Welcome back to my audio serialisation of Robert Hugh Benson's far-sighted dystopian fiction Lord of the World. In tonight's episode, following the mysterious American senator's assumption of the presidency of Europe, the Pope summons his cardinals to announce his response:
All that was known even this morning was that the Presidentship of Europe was a fact; the little silver coin he had seen witnessed to that; that there had been an outburst of persecution, repressed sternly by local authorities; and that Felsenburgh was to-day to begin his tour from capital to capital. He was expected in Turin by the end of the week. From every Catholic centre throughout the world had come in messages imploring guidance; it was said that apostasy was rising like a tidal wave, that persecution threatened everywhere, and that even bishops were beginning to yield...
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And do join me tomorrow for the nineteenth episode of Lord of the World.