The story of The Clowns of God centers on Pope Gregory XVII, formerly known as Jean Marie Barrette, as he faces a profound crisis within the Catholic Church stemming from a personal revelation.
The Pope's Revelation
In the last decade of the twentieth century, Pope Gregory XVII claims to have received a private revelation regarding the end of the world. This significant and potentially alarming insight is something he feels compelled to disclose to the public.
The Curia's Intervention
Upon learning of the Pope's intention to reveal this information, the Curia, the powerful administrative body of the Holy See, intervenes. Their primary concern is to prevent him from making this revelation public, likely fearing the global ramifications and potential chaos it could unleash.
An Unavoidable Choice
To achieve their objective, the Curia presents Pope Gregory XVII with an ultimatum: he must either resign from his position as Pope, thereby silencing his platform for the revelation, or be formally declared insane. This forced choice forms the central conflict, highlighting the immense pressure and control exerted over the Pontiff in the face of his apocalyptic vision.
