Ventresca Quotes

To begin, one can evaluate the character of Chamberlain Ventresca. First, he is a calm and peaceful man. To illustrate, Ventresca maintains his composure when it is conveyed to him that an explosive antimatter specimen has been embedded inside Vatican City. The Chamberlain is the temporary Pope of the Vatican, and so bears full responsibility for its protection. Yet, when a powerful explosive device threatens security, Ventresca remains cool in his head. As stated in the novel, “Calm and efficient. He listened to her request, bewildered” (Brown 160). The quote shapes that Ventresca fully understands the situation. He realizes that panicking will only deteriorate the situation further and set fear into others’ minds. Indeed, Ventresca knows it is apropos

and natural to have fear, but he aims to not display it on his face. An alleged reason the Chamberlain is so calm under pressure is that he ostensibly had an episode in his childhood that humbled him. This incident could have been the loss of a close family member, the witnessing of a tragic massacre, or some other catastrophic happening. Whichever it was, it changed Ventresca’s outlook and perspective of the world. To exemplify, the event took a toll upon him, and expanded his understanding of the boundaries of evil in the world. As a result, he is not put into a complete state of panic when he is told the news of the antimatter canister. Another feasible reason Ventresca is not moved by the situation is that he primed himself for the shocks of Papal duties. Ventresca is a determined man, and is honored to be the human on Earth closest to God; hence, he decided to train himself to remain focused at all times. Next, another instance where Chamberlain Ventresca is a peaceful man is when he denied firing a gun in the military. It is essential for teenagers of age sixteen in Italy to serve in the army reserves for at least two years. For this reason, the Chamberlain had to abandon his desire to be with God, and enlist in the military. Ventresca comments, “Carlo’s two years of military service had been dreadful. Carlo’s youth had been one of silence and reflection. But in the army there was no quiet for reflection” (Brown 210). This shows that immediately upon reaching the barracks, Ventresca felt out of place. Specifically, the gunfire, noise, explosions, and gruesome killings significantly differed from the tranquility of churches. Although he did not like the chaos, Ventresca forced himself to face his fears. The Chamberlain knew that he would need to confront them at some point, and here he was being given a priceless opportunity. God was simply testing him to be sure that he was a right fit to serve in the Christian Church. Ventresca adopted that he would make it through the military, and as a result become a better man. Lastly, Chamberlain Ventresca is a calm character because he remains relaxed when delivering his speech to the world. To exemplify, the Chamberlain broadcasts a speech on a live BBC newscast concerning the surrender of religion to science. He judges that the war has stretched on for too long a time and cost a fortune for both sides. For the sake of humanity, Ventresca decides to end the war by surrendering. He does not want more suffering to occur, as this would go against the teachings of his religion; therefore, Ventresca succumbs in order to preserve the lives of future generations. As stated by the Chamberlain, “The wheels have been in motion for a long time, …your victory has been inevitable. Never before has it been as obvious as it is at this moment. Science is the new God” (Brown 419). This quote displays the mindset of Ventresca. He is fatigued of being at war with science, and simply wants to be conscious in a peaceful lifestyle. The Chamberlain is a man annoyed with forces combating against religion and his Church. This irritation eventually gets to his mind, and he caves to the pressure. Chamberlain Ventresca desires to be the one to transform the trend of bloody wars.

He is a tranquil person at heart, and cannot bear to see mass suffering, whether it is of science or religion. Subsequently, aside from being calm, Ventresca is a religious person with an abundance of faith in God. To start with, one reason for this is that he attended Mass everyday as a child. The author indicated, “Carlo’s mother, Maria, brought him to Mass every day. The church was Carlo’s home” (Brown 209). This quote exhibits that the Chamberlain’s mother taught him to have faith in God. She impacted his life and career choice. Not only this, but she sacrificed having a son dedicated to her in order to have a son devoted to God. Ventresca’s mother had to put aside her protective intentions as a mother and have a selfless heart to give up her son to God. Next, another reason Ventresca is faithful is that he never breaks a promise to God. As dictated in the book, “Carlo promised her he would never break a promise to God. He loved his mother more than anything in the world. She was his holy angel” (Brown 209). This quote shows that Ventresca and his mother had a mutual relationship. They had a bond of unconditional love amongst

them. As a result, Ventresca had no qualms in listening to his mother and giving his ultimate faith to God. The quote also shows the impact Ventresca’s mother had on him. She told him to respect his wishes to God, and he readily obeyed. From Ventresca’s childhood, his mother has been a principle figure in his life. It is shown in the quote as he vowed to never break a promise to God. Incidentally, if he did break a promise, it would be equivalent to breaking a promise to his mother. Lastly, additional proof that the Chamberlain is a faithful man is that he fights against science. He feels it is his duty to be the game changer, and so decides to take strict action in contradiction of science. Although he loses, Ventresca is engrossed in it until the end. He ventures to extensive lengths to attempt to bring down science. For example, he runs after the antimatter canister himself with minimal time remaining until its detonation. The Chamberlain is so embedded in his fight against science that he risks his life in order to preserve the oeuvres of previous citizens of the Vatican City. Colleagues of Ventresca commended the fight he put up, “Chartrand felt proud right now to be a Catholic. The Illuminati had made a mistake when they challenged…Ventresca” (Brown 505). This demonstrates the pride that Ventresca spreads through the veins of followers of Christianity. He radiates so much passion that it transfers to each and every person who aims to serve God. The Chamberlain’s aura is a powerful one that is based upon his drive to protect God’s seat. Ventresca’s empowering motivation symbolizes the best that Christianity can offer. Thus, Chamberlain Ventresca is a peaceful and religious person.