Cardinal Albani

Ferdinando Albani is a character in Tullio Avoledo's novel the Roots of Heaven.

Description
A chubby little man with fingers as soft and fat as sausages. In these times, a fat man is a rarity.

Role in Roots of Heaven
He organized an expedition to Venice of Swiss Guardsmen led by John Daniels, the novel's protagonist.

Interesting Facts

 * Cardinal, Administrator General of the Papal Court and Superintendent of Property and Revenue of the Holy See. In addition, the Camerlengo is responsible for the burial of the deceased pope and convenes the conclave for the election of the new pontiff, acting as head of the Vatican until the latter is elected.
 * His parents and sister lived in Boston, and his brother lived in Seattle.
 * Always carries a leather pouch with a handful of ashes.