The Family - Mario Puzo [79]
Alexander waited, for there was nothing startling here.
Cardinal Grimani continued by proposing to curb all simony and gifts of church property, as well as limiting the income of cardinals—though not the personal income from private or family sources, only from certain church benefices. Since most of the cardinals were wealthy, this would cause no hardship.
Ah, but then Grimani’s recommendations became more aggressive, as Alexander knew they would. “There must be limits to the powers given the Pope,” Grimani began softly. “The cardinals will have approval over the appointment of bishops. The Pope is forbidden to sell or barter any administrative offices without the consent of the college of cardinals. Upon the death of any cardinal now in service, no new cardinal will be appointed.”
Alexander frowned as he listened.
Grimani, his voice lowered now so that the Pope was forced to lean forward and strain to hear, said, “No prince of the church should have more than eighty servants, no more than thirty horses, no jugglers, jesters, or musicians. None should employ young boys as valets. And whatever their rank, all clergy must give up entertaining concubines, or all benefices would be lost.”
The Pope now fingered his rosary beads as he sat listening impassively. These were worthless suggestions, most adding nothing to the good of the soul or the good of the church. Still, he remained silent.
When he finished at last, Grimani asked courteously, “Does the Holy Father have any questions?”
Alexander’s fervor for reform had diminished over the last month; now, having heard the commission’s proposal, it had disappeared completely.
The Pope rose from his throne and faced the committee. “I have nothing to say at the moment, Grimani. But of course I wish to thank you all for your diligence. I will now study the reports carefully, and my chief clerk, Plandini, will notify the commission when I am prepared to discuss the matters presented.”
Alexander made the sign of the cross, blessed the committee, and quickly turned and left the hall.
One of the other Venetian cardinals, Sangiorgio, approached Grimani, who was still standing at the lectern. “Well, Grimani,” he whispered, “I doubt that we should rush to make arrangements for a return trip to Rome. I suspect the reform suggested by the Pope is ready to be given last rites.”
Back in his quarters, Alexander called for Duarte Brandao. He was sipping a goblet of strong wine when Duarte entered, and he insisted Duarte sit so that they could discuss the afternoon’s events.
Duarte accepted the wine offered to him, and sat attentively.
“It is unbelievable,” Alexander said, “that human nature consistently goes against itself for lofty principles.”
Duarte asked, “And so you found nothing worth considering in the committee’s report?”
Alexander stood and began to pace, an amused expression on his face. “Outrageous, Duarte. Their suggestions go against all earthly pleasures. To be moderate is one thing, but to be an ascetic? What joy will God feel if we feel none?”
“Of their recommendations, Your Holiness, which did you find the most objectionable?”
Alexander stood and faced Duarte. “My friend, they suggested no ‘concubines.’ As Pope I cannot marry, and therefore my dear Julia would have no place in my bed or at my side. I could never allow that. And even more treacherous, no properties for my children? No entertainment for the citizens? It is nonsense, Duarte, pure nonsense, and I find it worrisome that our cardinals have become so indifferent to the needs of our people.”
Duarte smiled. “Am I to assume, then, that you will not accept the suggestions of the committee?”
Alexander sat again, more relaxed. “I must have been mad with grief, my friend. For a reform of the church in this way would distance a Pope from his children, his love, and his people. And therefore, fewer souls will be saved. We will wait one more month, but then all talk of reform must cease.”
Duarte rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “So you were surprised by the report?