Oh the secrets of the middle ages...

Looks like we are still intrigued, and why not? The dark ages are called that for a reason.

Were the Knights good or bad?

Originally, they were warriors but were tamed in the courts of Eleanor of Aquitaine. They were informed by Cathars of the true story of Christ. They were caught in the middle of a struggle for power between the Pope and the Monarchy. Seems to me that they would have had to go underground for survival.

Are they surviving in the Vatican or in the secret societies of the Neo Cons? Are they a secret society separate from both? Do they exist at all except in our imagination? They are definitely a part of our history and legends (including King Arthur) abound.

I am fascinated but will never know the truth. I have accepted this.

The original post is contradictory. Is the new Pope a Templar or an inquisitor? Benedictines (his order) are probably closer to the truth about the life of Christ than anyone else. Of course, it will remain a secret for the sake of the church. I doubt if he is a Templar but he has probably studied them at great length. He is a man of many secrets.