Napoleon was a young military general that rose to power amidst the chaos that ensued after the French Revolution. Through his military prowess, he rose to power over all Europe, crowing himself emperor of France on December 2, 1804. Not content with this power, he attempted to control all of Europe. For a number of years, he seemed to be succeeding. He even attempted to control the Church. After ten years, the tide began to turn against him. He was exiled on the island of Elba. He returned to France and made one final effort to regain his lost power. A series of battles almost led him to victory, but he was defeated once more and exiled to an island in the South Atlantic called St. Helena. Here he spent the last six years of his life.

As Napoleon was captive and exiled on the island of Saint Helena he started to think more seriously about his Catholic Faith. Knowing that his sickness would soon become death, he sent his doctors away and instead called for Reverend Vignali, his chaplain.

"I believe in Jesus Christ," he said, "I follow the religion of my father; I could be no atheist. I was born into the Catholic religion, I wish to fulfill its duties and obligations and to receive the comfort it offers."

His followers, however, did not like what he was saying. What would the people of Paris think when they heard this? The great Naploeon, the "conqueror of the Pope" as they called him, speaking like this? It will look like their mighty emperor had become a weakling and a coward, now dying like a monk.

Napoleon became angry: "And what are men?" he said, "What were Caesar, Alexander and Charlemange, with all their glory? What will I be too, all too soon? Like them... nothing, rotting flesh, food for worms! We are all mortal, only Jesus Christ is constant, only He is immortal! He is the King, He is the Master! And before Him I am but the dome of the 'Invalides' in the sunlight*... a piece of lead which I coated in gold!"

Napoleon made his confession to Reverend Vignali and received Holy Viaticum and Extreme Unction. The emperor then looked at General Motholon and said, "I am happy to have fulfilled my duty. I wish the same happiness for you, General, on your own death." He then told him: "I did not practice my religion when I was on the throne, for power twists the minds of men, but I always kept my faith... for me it was always shrouded in mystery but it is weakness to hide it. Let us give glory to God, General."

*The 'Invalides' is a hospital, and the dome is an architectural structure on the top of the building, of coarse metal, but gilded in gold paint.