Title: The Conclave of the Just
The bells of Saint Peterโs had not rung in this tone for decades โ low, hesitant, almost unsure of what world awaited its next shepherd. The year was 2025, and the conclave had begun. The College of Cardinals gathered under Michelangeloโs ceiling, weighed down not only by age, but by scandal, climate catastrophe, and the crumbling faith of the poor.
Behind the scenes, two names echoed like quiet thunder: Father Sebastian of Haiti, beloved by orphans and feared by corrupt bishops, and Joe Jukic, the bold and rebellious theologian from Croatia โ a man not yet a cardinal, but whose voice had reached the ears of faithful youth worldwide.
Inside the Sistine Chapel
“Father Sebastian is too radical,” whispered an Italian bishop.
“He walks barefoot through cholera wards and refuses silk vestments. He baptized a gang leader with sea water in a plastic cup.”
“But the people love him,” replied another.
“And he speaks Latin, Creole, and the truth.”
Meanwhile, in Zagrebโฆ
Joe Jukic sat in his modest home, watching the vote on a cracked laptop screen. When the Vatican emissary knocked on his door, he was already shaking his head.
โIโll only accept the red hat,โ Joe said, โif I can remain married. I wonโt lie to the people. I have a wife, and I will love her openly, not in secret.”
The envoy stammered. โThat is notโฆ customary, Signore Jukic.โ
Joe poured him a glass of wine.
“Then it’s time to change the custom.”
The Conclave Breaks Tradition
Word spread quickly. Joeโs terms shocked the Vatican’s old guard, but inspired millions. Videos of Joe quoting scripture on love and truth went viral. Priests in slums and warzones began calling him โCardinal of the People.โ
Inside the conclave, a new vote was cast.
And with thunderous surprise, the ballots read:
“Sebastian, from Haiti โ for Pope.”
On the fifth vote, he accepted the name Pope Gelasius II, in honor of the first African pope of the 5th century.
In His First Address
Standing beneath the balconyโs white curtain, Pope Gelasius II raised a hand for silence.
โI will serve not as king, but as barefoot servant. And as my first act, I appoint Cardinal Joe Jukic of Croatia, husband, teacher, and voice of a new day. May his marriage remind us that love is sacred โ not secret.โ
A New Era Begins
Cardinal Jukic wept as his red robes were placed over his shoulders โ beside his wife, who held his hand and whispered a prayer.
Together with Pope Gelasius II, they walked out onto the square โ not above the people, but among them.
The crowd cried: โPax veritas! Peace through truth!โ
