Have I not, my Savior, done as you comma...

Have I not, my Savior, done as you commanded? I beseech you, bless me and give me strength for the tribulations and, I hope, the successes that lie ahead. What? Will you not appear to me now and confirm that I have set my course aright? Now that I have launched my ship on an uncertain sea, will you desert me? Miserere! Miserere mei, Deus! (looks at hands) And yet I see your mercy in me, your ever-present confirmation that transcends all doubt. Enough! I, a blessed creature of finitude, but of finitude nonetheless, can never know everything I wish I could but from God’s wisdom, as for every creature, enough to lead my life! I must act now on my own, as all humanity must in the knowledge of its own God-granted gifts. Now let me remove my papal vestments, never to drape myself in them again. Henceforth, I will go among the people of the wide and troubled world in simple dress, as Jesus did, and be his new Apostle, not as Pope, but under my original name of Vitorio, Vitorio Benedetto. I will be a fellow acolyte of the wisdom and splendor evident in God's Creation and a voice of its worthiness for our awe and reverence. (takes off papal hat and places it on the small communion rail; removes ornate robe and places it there, too. Takes off papal ring, kisses it, and puts it down. He is now dressed in a plain white gown) God bless me if I am right – and forgive me if I am wrong!

Benedictus

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