From the God of Lies to the Lord of All Worlds

Chapter 212 Funeral, and also a new beginning

The bustling city of Rome was transformed into a scene of mourning and remembrance almost overnight.

The revelry was not yet over, but sadness had already begun to spread.

Everyone now knew that the cardinal who had greeted the angel had left them forever.

Pope Mario personally wrote the eulogy and chose St. Peter's Basilica for the memorial service. He will also personally preside over the funeral and be buried with the highest honors!

Everyone knows why: Lasinger Leo is one of only two cardinals remaining in the Vatican, and one of the few cardinals who truly possess faith and extraordinary qualities. The other one is still preaching in Western Europe!
Moreover, this cardinal was the former priest of St. Paul's Basilica, one of the most important figures in all of Rome, and after being possessed by an angel, he was second only to Pope Mario!

But no one expected that Cardinal Lasinger, who had acted swiftly and decisively over the past three days and even frequently went out, would die in the Lateran Basilica at the start of this grand event, right next to the Pope.

And this news, with Mario's tacit approval, was spread throughout the world along with his eulogy:

"Cardinal Leo was the most outstanding son of the Archdiocese of Rome and one of the most beloved shepherds, who made great contributions throughout his life, joyfully witnessing the Gospel and humbly serving the church..."

...He was a diligent shepherd, wholeheartedly dedicated to the needs and benefits of priests and all believers, and wholeheartedly concerned with every global issue, especially families, war, and children—this was his contribution...

...Lord, grant eternal joy and peace to this faithful servant whom You loved, and also to those who mourn the passing of Cardinal Leo...

This message was broadcast on the Vatican's telecommunications channels and shown to everyone around the world who follows the Vatican. Within just a few days, political leaders from all over the world had arrived.

Previously, they could disregard the people and affairs of the Vatican, but now, everyone needs to understand the Pope's attitude, so even if they don't come in person, they send ambassadors or foreign ministers/ministers.

After hearing that the Pope would be presiding over the event and that Father Angus from America would also be present, the level of the event was raised to include the presence of the leaders and deputies of various countries, and the heads of state of the smaller European countries were even present!

Even the five Nordic countries, which are usually independent entities, sent their ambassadors to the Vatican.

The grand funeral unfolded, but beneath the grand ceremony lay a simple, even somewhat plain, coffin. There were no lavish scenes, no luxurious items, not even a three-tiered coffin, just a small wooden coffin.

This explains Lasinger's last wish: he wanted to follow the simple burial ceremony set by Mario, without any other elaborate burial goods, just him and his coffin, nothing more.

But such a funeral was still incredibly extravagant, because the person buried was a cardinal, a cardinal who had been divinely ordained, the presiding official was the Pope, the true theocratic Pope, and the assistant was also a cardinal, the first extraordinary bishop to appear in this world!

As the chorus sang the entrance hymn, Mario slowly entered and personally sprinkled holy water on the coffin, revealing his power without reservation in front of so many dignitaries and high-ranking officials!

The white holy light, along with the holy water, spread into the air and appeared in everyone's eyes.

The power of the Holy Light silenced all those who held doubts and ignited fervor in all believers at that moment. The Pope's unreserved expression was the very foundation of their unparalleled piety!
The image of Father Angus slowly emerging, along with the white light emanating from him that rivaled that of Pope Mario, brought the ceremony to its climax!
"Pray for our Cardinal brother Lasinger Leo, that the Lord may forgive all his sins, shine upon him with eternal light, and grant him the privilege of sharing in the glory of the resurrection. Let us pray together."

This prayer was no longer the same ritual as before; instead, with Angus's arrival, a sky full of stars and holy light appeared!
These twinkling lights appeared before the eyes of every audience member, bringing the ceremony to its climax!

"My God... is this the essence of the Vatican?"

“My God, please forgive my selfishness and doubt. I shouldn’t have doubted You…” “I will believe in the Lord, all my life, forever…”

The chosen missionaries are truly different; the use of this power is enough to enhance the original ritual's effect even further!
Compared to Mario, Cardinal Angus was clearly more adept at using the Holy Light, and this miracle of light was Angus's first gift to the Roman Catholic Church!
Faith has once again gathered in this land, and many people have gained a deeper understanding of the Catholic Church. They began to pray on the spot, making the light in this area seem even brighter!
The ceremony continued, and in the sky above, Bai Yang watched the ceremony with approval on his face!
“Ah, I didn’t expect that Rasinger would so decisively choose death instead of prolonging his life… So I may never be able to become a believer in something!” Bai Yang said.

“But Your Majesty, you are the god of gods, the lord of lords, and there is no being worthy of your faith!” Alvin said, prompting Bai Yang to nod slightly.

“You’re right, Alvin. No one is worthy of my faith, but everyone will have faith in me!”

He waved his hand, and the divine fire belonging to "God" was ignited in the sky above this area. "But it's good, even if the entire Dark Side hasn't been revealed yet, I still have the power of the Holy See's positive forces, whether it's priests, bishops, deacons, priests, or monks and nuns, that I haven't shown yet!"

"But as the world's number one religion, their massive population and powerful faith are indeed enough to give rise to even more vibrant forces and a more vibrant world!"

"Let us take this opportunity to truly establish the embryonic form of God's Kingdom, the heavenly Kingdom of Jehovah, and the Heavenly Mountain!"

He reached out and grabbed what appeared before him—a faith that had almost solidified into reality. This was certainly incredible, but with the help and impetus of 13 billion Christians worldwide, it was not impossible, but rather the most likely possibility!

And in his hands, these beliefs are the most useful, practical, and applicable power—the power of will!

"Your Majesty, are you going to create a world out of thin air?" Alvin asked in surprise.

"Of course not. Aren't these people's beliefs the best foundation and guide?" Bai Yang said cheerfully, looking down at the city that had become infinitely mysterious because of a special funeral, and gently tapped his fingers!
"If someone can guide Lasinger's soul to appear, it will be the best proof that the Kingdom of Heaven exists!"

This kind of proof will make the world swoon!

His words appeared, his figure disappeared, but at this moment, boundless holy light truly descended from the sky!

At this moment, Pope Mario was reciting the Eucharist:
“When He was willing to give His life and suffer, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take this and eat, all of you. This is my body, which I will give for you.’”

“After supper, he also took the cup, and having given thanks, gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take this and drink, all of you. This cup is my blood, the blood of a new and everlasting covenant, which is poured out for you and all people for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me.’”

"Lord, therefore we remember the suffering of Your Son for the salvation of mankind, His glorious resurrection and ascension, and look forward to His second coming, offering the bread of life and the cup of salvation to You with praise and thanksgiving."

Under this sacred ceremony, everyone remained silent and listened, and at this moment, they all felt the unique tranquility and peace that belonged to heaven and earth and to the Christian Church.

In this peaceful atmosphere, during this global funeral, a beam of white light fell from the sky and entered the coffin!

"What is this?" Amidst the puzzled gazes of some, they saw a transparent figure slowly straighten up under the white light.

“Cardinal Rasinger?” some Vatican bishops exclaimed, drawing the attention of many to the end of the sacrificial scene, where a painting stood.

The kind-looking old man in red in the picture is indeed exactly the same as this transparent shadow!
He is Lasinger, or rather, he is the soul of Lasinger!
Everyone was stunned. They did know about the emergence of the extraordinary and the changes in the world, but such changes in consciousness were insignificant when a soul revealed itself before them!
That's the soul, the true form a person takes after death!

This is the Shadow of Immortality!
(End of this chapter)