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THE VATICAN—18 MAY

“Get me the president,” Pope Pius XIII said as he watched the Mass on TV.

Commander Gianetti was surprised. “Which one?” the security chief asked.

“Hernandez, of course.”

“But why, Your Holiness?”

“He’s a Roman Catholic. He’s calling his nation to prayer. And I must stand with him in this terrible hour.”

“You mean at the White House—a meeting, a photo op—and then right back here to the Vatican,” Gianetti said, more a suggestion than a question.

“No, I want to go ahead with the tour.”

“Your Holiness, with respect, that is not wise.”

“We walk by faith, Commander, not by sight. At least I do. Your eyes I want open and vigilant, at every moment, especially while mine are closed in prayer.”

Gianetti continued to protest, but his warnings fell on deaf ears.

Ten minutes later, he reluctantly told the old man to pick up the phone.

“Hello? Is someone there?” the pope asked.

“Your Holiness?” came a woman’s voice on the other end of the line.

“Yes, it is I.”

“What an honor. Please hold for the president.”

A moment later, Hernandez came on the line. “Your Holiness, thank you so much for the call.”

“I was just watching you on television. You are handling the crisis well.”

“Thank you, but which one?” Hernandez demurred.

“All of them, my son. I was touched that you began this day by attending Mass. You are setting a good example.”

“I hope so, but honestly, it was more to fortify my soul than for any kind of example.”

“You are walking through the valley of the shadow of evil, Mr. President. But you shall fear no evil.”

“You are kind to call with so much else on your plate.”

“This is more than a condolence call, though I plan to call each of the families, if you will permit me.”

“I think they would appreciate the gesture. My staff will get you their numbers.”

“I also want to come to the States next month, to see you, to pray with you, to congratulate you, to thank you for all that you and your predecessor have done for the cause of peace. And I want to lead Mass in all four cities, as planned.”

Hernandez was silent for a moment, as if taken aback. “It would be a personal honor for the First Lady and me to host you, but I must caution you that now may not be the best time. The security environment going forward may not be conducive to such a high-profile visit.”

“I am not afraid, Mr. President. The Good Shepherd goes before me. He sets a table in the presence of my enemies.”

“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of, Your Holiness,” Hernandez quipped, but the pope did not laugh, so Hernandez changed his tone. “You’re really serious? You want to come here, with all that is taking place, despite the advice I am certain you are receiving from your security staff and the rest of your inner circle?”

“What was it that John A. Shedd once remarked? ‘A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.’”

“True,” Hernandez said. “But wasn’t he a Presbyterian?”

Now the pontiff did chuckle. “No one’s perfect,” he said.