Aringarosa's Flight to Rome and London

Bishop Aringarosa travels to Castel Gandolfo to secure Vatican bonds, then flies to London in a desperate attempt to salvage the plan.

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The Meeting at Castel Gandolfo

The Vatican's Ultimatum The Summons Bishop Manuel Aringarosa is summoned to Castel Gandolfo, the Pope's summer residence. He expects a photo opportunity, but instead meets with the Vatican secretariat and two cardinals. They inform him that Opus Dei will be stripped of its prelature status in six months. The Fallout Aringarosa is devastated. He sees this as a betrayal by the Church he has served. Returning to New York, he is contacted by the Teacher, who offers a plan to obtain the Holy Grail and gain immense power, which would force the Vatican to reconsider. Aringarosa agrees to fund the operation with Vatican bonds.

The Flight to Paris and Then to London

Aringarosa's Journey En Route to Rome On the night of Saunière's murder, Aringarosa flies from New York to Rome. During the flight, he receives a call from the Teacher, who tells him Silas has located the keystone at Saint-Sulpice. Aringarosa is elated. Changing Plans After landing, Aringarosa travels to Castel Gandolfo to collect the bearer bonds. He then flies to London, but learns from Fache that the operation has gone wrong. He lands at Biggin Hill and is taken to the Opus Dei Centre, where he is shot by Silas in the confusion. He survives and is hospitalized.

Aringarosa's Repentance

The Hospital Room Realization Bishop Aringarosa, recovering from his wound, learns that Silas is dead and that the Teacher was Leigh Teabing. He understands he was used as a pawn. He asks Fache to distribute the Vatican bonds to the families of the murdered Priory members. Forgiveness Aringarosa tells Fache that "a little faith can do wonders." He accepts his fall from grace, dedicating himself to penance. The bishop's story ends with a note of redemption, as he chooses forgiveness over revenge.

Five months before the novel's events

The night of the murder

After the shooting, at St. Mary's Hospital