Hadrian the Seventh · Chapter
XIV explained
Hadrian manages the pontifical mail, sorting letters and dictating responses.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Hadrian confronts the Jesuit General, accusing the order of corruption and departure from its founder's spirit, while wielding his papal authority.
Religion and Hypocrisy
Hadrian criticizes the Jesuits for hypocrisy, noting their evil reputation and deviation from St. Ignatius's rules.
Isolation and Artistic Struggle
Hadrian's solitary handling of the threatening letter and his internal frustration reflect his isolation and the burden of his role.
Characters to notice
- Hadrian VII
Sorts and responds to pontifical mail, receives generals of religious orders, and confronts the Jesuit General.
- Sir John
Assists in sorting and opening the pontifical mail.
- Sir Iulo
Assists in sorting and opening the pontifical mail.
- Jerry Sant
Sends a threatening letter to Hadrian on behalf of the Liblab Fellowship.
- Brother Peter Baptist
As Minister-General of Franciscans, receives Hadrian's commendation for Asia and is kissed on the feet by Hadrian.
Key passages
“Well, what do you make of him?" "Oh he seems earnest enough: but he's hardly got a word to say for himself. And I don't think he's quite a gentleman, you know.”
A character is assessed as earnest but lacking in conversational skill and not quite fitting the definition of a gentleman.
Reflects social judgment and class perception.
“He said that, with the word "Borgia" and the word "Nero," the word "Jesuit" perhaps was the eponym for all that was vilest in the world.”
Hadrian equates the name 'Jesuit' with the worst historical villains, Borgia and Nero.
Highlights Hadrian's harsh critique of the Jesuit order.