The Cup of Christ is the Holy Grail, that has never been found, in all searches through the ages.

The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church in Rome. He lives and operates from the Vatican City, within a defined and fortified area in Italy, located close to the River Tiber.

Pope Peter Benedict is a fictional character in the John Storm adventure series. He is a saintly man, deeply troubled by the state of the planet, unbalanced as it is with mankind's over exploitation of Earth.

The Catholic Church has been moving with the times. Reconciling the holy scriptures with advances in science. Without which, there has and will continue to be a move away from the faith - as technology widens the gap between spiritualism and the laws of physics. Corruption in politics and within the heads of state, is another issue that the new church under proactive guidance, is keen to see brought under control. A particular quest for Pope Peter. As is world peace and tackling global warming, in a highly unstable political arena, borne of spin and disinformation, for profit, and never ending kleptocratic empire building. Qualities that work against the interests of the global population.

The Father of Rome has made many enemies within and outside the church, for wanting to be more active on the world stage. But the Supreme Bishop has also developed reliable contacts in several influential organizations, in which he cannot be seen to be taking an active role. It is difficult for a man in his position to know who to trust. Even the United Nations is suspect, though for the most part with good intentions. The fact Pope Peter Benedict has been battling cancer for around six months, changes his perspective and agenda.

Charley Temple has proved herself time and again to be competent Papal correspondent, the soul of discretion, and yet investigative when it matter, as all truly great reporters must be. Very often swimming against the tide of nodding donkeys. Thus, somewhat feared and inwardly admired, at the same time.

Jill Bird, of the BBC, has also shown her integrity.

But, the Pope is not a well man. His mortality has doomed him to leaving his flock, with unfinished business. Unless, he embarks on a drastic course. Drastic, if he were at the start of his Papal career. Not so radical in his twilight years.

In his view, medicine may be advanced with a demonstration of healing, reducing suffering for those afflicted, free of discrimination. We are all God's creatures. Having heard via the grape vine, that John managed to fend off a missile attack, and rescue a cloned Cleopatra from the clutches of the CIA. The Pontiif has formed the opinion that John may be who he is looking for to give the world a modern miracle.

Though this is in the form of CyberCore Genetica™, of dubious origin, that matters not one jot if it gives the world a cure for cancer. Apart from preventing it, in the vanquishing of fossil fuels.

The Pope is knocking on heaven's door, in great pain. All the drugs in the world, all the experts and experimental treatments, have not prevented shedding body mass, as he succumbs to lung cancer. He knows he is dying, and for this reason is willing to throw the dice, against typically Catholic caution.

The Pope has an inkling who Trish really is, from her mannerisms, speech and in depth knowledge of events that no living person would know, unless they had experienced the past for themselves. In addition, Trish speaks many languages. More than anyone he has ever met before. The Pontiff suspects that someone has regenerated Cleopatra Philopator VII from her mummy's DNA. He follows the news, and recalls the find and mysterious disappearance of the fisherman, Ahmed Saleh.

The Last Supper, a painting by Leonardo da Vinci

ENCYCLICAL OF THE DIVINE BREATH

Delivered by His Holiness Pope Peter Benedict

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS SUMMIT - GENEVA

“Where breath exists, grace abides. Where truth is sought, light is born.”

OPENING INVOCATION

Esteemed representatives of the nations, guardians of the dignity of humankind, and seekers of justice across all disciplines — I greet you not only as a servant of the Holy See, but as a fellow pilgrim on the path toward unity.


ON THE UNIVERSALITY OF COMPASSION

We stand at the threshold of a new epoch — where the arbitrary partitions of language, creed, and nation begin to fade before the greater illumination of shared humanity. The Book of Timothy teaches: “God desires all to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth.” And the Gospel of John proclaims: “Whoever believes shall not perish.”

Are these not proclamations for every soul who breathes the breath gifted by the Almighty?

Even the ancient voices of Egypt, preserved in scrolls long buried and now unearthed, speak of Ma’at — the divine harmony that governs all lives. In one such scroll, we read: “I have not closed my ears to truth.” These confessions were not tribal, but universal — echoed by farmers and scribes, by kings and wanderers.

Let us then affirm: no child is born outside the reach of Heaven’s care, whether in the hills of Abyssinia or the labs of Silicon Valley.


FAITH AND SCIENCE: NOT ADVERSARIES BUT STEWARDS

For centuries, the relationship between faith and empirical reason has suffered estrangement. Today, we declare this separation no longer tolerable.

Faith speaks in parable and prayer; science in formula and proof — yet both, at their best, seek to answer: Who are we, and how shall we live?

If the encoded memory of the cosmos is written in genetic strands, then it is the soul that asks what meaning such strands carry. We need both — the microscope and the meditation, the liturgy and the lab.

Let not the disciplines compete, but collaborate.


A WARNING AGAINST EXTREMISM

And yet, amid this hopeful dawn, shadows persist.

A sect — self-styled The Order of the Purified Flame — has pursued a dangerous doctrine. In their hands, ancient texts have been desecrated, altered to erase the universality of salvation, retrofitting revelation to exclusion.

Let me be clear: this is not the Church. This is not of God. This is human fear masquerading as divine certainty.

We urge all faith leaders, regardless of tradition, to join us in condemning such acts and reaffirming the sacredness of historical truth.


CALL TO ACTION

Let us enshrine, in policy and prayer, the belief that no soul is disqualified from dignity.

Let the scientist be welcomed in sanctuaries. Let the cleric walk freely in centers of research. Let our children learn of atoms and angels alike — not in contradiction, but in complement.

In closing, we recall the image from Revelation: “A multitude… from every nation, tribe, and tongue.” May our shared breath be the first step toward shared blessing.

Amen.

THE HOLY COMPASS - CAST