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Revision as of 15:13, 20 December 2005 by Scorpionman (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Leonardo (aka "Leon") Fortunato, a self-proclaimed 'kingmaker', is an influential figure in the Left Behind series of Christian novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. He is a key member of the inner circle of Nicolae Carpathia, businessman, financier, politician and, later, Antichrist.
In his native Italy, Leon grew up fascinated with the trappings of Catholicism, although he never truly believed in any of the Church's teachings; Leon simply liked the pomp and circumstance. He was fond of dressing in ornate and flowing robes and strutting all over his college campus. After being expelled, Leon grew fond of becoming a kingmaker, preferring to work behind the scenes to elevate his chosen candidates to any positions of power they wanted. Carpathia, wanting to enter politics himself, employed Leon on his staff, and grew to value the older man's counselling; although Leon tended to be clingy and sycophantic, he taught Carpathia humility (or, specifically, how to fake humility) which proved to be very valuable on the world political stage.
Throughout his relationship with Carpathia, Leon continued to fawn over the man, a fact that seemed to be driven home when Leon "died" in an earthquake. He had been buried in rubble, his mother was calling him home, when he heard a voice...Carpathia's voice, calling out:
"LEONARDO, COME FORTH!"
This is copying a command that Jesus gave to Lazarus. Leon is resurrected, and then becomes more faithful than ever to Carpathia, believing that Carpathia is a god incarnate. Like Nicolae, Leon regularly communicated with the 'spirit world'; it is implied that both men shared the same spiritual 'guide' - Satan himself.
Later, when Carpathia is killed and resurrected, Leon becomes even more important, and is Carpathia's go-to man, his right hand. Leon becomes the most high reverend of the new religion of Carpathianism. He is able to kill non-believers (such as Hattie Durham) with satanic powers, and is identified as the False Prophet that aids the Antichrist.
Fortunato isn't that fortunate for long, however. He is tossed into the biblical Lake of Fire for eternity along with Carpathia, when Jesus Christ comes to Earth in the Glorious Appearing. In Leon's final moments, he reveals his true self: a babbling, incoherent coward. Leon attempted to convince Jesus and His archangels that he had renounced Carpathia and they should show him mercy, but Leon was unable to save himself from eternity in hell.
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