Rome, Italy, the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, has something for every type of visitor. For those seeking to surround themselves with art and history, there is no better place. Statues and monuments are on every corner. Museums burst at the seams with seminal works. You could spend days wandering the halls of its famous galleries and visiting fountains and churches. But for those more interested in culture,
look no further. Italians are a passionate people with a reel zest for life, who love good food, good conversation, and are big on hospital.
Laura. I would ask you one more time, what are you doing here?
Please? There's no need for violence. Like I said before, I'm just an American tourist. Check my passport. This is no place for Torris. He's lying eat them again. No, No, precisely, I'm a travel book writer. These catacombs are the most important in realm and the biggest. I got lost. I thought I was seeing the crypt of Saint Cecilia. I had no idea what I'd find in here. I wish I didn't know.
And you're going to put these in your books. Our secret supply.
Precisements too much. No, I haven't seen anything. Everything will stay in the catacombs. I assure you, really, I pose no threat.
I ask you again, who do you work for?
Phodoors travel guides. I already told you.
This is taking it too long.
We are going to miss the Angelouis Almati Fatello.
We have die.
I think this knife might make him talk a quicker.
No, just don't do so much damage that he can speak like last time.
Really, let me try to explain.
No, I explain. If you do not tell us the truth, we will kill you.
Remember you're already in the graveside.
No one will find you down here. We have many bodies in these walls who will never say a word.
So I ask you one last time, don't see Mova. Drop the gun or I will be forced to shoot.
I savender, Who is there? Father Leo? Oh, thank god you're.
Back gin Now I see you find religion. I guess it's never too.
Late, Carlo. It's just a priest.
Drop the knife and back away, or I will shoot. I assure you, our priests even allow to carry a gun. The next one is in between your eyes. I may be a priest.
Better rest assured.
This is a CALLD forty five, and then my frog not prayer beads. Okay, okay, drop the knife itto, I see see, very good. Now you have ten seconds to get out of here or the next shot will not miss. Then I will read you last rites.
Let's go.
Everyth therechie and don't ever come back here. Let me untie you. I'm sorry, I'm late, gen Are you all right?
I'll be all right. I probably have a shiners all. Why did you let them go? We should go after them?
In truth, I only had two bullets, and that they're Injuran. I hate to say it, but my front is better at hiding weapons than it is for running.
Fair enough. I hate to agree with those goons, but what is a man of the cloth doing packing heat?
I have faith in gold gene, not in men. But now we have to find who those goons work for. They certainly can't be the brains behind the operation.
True, they must have someone on the inside. How else would they know the location of the weapons.
You're the first soul. I've revealed the location tween decades. But given the police report, they must be working for their Red Brigade. They didn't say anything.
No, but now that you mention it, there was a tattoo on the Big Goon's forearm, a black double bladed axe. Do you know if it means anything? Black double bladed axe?
Are you sure that doesn't make any sense?
Real? Sure? I got a pretty good close up while he was punching me in the face.
That's the symbol for the OrderIn Nuovo, a far right political and perimilitary network founded by Pino.
Rauti, the neo fascist.
Yes, the Ordinary Nuovo is the most important textra paramilitary neo fascist organization in the postwar Italian Republic and the sworn enemies of the Red Brigade. This makes no sense, of course it does.
It makes perfect sense. It's a red flag mission, no meo deal.
Yes, why didn't I see it, Jean? They're setting up the Red Brigade to take the blame, exactly.
Think about it. By the ordin in Nuovo committing these attacks and framing the Red Brigade, it turns the public sentiment away from the Communists while justifying a government. It's devilishly brilliant, actually, But.
That means they were here for more weapons and more attacks. Did they take anything else?
Let's see? Oh more? Of the C four enough explosives for another large scale attack.
Then we must discover the location before it is too late. Holy Father, please protect our flock.
Leo, this is no time for prayer. Wait a minute. Speaking of prayer, one of the goons mentioned being late for the Angelus. Perhaps that's a clue.
Jerdament the gene. That's it. That's it. The Angelus is a prayer the Pope gives every Sunday at noon during his paper address.
Oh the oh deal, they're gonna bomb the Vatican. Of all the means of transportation, there is nothing more beloved by the Italian than the Vespa. First debuted at the Rome Gold Club in nineteen forty six, it quickly gained popularity, going from twenty five hundred scooter sales in its first year to more than twenty times that only three years later.
The first models were sold for fifty five thousand lire for about two hundred and forty five dollars at the time, much cheaper than a car and quite competitive with other scooter models. But in a culture that places such a premium on beauty, the sleek design of the Vespa turned it into an instant success. It took a strange combination of coincidences, though for the Vespa to be born, Corradino Dascagno, its engineer, actually didn't love motorbikes and set out to
make something that those like him could enjoy. It had to be easy to use, protective, and comfortable. Its name comes from Enrico Piaggio's exclamation when he saw the first prototype. Shape He said, with a narrow waist and large rear, resembled a wasp, which is vespa in Italian. But Dascango's Vespa was sexy and seductive, and its step through frame meant that women could ride it in skirts. Its concealed engine, tucked under the seat or over its small back wheel,
kept oil, grease and dirt from chic Italian clothes. The Vespa, which happened to sound like a wasp, too, was fun, especially so in a post war Italy still recovering from the Allied bombings, who were seeking entertainment but had little to spend. And after the Vespa's appearance in Roman Holiday, the nineteen fifty three romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and
Gregory Peck, sales skyrocketed. The glamorous Hollywood couple spun care free around Rome on one of the scooters, aimlessly and stylishly. Audiences wanted to do this, and they could, as the Vespa was made for any novice driver.
Schools A schools A whoa?
What out?
Hold on, Jean, Oh, we're not gonna fit go.
Enough?
Pull over?
What pull over? Let me off before you get us killed?
Okay, Okay, I'm fine, I'm fine.
Calm down, Jeane Hugh. Never trust an Italian on a Vespa. You won't drive like you have a death wish.
He thought we were in a hurry.
Who are? But I'll just slow you down. You're a Catholic priest. If you go to the Vatican and warn them, they have to listen.
I can't gene it won't work.
Why not?
The poop already gets hundreds of assassination threats a day. And even if they do listen, how do I explain that the bomb material is being held in a cash they have sworn to keep secret. It would expose me and the Operation Glaudio.
Get your papers, the.
Red Brigade, get the paper, the police, Saint Justice Worthy served.
Pragatto boy, Let me buy one of those newspapers.
Yes, please, crats you get your papers here, read about the Jeane. We certainly don't have time to read the page.
Oh look here on the front page. It's started. Their plan is already in motion.
Let me see. It says the police matched the forensics of the bomb at the coliseum to other attacks perpetrated by the Red Brigade. The article even quotes the forensics investigator saying it was a perfect match with the Red Brigade attack.
Then neither he's dead, wrong or he's lying. But one thing's certain. If there's another bomb attack at the Vatican, the government will have no choice but to declare martial law.
Which is exactly what the Ordnanovo wants. People living in fear and the government the crackdown.
If we can't inform the Vatican or go to the police, what do we do.
We still have a couple hours. Let's pay a little visit to this forensic investigator. We know he's lying, so it's time I hear his confession, whether he likes it.
Or or not.
Good idea. Let me call Rebecca and see if she's matched the C four of the police bombing, so we can confront him with the evidence. There's a phone both over there.
Pronto.
Rebecca here, Rebecca, it's Gene.
I just left your message. I ran the tests and the C four from the catacomb cash she's a perfect chemical match with the C four from the bombing. Whoever did the bombing must have stolen him beforehand.
I know I had some visitors after you left.
Are you all right? Was it Red Brigade?
My face has looked better, But it seems it's not the Red Brigade after all, but the ordinary Nuovo.
The neo fascist group.
Yes, and we think they're planning another attack at the Vatican today. Oh my god, exactly. But Leo and I are already hatching a plan. Meet us at Piazza Navona and bring the Sea four evidence we might need it. I'm on my way, always camera ready. The beautiful baroque plaza known as Piazza Navona is a feast for the eyes. It features Bernini sculptures, three gorgeous fountains, and a magnificently Baroque church, the Sandanieze Nagone, all built atop the remains
of a Roman athletics track. Pieces of the arena are still visible near the adjacent Piazza Santa polinare and the ancient spirit of entertainment lives on in the buskers and artists who populate the piazza today. The piazza took on its current look during the seventeenth century, after Pope Innocent the tenth decided to make over his family palace and
the rest of the piazza. Though the former palace is now home to the Brazilian Embassy and an ultra luxe hotel, the pope's architectural work lives on center stage is the Fantona de Cuatro Fiumi, created for Innocent by Bernini in sixteen fifty one. Bernini's powerful figures represent the longest rivers of the four known continents at the time, the Nile,
the Ganges, the Danube, and the Plata. Fun fact, popular legend has it that the figure representing the Plata, which stands closest to Santanieze Nagone, has his hands raised before his eyes because he can't bear to look upon the church's inferior facade, designed by Francesco Borromini, Bernini's rival. If you want a cafe with one of the most beautiful, if not pricey views in Rome, grab a seat at Piazza Nava just be aware that all the restaurants here
are heavily geared toward tourists. So while it's a beautiful place for a coffee, you can find cheaper, more authentic, and far better meals elsewhere.
Jeanjean, I made it, Hi, father, So what's the plan.
Chao, Rebecca? Did you bring the evidence?
Yes?
I have it right here.
Great, you see this article in the paper. We're going to confront the forensics investigator with the truth and find out why he lied on the report.
If he's working for the Ordinary Nuovo, then they've got people everywhere, and we need to find.
Out who he lives across from the piazza. So let's catch him before he leaves for church. If we're lucky, he'll be in a repenting mood.
Post. Can I help you?
Hello? We are here to speak to you about your recent report on the police car bombing.
And who are you?
I'm father Leo and these are my associates.
Okay, but why are you here? We have proof you falsified the report. Excuse me.
Here are the test results confirming the explosive material was C four and not the dynamite of the Red Brigade like you said in the report.
And we know you covered it up for the Ordino. Now would you like to invite us inside to discuss this further?
Why this can go in another direction?
Me have Familia. We won't harm them or tell them unless we need to. Perhaps there is a quiet place we can speak.
Okay, okay, right this way?
Tell us everything.
First, you have to understand the Order Novo are a very powerful group, extremely dangerous. You saw what they did to those others we know.
We also know they are planning more attacks. How did they convince you to work for them?
They told me if I didn't help cover up the last bomb, the next four package could be sent to my daughter's school. You know what these people are capable of. These are not idle threats.
Yes, we understand, but if it's not your daughter, it will be someone else's. We have reason to believe another attack is imminent.
Please, if you know anything, help us stop it before anyone else gets hurt.
Repent your sins, my.
Son, Please, father, forgive me. I didn't want to do it. I told them after the last report that I was done, but they kept blackmailing me. They threatened me, Familia, What did you do?
Confess?
I built him another bomb. They made me do it, they me I delivered it just this morning.
Covering up a crime is one thing, but being involved in another attack would make you a murderer, a mark on your soul. That can never be a race.
I know, but they don't listen to reason. I have tried to find a way out. I had no choice.
What I don't understand is why they needed you to build a bomb when they seem to handle it just fine last time.
The car bomb is too sloppy, too large. This one they said they needed to be compact, and their guy was unable to do it. They know I have a history with explosives from the war.
Do you have the measurements they requested?
Yes?
Eight point seven by five point seven by one point one inches.
Well, I know from our publishing. Those are the standard dimensions of a book. That's how they're going to get the bomb through security. They're hiding it in a Holy Bible. You're right.
Security allows worshippers to bring in bibles and relics. They're going to detonate it during the Pope's address.
Not if we get there and stop it first.
Vatican City is an independent city, state, micro state and enclave within Rome. It is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to both the Pope and a
trove of iconic art and architecture. It became an independent country from Italy in nineteen twenty nine, with the latter in treaty, and it is a distinct territory under full ownership, exclusive dominion and sovereign authority and jurisdiction of the Holy See, making it an ecclesiastical monarchical state ruled by the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church. With an area of forty nine hectores and a population under four hundred, it is the smallest country
in the world both by area and population. Vatican City contains religious and cultural sites that are home to some of the most famous artworks in the world. Saint Peter's Basilica, whose successive architects include Bramante, Michelangelo, Jiacomo de la Porta Maderno, and Bernini, is a renowned work of Renaissance architecture. The Cistine Chapel is famous for its frescoes, which include works by Perugino and Bodicelli, but is most famous for its
unparalleled ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Vatican City also contains the Vatican Gardens, which account for about half of its territory. The gardens, established during the Renaissance and Baroque era, are decorated with fountains and sculptures. But the center of Vatican City is Saint Peter's Square, a large piazza located directly in front of Saint Peter's Basilica. Both the square and the basilica are named after Saint Peter, an apostle of
Jesus who Catholics consider to be the first Pope. At the center of the square is an ancient Egyptian obelisk erected at the current site in fifteen eighty six. Jiam Lorenzo Bernini designed the square almost one hundred years later, including the massive doric colonnades which embrace visitors in the maternal arms of Mother Church.
Geane, follow me, I can get this inside.
There must be thousands of people here.
And unfortunately most are holding Bibles.
They come to Saint Peter Square every Sunday for the paper address. It's quite the public stage for an attack, though after the Colisseum, we shouldn't be surprised.
Somewhere in this crowd is the assassin and his bomb. Where do we begin?
Should we warn the Swiss Guard there is.
In time and it would only create panic.
We have to think fast.
The Pope is about to begin.
We have to get in their head. If you were a terrorist, where would you detonate a bomb to do maximum damage and make the largest statement.
About that?
The Vatican Obelisk? It would be quite a statement.
Indeed, it's the longest standing obelisk in the world. It's weathered every war and natural event since Roman times and never been toppled. A huge point of Italian pride, and only.
A small amount the amount that would fit in a bible would be needed to turn it into a three hundred ton rock grenade.
Which is perfectly centered in the square to do maximum damage to worshippers.
How would they blow it up? It must be around the base.
The benefits of C four that it's stable and has a high cutting ability, so it could rest anywhere waiting.
I can search any worship, but it's carrying a bible.
Oh, and I think the Ordinannuovo are too cowardly to stick around. Like with the car bomb, they probably placed it somewhere and fled out of danger and less likely to be caught.
Let's search around the base.
He squeezy, misquezecusy, squezy, excuyhart mere he squoozy, squeezy, he scoozy.
I don't see anything on the.
Ground, nothing on the steps.
Check for any n nooks or crevices anywhere it could be hidden.
Look the bronze lions. There's something in that one's mouth.
You're right, it's a bible. Excuse me, squozy, squozy, pardon me, help me up?
Be careful, I got it, okay, open it slowly, a bible bomb.
Now, I've seen it all. Can you disarm it? Rebecca?
Not fast enough. The timers is forty seven seconds.
We have to get it out of here.
Now here are the keys. Take it to the Vespa go, I can't run in these robes.
Go speed, jeep, hurry, I'm coming forty seconds here you drive, hop.
Boss, go go go go hold on tight Where to head for the river? Hold on?
There it is, I'm ahead.
How much longer?
Ten seconds? Nine eight, seven, six five?
Four?
Oh?
Are you all right?
Sure? Beat's throwing a coin in the trevy fountain.
The Trevy Fountain is one of Rome's greatest attractions. Standing twenty six meters tall and forty nine meters wide, it is an unmissible site in the city. Built in the seventeen hundreds, it is perhaps one of Rome's most iconic structures, famous for its intricate artwork, decorated in the Baroque style. Erected at the conversion of three roads Trabilla in Italian, from which its name is derived, It's an endpoint of an ancient aqueduct, Aqua Virgo, making it one of Rome's
oldest water sources. One would expect the god at the centerpiece of the Trevi Fountain to be Neptune, of course, the god of fresh water in the Roman religion. That god, however, turns out to be the Greek sea god Oceanus. You can tell by the way he's flanked by seahorses and merman. The statues represent the different characteristics of rivers and seas.
The fountain is made of the same material as the Colosseum travertine stone, and it has been featured in many popular films, One of them established the tradition of tossing spare change into the Trevi Fountain. Legend has it that throwing one coin will guarantee you a safe return to Rome in the future, while a second coin will have your return met with romance, and a third guarantees a Roman wedbas Okay, I made my wish. Now it's your turn. Oh it's just a silly tradition.
Oh, come on, throw one in.
You know they say if you throw a coin in the trevi Fountain, you will return to Rome one day.
I know, but I think I've had enough of Rome for now.
Oh darling, I'm so sorry you got mugs, But I, for one think you look cute with a black eye.
Oh yeah, yes, I've always had.
A thing for tough guys. However, I do think you should file a police report.
What would that do except keep us in a sweaty police station all day. No, I'd rather just go back to the hotel and lie down.
M of course, but only after you toss a coin in. A second coin guarantees a romance after all.
In that case, your wish is my command.
Are you up for walking back?
Sure, but let's not take the scenic route this time. That's the deal.
When a sad welcome back, mister and missus, foda, thank you.
Do we have any messages.
Yes one from miss Rasta.
Great darling. How about I give her a call back before I head upstairs. I didn't show up to our appointment today. She must be concerned.
I'll start running you a bath.
I won't be long.
Fronto Hotel Grefo.
Room fifty one, Please.
Momento, Jeane.
How's Leo good?
No one at the Vaticans seemed to notice the commotion. We handed the evidence over to the Italian authorities.
Great, did the investigator cooperate?
Yes, Leo got a signed confession from him, and they've already arrested three members of the Ordnnuovo.
That should help to finally reduce political tensions.
In Italy exactly. The Red Brigade is still out there, but not as active as everyone was led to believe.
What does all this mean for Operation Gladio. The cash certainly must no longer be secret.
Leo will find a new place for it, but it's a dead end as far as exposing Pathfinder is concerned.
And finding my father for now.
But we do have a new lead from the case back in London, and it's a good one.
The Portland Spiring.
We took another look at the evidence from the Kroger's house, or should I say the Cohens. It seems their fake passports were created by a known Soviet master forger code name doctor Jivago. That book, yes, well, through one of our contacts inside the KGB, we've learned that Javago was interested in defecting to the US. He's willing to help the CIA if we help him escape the Soviets with his family.
And what does all this have to do with finding my father?
Well, Martin says that Chevago worked with your father for years during the war and they became close friends. From all reports, he was the last to see your father alive. Now we believe they began working for the Soviets together. If anyone is going to know where your father is, it's Jevago.
Great, So when are you going to get him?
We leave for Berlin tomorrow we Martin wants you there, said, Jevago has someone to trust, everything is already set up. It'll be a quick trip. Just slip in for the day and escort.
Him out Berlin, Germany.
You said, yes, well East Berlin to be exact.
Fodor's Guide to Espionage is created by Lars Jacobson. Written by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jaglam and directed by Sabrina Jaglain, Produced by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jaglain, and executive produced.
By Noel Brown for.
iHeartRadio, Fodor's Guide to Espionage stars Ethan Korn as Eugene Fodor, Lelia Symington as Vlasta Fodor, and Jackie Emerson as Rebecca Ralston, with additional performances by Chase Mullens, George Rivera, Matt Linton, Dylan McCollum, Gabe Greenspan, Chris Cappel, Duncan Kaladine Dana Melanie, Alex Gombadi, Noam Thomaschoff, Katrina Aaron, and Simon Jagulain. Sound design and editing by Chris Childs. Original theme song by Jack Blavelt and Chris Childs, with additional scoring by Chris Childs.
Sound engineering by Chris Sek. Guide to Espionage is an iHeartRadio production. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.