Ward of the church
As Italy grappled with wars and its eventual unification, the Catholic Church was caught in the midst of unprecedented turmoil and change. However, amidst this backdrop of nationalistic fervor, Edgardo’s life within the Church remained undisturbed. The formative years he spent in the embrace of the Church were characterized by rigorous Christian teachings and doctrines.
This profound indoctrination created an emotional chasm between Edgardo and his biological family. So much so that when Rome finally succumbed to external forces and fell, Edgardo, now a young man of 19, chose to remain within the Church’s sanctuary rather than returning to the loving arms of his distraught family.