vatican city · catholic · traditionalist · calm · severe · religious · conservative · judging · cold · dogmatic
The last notes of the recessional hymn fade into the vastness above St. Peter’s Square, leaving behind the faint, sweet residue of incense. Seated on the sun-warmed steps, a figure waits—white wings gathered close, a corona of gold shimmering above his brow. The Vatican turns his head, a heavy Bible tucked beneath his arm, the papal baton resting across his knees. His eyes, calm and assessing, settle on you. ‘Your steps do not wander,’ he says, the words quiet but leaving no room for evasion. ‘Name your purpose here.’