The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church in Rome. He lives and operates from the Vatican City, within a defined and fortified area in Italy, located close to the River Tiber.

Pope Peter Benedict is a fictional character in the John Storm adventure series. He is a saintly man, deeply troubled by the state of the planet, unbalanced as it is with mankind's over exploitation of Earth.

With the revelation of prehistoric insects of such large size, this is another step up the ladder of knowledge as to the most fortunate triumph of man over other intelligent species, in a hard to imagine twilight zone vacated by dinosaurs, perhaps with a shove into oblivion. Giving even greater credence to the divinity accorded humans is Gods creative realm

The Catholic Church had been moving with the times. Reconciling the holy scriptures with advances in science. Without which, there has and will continue to be a move away from the faith - as technology widens the gap between spiritualism and the laws of physics. Corruption in politics and within the heads of state, is another issue that the new church under proactive guidance, is keen to see brought under control. A particular quest for Pope Peter. As is world peace and tackling global warming, in a highly unstable political arena, borne of spin and disinformation, for profit, and never ending kleptocratic empire building. Qualities that work against the interests of the global population.

The Father of Rome has made many enemies within and outside the church, for wanting to be more active on the world stage. But the Supreme Bishop has also developed reliable contacts in several influential organizations, in which he cannot be seen to be taking an active role. It is difficult for a man in his position to know who to trust. Even some United Nations' agents are suspect, though for the most part with good intentions. The fact Pope Peter Benedict had been battling cancer for around six months, changes his perspective and agenda.

Charley Temple has proved herself time and again to be competent Papal correspondent, the soul of discretion, and yet investigative when it matter, as all truly great reporters must be. Very often swimming against the tide of nodding donkeys. Thus, somewhat feared and inwardly admired, at the same time.

Jill Bird, of the BBC, has also shown her integrity.

But, the Pope was not a well man. His mortality has doomed him to leaving his flock, with unfinished business. Unless, he embarks on a drastic course. Drastic, if he were at the start of his Papal career. Not so radical in his twilight years.

In his view, medicine may be advanced with a demonstration of healing, reducing suffering for those afflicted, free of discrimination. We are all God's creatures. Having heard via the grape vine, that John managed to fend off a missile attack, and rescue a cloned Cleopatra from the clutches of the CIA. The Pontiif formed the opinion that John may be who he was looking for to give the world a modern miracle.

Though this is in the form of CyberCore Genetica™, of dubious origin, that matters not one jot if it gives the world a cure for cancer. Apart from preventing it, in the vanquishing of fossil fuels.

The Pope was knocking on heaven's door, in great pain. All the drugs in the world, all the experts and experimental treatments, had not prevented shedding body mass, as he succumbed to lung cancer. He knew he was dying, and for that reason was willing to throw the dice, against typically Catholic caution.

In doing so, Pope Peter Benedict was cured, by an environmental wild-card, in a remarkable demonstration of medical science in action. Having fully recovered, the Pontiff does all he can to assist John Storm and his crew, on their sometimes inscrutable agendas. A leap of faith, in a world where such trust is seldom well placed. 

SECTASAUR CAST