1544 A.D. – Rome – Archiving the Letter

The impact of the death of a humble vicar, in a far-flung parish of England, would never in usual circumstances be felt in Rome. But this was different. Pope Paul was seated across from his advisor, considering the contents of the communication from the Archbishop in London. He had been quiet for some time. Ruminating on what his decision should be.

He was currently engaged in what he regarded as a battle for the very existence of the Roman Catholic Church as he knew it. And if that were not enough he had taken up the cause of freeing the Native Americans from slavery. He did not need the additional burden of resolving legends from the past.

Whilst pondering the matter, he turned the fragile pages of an ancient leather book. Laid out in front of him on the table were a series of letters, each of which he had read in painstaking detail. Eventually Pope Paul seemed to have made up his mind.

“We have great pressures on the Church at present. Ancient intrigues must wait. We will let this issue rest as it is. Let the new priest in the position know nothing of this matter. If God wills it, the secret will be revealed when it is time.”

With that Paul III pushed the leather book and the file of correspondence concerning the Abbey across the desk to his adviser. It was taken from the papal office and stored deep within the Vatican archives.