Hadrian the Seventh · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Hadrian the Seventh by Frederick Rolfe.
Chapter 1
Dedication
A brief dedication of the book to the author's mother.
Chapter 2
Hadrian the Seventh
The chapter introduces George Arthur Rose, a struggling English priest who feels isolated and unappreciated. After a series of personal and professional disappointments, he is unexpectedly elected Pope, taking the name Hadrian the Seventh. The chapter explores his initial shock, his determination to reform the Church, and his immediate actions upon assuming the papacy, including renouncing temporal power and planning to disperse Vatican treasures.
Chapter 3
Prooimion
George Arthur Rose, a frustrated and impoverished writer, reflects on his past struggles with the Church and his persistent belief in his divine vocation to the priesthood. Despite years of rejection and hardship, he remains determined to pursue his calling, even as he grapples with physical pain and creative block. The chapter also hints at mysterious events unfolding in Rome and the horrors of Russia.
Chapter 4
I
The chapter critiques the incompetence of journalists covering the Conclave in Rome, highlighting their inability to grasp deeper truths due to reliance on superficial methods and lack of scientific or intuitive understanding.
Chapter 5
II
The Conclave continues with the cardinals employing the Way of Compromise, appointing nine Cardinal-Compromissaries to elect a new pope. After multiple scrutinies and accessions, no candidate achieves the required majority, resulting in black smoke from the Vatican chimney. Private negotiations and canvassing intensify as the cardinals prepare for further votes.
Chapter 6
III
Hadrian the Seventh is proclaimed Pope and insists on opening the outer balcony of St. Peter's to bless the city and the world, defying the College of Cardinals who prefer the inner balcony. The window, bricked up since 1870, is forced open amid tension, and Hadrian gives the Apostolic Benediction.
Chapter 7
IV
Hadrian begins his papacy with decisive action, appointing Cardinal Talacryn and summoning trusted clergy to assist him. He questions the Bishop of Caerleon about the circumstances of his election, dictates summonses to five clergymen, and secretly appoints Talacryn a cardinal. He then processes through Rome alone, defying tradition and courting danger, and announces his coronation for the next morning, overriding objections from the Sacred College.
Chapter 8
V
Hadrian, exhausted from the scrutiny of Rome, rests and plans to escape to Castel Gandolfo. He rearranges the papal household to ensure privacy and simplicity, discusses finances with the cardinals, and extends invitations to Cardinal Courtleigh and the sorrowful Cardinal Nefski. He also examines the papal safe, contemplating his newfound power and plans for generosity.
Chapter 9
VI
Pope Hadrian VII confronts Cardinal Courtfield about the worldly behavior of the clergy, criticizing their assimilation to the laity and their un-Christian conduct, as exemplified by Monsignor Cateran's vindictive response to libel. Hadrian then questions Courtfield about the circumstances leading to his election, learning that Edward Lancaster's letters and Courtfield's own investigation into Hadrian's past, prompted by a chance resemblance to Cardinal della Volta, led to his nomination. The chapter explores themes of hypocrisy, justice, and the struggle for authentic Christian leadership.
Chapter 10
VII
Hadrian formally renounces temporal sovereignty and the civil-list, causing uproar among the cardinals. He comforts Cardinal Nefski, who recounts a traumatic experience with anarchists. The Pope also handles the matter of Edward Lancaster, receives English visitors at Castel Gandolfo, and meets with Percy Van Kristen.
Chapter 11
VIII
Hadrian reflects on love and self-analysis, convenes his cardinals in the Vineyard of Leo to discuss renouncing temporal power, faces opposition and intrigue from Ragna's faction, and names Percy Van Kristen as cardinal-deacon, while confronting Ragna's implied threat of an Oecumenical Council.
Chapter 12
IX
Hadrian reflects on his role as Pope, his disdain for religious indifference, and his admiration for Julius Caesar's relentless work ethic. He addresses the crisis in France and Russia, deposing French cardinals and appointing them as Apostolic Missionaries. He also interacts with a socialist goldsmith, commissions a new crucifix, and gains international attention through his unconventional actions, including a physical altercation with a socialist.
Chapter 13
Chapter X
Hadrian issues the 'Epistle to the English,' praising the English race and addressing Catholics' worldly competition and historical disadvantages. He ordains the admission of married Anglican clergy to the priesthood under conditions and commands the retention of national rites. The Archsocialists react with fury and infighting, while Jerry Sant reveals he knew the Pope. Semphill and Carvale urge Hadrian to honor Mary Queen of Scots, but Hadrian chooses reconciliation over provocation, though he agrees to raise her to the altars of Scotland.
Chapter 14
XI
Pope Hadrian VII continues his unconventional papacy, dealing with a portrait painter out of compassion, moving to a lakeside palace for the summer, experiencing a profound moment of love and self-realization through an encounter with a boy, dispatching envoys to America, receiving the Liblab deputation, and navigating the political tensions with the King of Italy while managing the zealous protection of Sir Iulo.
Chapter 15
XII
Mrs. Crowe and Jerry Sant remain in Rome, plotting blackmail against Hadrian. Mrs. Crowe observes Hadrian's charity, becomes a Catholic, and cultivates the English community. She discovers Hadrian visiting a private house, fueling her jealousy and determination.
Chapter 16
XIII
Hadrian walks with Cardinal Semphill, visits the English Ambassador, and prepares for a meeting with Kaiser William II. The chapter explores political tensions between the Vatican and European powers, Hadrian's personal reflections, and his strategic withdrawal to write and contemplate.
Chapter 17
XIV
Hadrian manages the pontifical mail, sorting letters and dictating responses. He then receives the generals of religious orders, delivering admonitions and instructions. He confronts the General of the Jesuits, criticizing the order's departure from its founder's spirit. He also receives a threatening letter from Jerry Sant of the Liblab Fellowship, which he locks away in frustration.
Chapter 18
XV
Pope Hadrian VII visits St. Andrew's College, where he interacts with students and staff, recalling his own painful experiences as a student there. He comforts a fastidious, isolated student who struggles with the environment, and later addresses the students, urging them to be kind to all creatures. He also has a conversation with Cardinal Carvale about the college and the importance of showing reverence to Christ.
Chapter 19
XVI
Hadrian, after a period of intense self-reflection and guilt over not loving his neighbor, confesses his sin of anger and receives absolution. Meanwhile, Jerry Sant, frustrated by the Pope's silence and his own waning influence, orchestrates a press attack via the Catholic Hour, publishing a scathing libel against Hadrian. The Pope reads the article, counts thirty-three deliberate lies, and resolves not to abdicate, though he is deeply shaken by the portrayal of himself as contemptible.
Chapter 20
XVII
Hadrian summons key cardinals and announces his plan to disperse the Vatican treasures, selling them to fund the 'Household of Christ' trust for Italy's poor. He also gifts moveable art to Rome, canonizes Dom Bosco and Dante, and publishes the 'Epistle to the Italians' addressing the Mafia. Meanwhile, the Catholic Hour attacks him, and Jerry Sant and Mrs. Crowe react to the scandal.
Chapter 21
XVIII
Hadrian reflects on his priorities, placing England first, and struggles with his isolation and despair. He receives a copy of the Catholic Hour containing attacks on his past as George Arthur Rose. Cardinal Leighton visits, and Hadrian reveals his knowledge of the letter writers. He then turns his thoughts to England, feeling a patriotic duty to serve her, and takes actions including ordering a mass for Queen Victoria and sending the Golden Rose to her tomb.
Chapter 22
XIX
Hadrian faces a blackmail attempt from Jerry Sant and Mrs. Crowe, who demand money in exchange for silence about alleged scandals. The Pope refuses to pay, offering instead a chance for reform. After they leave, cardinals debate the potential damage to the papacy's reputation, with some questioning Hadrian's mysterious past.
Chapter 23
XX
Hadrian holds a consistory to address the calumnies published against Him, dramatically revealing that Cardinal della Volta was His double during the alleged escapade. He then announces the Congress of Windsor's invitation for His arbitration, leaving the cardinals in awe and speculation.
Chapter 24
XXI
Hadrian issues the 'Epistle to the Princes,' outlining a radical restructuring of Europe, including the revival of the Roman Empire under two emperors and the reallocation of territories. He also appoints Cardinal Talacryn as Archbishop of Pimlico and deals with the fallout from Mrs. Crowe's calumny, as she breaks with Jerry Sant. The Pope consults with cardinals and prepares for the Congress of Windsor.
Chapter 25
XXII
Hadrian experiences a period of psychical disturbance and lethargy, struggling with a sense of unreality and exhaustion. He later awakens to a panic-driven need for action, and in a meeting with clergy, he defends himself against newspaper calumnies, recounting his past struggles with poverty, failed inventions, and the exploitation he endured.
Chapter 26
XXIII
After a difficult audience, Hadrian retreats to his chambers, physically and mentally rejuvenates, then counsels Sir Iulo about love and marriage, bestowing gifts and revealing a secret about color photography hidden in black-and-white negatives.
Chapter 27
XXIV
On the festival of St. George, Hadrian receives sovereigns on the anniversary of His pontificate. After the ceremony, the Northern Emperor informs Him of the capture of Kronstadt and discusses the Southern Emperor's absence. Hadrian decides to visit Victor Emanuel, and walks with the Northern Emperor through Rome. Later, during a return procession, Jerry Sant shoots Hadrian. The Pope forgives him, receives last rites, and dies, blessing the city and the world.
Chapter 28
Endnotes
This chapter consists solely of endnotes, providing explanations of onomatopoeic representations of English Catholic pronunciations of ecclesiastical titles.
