Chapter LXXXIII: The Church and Politics
The next day, as already scheduled, a meeting of the College of Cardinals was to be held, convened by the Pope to discuss the increasingly urgent issue of Cardinal Piccolomini. Of course, we were prepared for the worst, although we hoped everything would be fine for the moment.
I had to wear Cesare's old cassock again and entered the chapel where the Cardinals' meeting was being held. The Pope looked at me with serenity and was eager to hear if we had made any progress in our plans. He seemed impressed by the idea of allying with Bishop Farnese, the brother of Giulia, Pope's lover.
"I believe Bishop Farnese is an honest man and will be on our side. It is good to rely on his help, especially since we share a certain friendship..."