This happened about six months ago, while my saintly predecessor was still living.

He mentioned it to several cardinals and to me also.

Then it was discovered that you were still alive, and we knew where you lived and how.

Now I must ask you a few questions, and I exhort you to answer with perfect truth." The Pontiff looked with serious eyes into Benedetto's eyes; Benedetto bowed his head slightly.

"You have written here," the Pontiff began, "that when you were in that little church in the Veneto, you had a vision of yourself in the Vatican, conversing with the Pope.