James is My Name

He was dead! The bells pealed out their mournful cry. Crowds gathered, and in no time, the piazza was full. Then the announcement came to the people of Rome and the world--John XXIV was dead, poisoned by an unidentified person or persons. The Chair of Peter was empty.

He was buried in the bowels of St. Peter's Basilica, alongside so many of his predecessors. The conclave to elect a new Pope had been called for, and Cardinals were arriving in Rome to participate in the election of his success...