend in encouragement even if Chito couldn’t see him, too focused on his phone for carrying out the script.
“Beato -” Chito cleared his throat again, his voice cracking at the words.
“Beato apostolo Petro tu hodie succedis in Episcopatuu huius Ecclesiae
(Today, you succeed the Blessed Apostle Peter as the Bishop of this Church),
quae caritatis unitati praesidet, ut beatus apostolus Paulus docuit;
(Which presides over the unity of charity, as the Blessed Apostle Paul has taught;)
Spiritus caritatis, in corda nostra effusus, vim et suavitatem largiatur
(May the Spirit of charity, poured into our hearts, grant you the gentleness and strength to preserve)
tuo ministerio omnes in Christum credentes, in unitatis comunione servandi.
(through your ministry, all those who believe in Christ and unity and fellowship.)”
Luis locked his phone and pocketed it. He clasped his hands over the ring, reminding himself that he will be accompanied by a priest who bears the real ring as he slowly approached Bob. The lump in his throat came back now more than ever, looking at the man he and their brothers all picked to become the next Vicar of Christ.
Grief washed over him, remembering the time where Jorge became Pope Francis, seeing his friend and mentor go through the stages of the papacy, and his declining health over the years… he realized that maybe it was childish and selfish of him to worry about his own worthiness and image when the man in front of him will bear the cross passed onto St. Peter, for the rest of his life.
Luis will, again, be forced to watch a dear friend succumb to the pressures of the papacy.
The ring moved around his clasped hands ever so slightly, its weight on Luis’ hands heavier than usual.
As he stopped in front of Bob, His Holiness, his friend - the tears that were threatening to spill finally found their way through his eyes as they came in contact with Bob’s, the first tears streaking his face as he struggled to keep his smile intact.
Bob smiled at him warmly, his own tears threatening to come out from his own eyes. He was grateful for this time, to have at least an experience of what’s to come, to have a moment with someone he trusts before he officially assumes the role of the seat of St. Peter.
In a choked tone, Bob muttered: “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”
Chito, through his tears, choked back a laugh. “John 14:1,” he answered.
Bob nodded, offering his right hand to the man for the ring to be bestowed upon him, using his left hand as balance.
Chito pretended to grab the ring from the imaginary assistant beside him, earning a chuckle from Bob despite their tear-stained faces.
Chito gently grasped Bob’s middle finger using his right hand, and slid his own ecclesiastical ring onto the ring finger of His Holiness using his left hand. His hands then grasped both the hands of his friend, staring at his ecclesiastical fitting snugly onto the hand of the Holy Father, then up at Bob - staring at him with tears and words left unsaid, but understood just through a mere glance.
Chito broke the silence with a verse, his voice cracking. “2 Peter 3:14.”
2 Peter 3:14 “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.”
Bob smiled at the meaning behind the verse, his emotions now mixed with relief. “John 12:32” he quipped back, his voice barely heard through the silent sobs his body gave away.
John 12:32 “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Chito’s shoulders shook harder at the verse, him leaning on Bob’s shoulder to finally let out the grief, the uncertainty, and the feeling of helplessness. He remembers crying like this during his consistory with Pope Benedict XVI, with the late Pope comforting him just as Bob… no, Pope Leo XIV - is doing now. The only thing different now is that he isn’t crying for himself. He’s crying for Bob Prevost - Bob, the lowkey yet diplomatic force of the Dicastery of Bishops; Bob, his seatmate during cardinal meetings and the conclave, writing questions on Chito’s prayer book so he could scribble an answer; Bob, who will now be known to the world as Pope Leo XIV as long as he lives. He’ll never question the missions and challenges that the Holy Spirit thrusts upon them, but it is only human for him to cry for the challenges his friend will face in the name of the Papacy.
Bob tightened his hug hearing his friend's sobs, his own tears letting loose despite willing them to stay behind closed doors, in the comforts of his own room. He knew what he was getting into, the challenges of the papacy, no longer anonymous as he walked the streets of the Earth, no longer allowed to drive long distances, no longer allowed to buy groceries or go to the gym by himself, and no longer allowed to leave the walls of the Vatican without permission and security. He accepted his role as this may be his higher calling, but — again, he is only human.
It is normal for him to doubt as he knows this goes hand in hand with the mystery of the Faith.
They stayed like that for a while, sobbing against each other, two men placed on a higher path in the calling of God with nothing but the world’s uncertainties and responsibilities waiting for them on the other side of the door.
For now, in each other’s arms, they’re only Chito and Bob.
As their sobs calmed down, Chito pulled away, stepping back slightly, and took his handkerchief out to wipe his tears. Bob looked around to see if there was anything he could wipe his own with, until he felt a hand on his cheek gently urging him to look at the man in front of him. Without warning, Chito slowly took off Bob’s glasses and gently wiped off the tears on his face.
“Revelations 21:4?” Bob asked, amused and slightly embarrassed at the intimacy of the act.
Revelations 21:4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
A shaky laugh came as a response as Chito gently placed back Bob’s glasses, satisfied with his work. He reached out into his pockets and offered a pack of tissue to Bob, who gratefully took one to blow his nose with while Chito did the same.
Once they composed themselves, Bob took Chito’s right hand in his left hand while his right hand fished for the ring in his cassock. Once secured, he stared at the teary, brown eyes of Chito - his eyes conveying a message that no words could ever convey.
As he slid his own ecclesiastical ring onto the ring finger of Chito, he tried to convey his message with John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
A message and an act of reassurance, to Chito or to him – only God knows.
Chito smiled at him and nodded, understanding the depths of the verse and the message Bob had tried to cover with the verse and act. A vow made under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I will be okay. I have you and our brothers in this new life, and it will be an honor to serve you as Pope Leo XIV for the rest of mine.
Luis links his hands with Bob’s, clasping them with reverence and sincerity as he replies with his blessing:
“Let all that you do be done in love.” Chito squeezed his hands to bless his friend on his new journey.
He broke the moment with, “1 Corinthians 16:14. I remembered the verse this time, ha?”
Bob let out a loud, hearty laugh this time. It was the first time in a while that he had laughed like that, and of course, Chito is the one to blame for it.
A knock on the door made them step back from each other, both of them now aware of the proximity they shared with each other moments ago. Leo hastily made his way back to his table while Chito carried the chair he was sitting on back in its rightful place.
“Come in,” Leo beckoned, hoping his voice wasn’t as hoarse as it was moments before.
“Santo Padre,” his assistant, Fr. Edgard Ivan, poked his head through the door. “His Eminence, apologies if I have to cut the meeting short - there are suddenly some urgent matters that His Holiness needs to attend to before the night ends.
“No worries, my boy,” Chito started, picking up his black messenger bag. We covered enough for today, don’t you think so, Holy Father?”
“Yes, and as always – thank you for your time, Cardinal Chito” Leo reached out his right hand for Chito to shake, realizing that they hadn’t switched their ecclesiastical rings back to their original owners.
Chito must have realized the same thing - his glances darting between his own right hand and the hand of the Holy Father, the direction of his glances on their ring fingers.
“Anytime, Santo Padre, anytime. I’ll see you at the Inauguration Mass. Please enjoy the snacks I’ve brought for you – from the people of the Philippines.”
They shook hands, not knowing what to do now that it’s too late to switch their rings back without the people from the other door wondering what went on in their private meeting.
Luis waved Bob goodbye as his secretary patiently waited for his turn to brief the Pope on the last urgent matters of the day - and blessed and thanked the media and bodyguard for their hard work. He turned and walked across the vast corridors of the Apostolic Palace, mildly aware of the warmth of the ring placed on his right hand.
—------------------------------------
Bob said goodnight to his bodyguards and assistant as they dropped him off in his old apartment during his time as cardinal. The Apostolic Palace is currently undergoing major renovations, and he is expected to move in the papal apartment once renovations are done. He would have preferred to stay in this apartment, but his life is no longer his own.
It’s St. Peter’s now, and God’s calling.
He sighed as he methodically took off the papal garments, starting with his zuchetto, his pectoral cross, his rochet, and finally his -
No, Bob thought. Not my ring. Chito’s.
Bob reached for his phone in his cassock, checking if there were any messages from the Cardinal. Chito has sent a total of 6 messages while he was preoccupied. He quickly skipped over his brothers’ messages and clicked on Chito’s contact.
Card. Chito Tagle: His Holiness, a blessed evening.
Card. Chito Tagle: I mean, Bob. Hello - no need to reply if you’re busy at the moment. But I just wanted to ask about the last topic we had.
Card. Chito Tagle: I don’t mean anything negative by it, of course, and I don’t mean to question your decision - but would it be possible for us to meet tomorrow so I could return the favor to you?
Card. Chito Tagle: Would you like for it to be returned, even, given that… you know? You’ll have your Inauguration Mass?
Card. Chito Tagle: My sincerest apologies for not realizing that the favor hasn’t been returned before Fr. Edgard arrived
Card. Chito Tagle: Again, let me know your thoughts. Thank you
Bob grinned sadly at the messages the Cardinal had sent him. Chito was nervous - and no doubt careful of his wordings, in case there was a breach in their phone’s messages – the knowledge of having the Pope’s ecclesiastical ring must have been weighing his dear friend’s mind.
He typed a quick message to assuage Chito’s thoughts before moving on to removing his cassock, changing into his nightwear.
Pope Leo XIV: Keep it for now, dear Chito. May the Lord bless you with a peaceful sleep. Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Card. Chito Tagle: Okay, Bob. May your sleep be blessed and safe. Genesis 45:8.
Genesis 45:8 “So it was not you who sent me here, but God.”
Leo smiled at the reply, understanding the depth of the verse easily.
He opened up his Bible to read and meditate on the verse of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
How apt, Leo thought, for this verse to appear before me after the events that transpired today.
The message of the Holy Spirit was clear to him, and he thanked them for the clear guidance brought by them today.
—---------------------------------------------
May 18, St. Peter’s Square
“- Per Chistrum Dominum nostrum.”
Cardinal Besungu finished his prayers after the pallium was placed on Pope Leo’s neck, and the assembly of Amens rang throughout the square in agreement.
As the hymn ended, he watched intently as Chito… no - Cardinal Tagle, walked towards the bottom of the altar with two assistants accompanying him.
He watched as the bishop opened the page to where the Cardinal would read his script - and waited with baited breath at what’s to come.
Why are you nervous? You’ve practiced this. His mind chided, hoping and praying to God that he wouldn’t shed a tear once the Fisherman’s ring is placed upon him. The absence of Chito’s ecclesiastical ring on his finger made this moment feel all the more real.
“Beatissime Pater,” Chito started, casting a wry smile above his direction.
A lump started to form in Leo’s throat at the words he’d already heard once. He willed himself to keep his eyes solemn and dry from any tears, his eyes trained on the red zuchetto atop Chito’s head. He waited for Chito to finish the statement that would seal his fate.
“ – Regni clavis commisit.”
The horns signaling the hymn that would accompany the Cardinal as he made his way up the stairs started, and Chito made his way up to him.
Just like they practiced, Chito gently took the Fisherman’s ring from the box. Leo briefly remembered the theatrics done by his friend, a smile threatening to break through him.
Just like they practiced, Leo held out his right hand, balancing it with his left hand holding his wrist.
Just like they practiced, Chito gently held his middle finger with his right hand, the glint of Bob's own ecclesiastical ring on Chito’s finger showing briefly.
Chito gently slid the Fisherman’s ring onto Leo’s hand. Just as they practiced.
Leo smiled widely, seeing his beloved friend at ease with how smoothly his actions reflected his well wishes for him and his Papacy.
“Thank you, just like we practiced, huh?” Leo said, aware that all cameras are on them, but confident enough that they won’t be able to hear the conversation amidst the winds blowing in St. Peter’s square.
“Congratulations, Holy Father,” Chito said, smiling up at him in agreement, “may your years be long and successful.” Chito shook his hands reverently, feeling the coldness of the Fisherman’s ring on his own finger and the warmth of his ring on the hand of Chito.
“Please remember Isiah 43:2 as you take on this journey fortiter et fideliter.”
Isiah 43:2 “ When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers; they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
With that, Chito let go of his hands and bowed. Feeling the tears coming in his eyes, Bob put his hands up in prayer, glancing at the ring, the seal of the seat of St. Peter - the weight and burden of the papacy symbolized in one.
He prayed, and in the few moments of his prayer and reflection, the choir sang:
“Many years to you, O Lord.”
Luis had just finished his nightly prayers when he heard his phone beep. Looking at his screen for the sender, he smiled when he received a message from His Holiness.
Pope Leo XIV: Thank you for today, Chito. The day ends, but God remains by our side. Good night! John 15:9.
John 15:9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
Chito touched the ring on his nightstand lightly. A lot of the people online have– amongst other things – been comparing him to John, the Beloved Apostle, and the timing of Bob’s bible verse couldn’t have been more of a clear message to him by the Holy Spirit amidst the noise. He lifted Bob's ring from its place and carefully slid the ring on his right hand.
Card. Chito Tagle: Thank you, your Holiness. For bestowing such a great honor upon me. May the Holy Spirit comfort us and give us a good night. Mark 10:9.
Mark 10:9 “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Bob read the message of Chito as he lay on his bed. The Fisherman’s ring was on his nightstand, a glaring gold amidst his simple glasses and years old Apple Watch. The ring of Chito rests comfortably in his right hand, an acute warmth and reminder for Bob.
He briefly remembers the crowd chanting “many more years” to Leo, his Papacy, his reign as the Vicar of Christ.
As he drifts off to sleep, he prays for many more years - with Cardinal Tagle, the “Beloved” Cardinal… Luis, the embodiment of John the Apostle…and Chito – his beloved.
