Early one day this week, the two Noble Guards in front of the Pope's private apartment clanked their halberds as they came to attention. Pope Pius appeared on the threshold, solemnly robed in a red velvet shoulder cape and a gold-embroidered stole.
Prelates and the commanders of the Noble, Swiss and Palatine Guards escorted him to the Hall of the Consistory. As soon as he ascended the papal throne, the Prefect of the APostolic Ceremonial asked all outsiders to leave. Then the prefect himself withdrew. In extraordinary consistory, the Pope was alone with 16 cardinals of the church who were seated on...
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