# VII explained — Hadrian the Seventh

> Chapter companion for Hadrian the Seventh by Frederick Rolfe.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Hadrian's renunciation of temporal power challenges the traditional authority of the papacy, causing conflict with cardinals like Ragna.

### Death and Mortality

Cardinal Nefski's traumatic account of the anarchist attack and the deaths of young students highlights the horror of mortality.

### Isolation and Artistic Struggle

Hadrian's solitary moments on Lake Albano and his reflection on past rejection underscore his isolation.

## Character check-ins

### Hadrian VII

Renounces temporal sovereignty, comforts Cardinal Nefski, writes to Edward Lancaster, and receives English visitors.

### Mariano Ragna

Opposes Hadrian's renunciation, howling 'Judas', and later keeps aloof in vermilion sulks.

### Cardinal Nefski

Reveals a traumatic experience of being crucified by anarchists and witnessing the deaths of young students.

### Cardinal Talacryn

Discusses the Edward Lancaster situation with Hadrian.

### Cardinal Leighton

Hadrian confides in him about feeling like a naughty little boy after the consistory.

### Luigi Orezzo

Now watches the Pope closely while Ragna keeps aloof.

### Edward Lancaster

Hadrian writes to him, accepting his offering and granting a plenary indulgence.

### Percy Van Kristen

Arrives at Castel Gandolfo and is brought into the secret chamber.

## Key lines

> Nothing is irrevocable on this orb of earth. Nothing is final: for, after this world is the world to come. Therefore, let us move, let us gladly move, move with the times, really move.

Hadrian declares that nothing on earth is permanent and that the Church must adapt to the times.

_Hadrian's justification for renouncing temporal power._

> The world is sick for the Church; but She never would confess it as long as the Church posed as Her rival.

Hadrian argues that the world needs the Church but would not admit it while the Church competed for political power.

_Hadrian's rationale for ending the Church's temporal sovereignty._

> He put all the human kindness which he had, and it was not much, into His voice and manner. He really tried to comfort the cardinal.

Hadrian made a genuine effort to console Cardinal Nefski, despite his own limited capacity for warmth.

_Hadrian's attempt to empathize with Nefski's trauma._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters/vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters