Act I
Scene I
The private papal apartments in the Vatican. The interior radiates majesty: walls adorned with tapestries and ancient paintings depicting religious scenes. At the center of the room stands a massive desk covered with documents. On one side of the room, a modern video conference screen is visible. The Pope, dressed in a white cassock, sits on an armchair, bent over his notes. A clock chimes in the background.
Pope (lifting his gaze with a slight sigh)
Heavenly Father, keep us in Your care.
He approaches the screen, presses a button, and the screen glows softly, filling the room with light. Gradually, the luminous figure of God appears.
God (with a warm yet authoritative voice)
Your Holiness, it is good to see you. How can I assist you today?
Pope (bows his head respectfully)
Lord, I come to You burdened with a heavy heart. The Church, our holy institution, is facing difficult times.
(A moment of silence. He lifts his head, looking at the screen.)
Our financial situation is dire, the number of faithful is dwindling. Scandals and loss of trust… they are destroying us.
God (furrowing His brows, His voice grows more serious)
I know, Your Holiness. These are times of trial that demand wisdom and perseverance. What troubles you the most?
Pope (with visible concern)
There is one man, Lord... Father Paul. His sermons draw crowds. He has an extraordinary gift. His churches are full of the faithful, wherever he goes. But...
(Pauses, hesitating.)
His personal life is a string of scandals. Parishioners report his affairs, his promiscuity, and all this... undermines the credibility of the Church.
God (thoughtfully strokes His beard)
Father Paul... Yes, I know his talents, and I know his sins. He is a man of great potential but also immense weaknesses. This is a delicate matter; we cannot lose him, but we also cannot allow him to poison the community.
Pope (with hope in his voice)
Can You intervene, Lord?
God (smiling slightly, nodding)
Of course. I will handle this personally. But, Your Holiness, I must warn you: our resources are not limitless.
Pope (surprised)
Heaven’s resources? Lord, are You also facing challenges?
God (with a gentle smile)
Yes, Your Holiness. Even celestial investments are not immune to earthly upheavals. Our stocks on Wall Street... well, the recent scandals did not help. But remember, the Church has weathered worse storms. Your task is to endure and guide the faithful through these trials.
Pope (nodding in understanding)
Thank You, Lord. I will do everything in my power to keep faith alive in our hearts.
God (gently but firmly)
Focus on your mission. I will take care of Father Paul. Remember, the renewal of the Church requires patience and sacrifice.
God vanishes from the screen, and the light gradually fades. The Pope stares at the blank screen for a moment. Then, he turns and walks to his desk, reviewing the pile of documents. The clock ticks softly in the background.
Pope (to himself, with a quiet sigh)
Thy will be done, Lord.
The curtain falls.
Scene II
God's office. The interior is majestic, with shelves of infinite tomes stretching to the horizon. At the center stands an enormous desk adorned with intricate carvings. Light emanates from everywhere, creating an aura of peace and omniscience.
Silence fills the stage. Seraphiel paces nervously, spreading and folding his wings. His golden robes shimmer in the light. Cherubim can be seen in the background, flying with documents.
Seraphiel (to himself, whispering)
He has summoned me... The Almighty Himself! What could I have done? Is this a punishment? Or perhaps a test?
The doors to the office open with a majestic sound. The Archangel enters.
Archangel (solemnly)
Seraphiel, the Lord is waiting for you. Enter.
Seraphiel walks into the office. At the center of the stage stands the enormous desk, behind which sits God. His presence fills the space, yet He appears approachable. He smiles gently.
God (calmly, melodiously)
Come closer, Seraphiel.
Seraphiel kneels, spreading his wings in a gesture of reverence.
Seraphiel
Your will is my command, Almighty One.
God (sighing, as if weary)
The task I am entrusting to you will not be easy. There is a man on Earth—a priest named Paul. His heart is corrupted, and his deeds lead him away from the truth.
Seraphiel (somewhat surprised)
A priest? How can I help him, Lord?
God (with concern)
You will guide him back to the path of righteousness. But remember—his words are as sharp as a sword. His charisma can mislead even the strongest. Be cautious, Seraphiel.
Seraphiel bows deeply. A moment of silence follows. God waves His hand as if granting a wish, and the sound of children’s laughter echoes softly in the background.
Seraphiel (with determination)
I will not fail You, Lord.
God (smiling gently)
Go. Time is of the essence.
Seraphiel turns and leaves the stage. As he exits, the light in the office dims. A choir of angels enters the stage, singing a quiet hymn about the divine mission.
