That is not the point, however.

If you remember, I said that "under the same circumstances" the Church would not do what the law would not.

The Church considers a nun's final vows to be as binding under its regulations as the law considers that any civil contract is.

The "circumstances" are therefore exactly similar.' Giovanni was no match for his cool antagonist in an argument.

He cut the discussion short by a direct question.
'Is it in the Pope's power to release Sister Giovanna from her vows, or not ?' 'Yes.