In its brutal struggle for power the Church became the instrument of oppression. Every Holy Father talks about virtue while indulging in most hideous sins. And the clerics follow suit. They are so afraid to lose their grip on the minds, souls and, most importantly, the purses of their flock, that they will stop at nothing. They lie, tortue and kill—all in the name of God. But what kind of God is He who demands that people be burnt at the stake just for speaking their mind? If the Church is so convinced that it knows the ultimate truth, why not let the sceptics talk out loud? Why gag them and kill them to terrify the others?

Because Truth is the most powerful weapon: it frees the minds and a free mind will never bow to the authority of tyrants.

I know in my heart that one day people will break the chains of religion, will leave behind their greed and fear. Proud and strong, they will stand up from their knees and reach for the stars.

If my death can do anything to make this time come even a little bit sooner, then I have no regrets…

There were heavy steps and a screeching of the opening door.

They have come for me…

I stood up, forcing my aching body to stand tall and proud.

Fra’ Ricardo walked in, followed by two guards.

‘Take him,’ he said to the guards. ‘And make sure he can’t wag his tongue.’

So, even now they are afraid of me. They always wanted to shut me up because truth is the most dangerous weapon indeed.

I wanted to smile, but the guards forced me down on my knees and one of them grabbed me by the jaw. I didn’t resist.

The harder they try to shut me up, the louder my voice will ring.

A searing pain shot through my whole body as my tongue was pierced by a red-hot metal stick. I looked up, blinking the involuntary tears away.

The rising sun was shining through the tiny barred window.

Dawn always comes whether we like it or not. Not even His Holiness himself can stop the Earth in its orbit. They may think that they have won this battle, but the day will come when the new era will dawn. The humankind will break the chains of fear and ignorance and reach for the stars.