The Pope lay dying. He sent a message for Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi to come to the hospital in the Vatican.
When they arrived, they were ushered up to his room. As they entered the room, the priest held out his hands and motioned for them to sit on each side of the bed.
The Pope grasped their hands, sighed contentedly, smiled and stared at the ceiling. For a time, no one said anything.
Both Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi were touched and flattered that the Pope would ask them to be with him during his final moments. They were also puzzled because he had never given any indication that he particularly liked either one of them.
Finally, Mallya asked, " Father, why did you ask the two of us to come here? "
The Pope mustered all his strength, and then said weakly, "Jesus died between two thieves, and that's how I'd like to go."
