Robert Langdon, #2
The Da Vinci Code
by Dan Brown
Contents
CHAPTER 41
Overview
Bishop Aringarosa secretly meets Vatican officials at Castel Gandolfo and receives a vast payment in traceable Vatican Bank bearer bonds. The exchange reveals that Aringarosa has made a formal bargain with Church authorities, while the Teacher’s strategy ensures the Vatican is financially tied to whatever Aringarosa is doing. Aringarosa signs the agreement and heads to Paris, connecting the Vatican subplot more directly to the hunt unfolding there.
Summary
Outside Castel Gandolfo, Bishop Aringarosa arrives late and cold, determined not to appear weak before the Vatican officials waiting for him. A sleepy priest escorts him into the darkened library, where the Secretariat Vaticana and two high-ranking Italian cardinals sit in the shadows.
Aringarosa refuses polite conversation and pushes directly to business, noting that the Vatican voiced its concerns five months earlier and that he sees no reason to wait. The officials acknowledge that he has acted faster than expected and point out that he still had a month remaining.
Aringarosa focuses on the black briefcase on the table, which contains the funds he requested: large-denomination bearer bonds drawn on the Vatican Bank. The officials are uneasy because the sum is enormous and the bonds, while negotiable like cash, can be traced directly to the Vatican.
Aringarosa inwardly recognizes that the traceability is exactly why the Teacher advised this form of payment, because it implicates the Vatican along with him. When the officials question the legality or possible use of the money, Aringarosa insists the transaction is legal and reminds them that, given what they are asking of him, his use of the funds is not their concern.
The officials present a document bearing the papal seal, and Aringarosa signs it with surprising emotional detachment. Relieved, the men thank him for his service to the Church. Carrying the briefcase, Aringarosa leaves, and when asked where he will go next, he answers, "Paris."
Who Appears
- Bishop AringarosaOpus Dei leader; accepts Vatican Bank bonds, signs an agreement, and departs for Paris.
- Secretariat VaticanaSenior Vatican legal official; hands over the funds and worries about their implications.
- Italian cardinalsHigh-ranking Church officials; uneasily witness the transaction and question Aringarosa’s plans.
- The TeacherAbsent strategist; advised Aringarosa to request traceable Vatican Bank bonds as insurance.
- Priest at Castel GandolfoSleepy attendant who receives Aringarosa and escorts him to the library meeting.