NationStates Jolt Archive

Cardinal Augustus Brown and Cardinal Ver’Chan went to the table to help Monsignor LePaige and Cardinal Esteban count the votes. Although they were supposed to maintain a calm manner that would give away no hint of the results until the Governor of the Conclave read them out, there was an air of suppressed excitement about all of them that made the Cardinals pay close attention. Brown disciplined his face sternly as he returned to his seat; Ver’Chan looked a trifle agitated—but then, he’d been looking a little agitated ever since the tragic death of his colleague.

Esteban stepped to the lectern, and cleared his throat. “The results of this vote are:”

“Guido Cardinal Gambini, seventy-five percent;”

“Michael Stephen Cardinal Hume, twenty-five percent.”

He and Monsignor LePaige went to the door where Monsignor Matanzas was standing, unlocked it, and admitted the Secretary of the Conclave, Archbishop Tsungtai; the Master of Ceremonies, Monsignor Arturo Rinaldi, and the Sacristan of the Vatican, Monsignor Andrew Claver. Together they all walked to Gambini’s chair. He was sitting as though turned to stone, with a slightly blank look on his face. It could be seen that his olive Sicilian complexion had gone a trifle grey.

Together, they spoke the ritual words: “Acceptasne electionem?” (Do you accept election?)

He swallowed, and his normally gravelly voice sounded flat and a trifle thin:

“Accepto. Miserere mei Deus…” (I accept. God have mercy on me!)

The Cardinals all pulled the cords attached to their canopies, and all of them collapsed except the one above Gambini’s chair.

The Sacristan had brought the white zucchetto that would mark the Pope-elect. Gambini bowed his head, and Esteban lifted off his red cap and replaced it with the white.

The prefects had already gone to the stove and were burning the ballots—this time with the chemicals that made the smoke blindingly, billowingly white.

In the Square, the shout went up, “Il Papa! Abbiamo un Papa!” Cameras went on, communications satellites hummed, over airwaves, wires, light cables, by a dozen other methods the announcement was made: A Pope had been elected.

The Secretary of the Conclave had already telephoned the Vatican Communications Office, and the more than 200 reporters who were stationed patiently in the large overflow press conference facility were told his name: Guido Gambini, the son of a Palermo wine shop owner. Doctor of Canon Law, Secretary of State to His Holiness Sixtus VI, and now… Pope.

His official biography was handed out to everyone. Updates would be coming as soon as the various decisions were made. The first decision to be made: Under what name would he reign? There was much speculation.


(OOC: More later! Please note that while the Conclave is no longer sealed, the Cardinals are expected to stay for the Coronation. An investigation into Cardinal Zhiosky’s death is ongoing, and there have been threats from the “Warriors of Jesus” to disrupt the Conclave and/or Coronation.)

They asked Guido Gambini: “What name will you reign under?”

He would have liked to pick Andrew, for the Patron Saint of Sicily, but there had never been a Pope Andrew. He didn’t like to start off by breaking or setting a precedent; the Church needed stability, above all. He was no hagiographer or historian, but there was one Pope he had always admired.

“I will choose the name Leo, for Pope Leo IX, the Pilgrim Pope,” he decided.

(OOC Note: Those familiar with the Litany of Saints would know these things about Saint Leo IX:

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintl13.htm )

“You will be the fourteenth Pope of that name. Let the seals be graven in the name of Leo XIV.”

They led him then to his new apartments in the Apostolic Palace, where the lamp had been lit on the balcony. The Faithful were waiting; he must greet them. The moment of panic he had been fighting off ever since Esteban’s voice had spoken those fateful words threatened to overwhelm him; he sternly disciplined it. They had a white cassock for him—he must be visible to the Faithful. God’s Faithful, now his sheep, every one of them. He would be called, someday, to render account for their souls.

It was with some trembling that he stepped forth onto the balcony, to be assaulted by the waves of cheers. “Il Papa! Viva il Papa”

Hesitantly, he raised his hand to bless them. Their hope, their belief, their expectations, their yearning washed over him like a palpable tide. He turned, blessing every corner of the square. Then he retired, back into the study, where they left him alone for a brief moment of privacy.

He went to the prie-dieu and prayed more fervently than he had ever prayed in his life, disjointed, disconnected little prayers:

‘God, have mercy upon me’

‘Lord, send me the discernment to know Your Will—the strength to do Your Will…’

In Jeruselem ...

Bishop James was interrupted writing a document for the papalcy. An email arrived on his laptop marked "Urgent". It was from his informant on the Papalcy.

"Guido Gambini is Pope as Leo XIV it read.

"Damn! Roanian interference again." he cursed and he stopped writing to head off to the Queen to tell her the news.

<Later>

"Bishop James, I see you bear bad news" Queen Mariah looked concerned as James had a very annoyed look on his face. "Hume is not Pope, I'm afraid is Guido Gambini. He wants to be Leo XIV" James grumbled. "I see the conservatives got they want. Looks like we'll have to ditch some of our proposals to the new Pope now" she sighed.

OOC

Corrected again ... thanks WN

Now edited to [taggity]!!

It is a day of rejoice in Largent. Lehmans first choice had won. A massive parade is marching through the capital. The moment the white smoke showed Largent erupted with joy. It is time for our great new leader to lead us forward and the people of largent are ready to follow.

Ver'chan sighed, as he finished counting. I wonder if they've found anything out about poor Yaakov's death... "Yes, Leo XIV. A suitable name. One wonders what your new policies will be?"

<===============>

The Inquisitor arrived at the Marshal's HQ. "Grand Master Leopold sent me to meet you here, brother."

From: The National Zionist Empire of Endless Crimes
To: Holy Vatican See, Leo XIV
Subject: The Future

"In the past, there have been some... missunderstandings and disagreements between the The Reich and the Catholic Church outside The Reich. Now, with a new pope, we would like to discuss the problems between us, for the split in our faith is dangerous, and should be closed. It is a wound in our flesh, and needs to be healed.

To further the christian ideal, our faith, to make the world realise the truth, we wish to meet with you, to possibly... find a solution to the conflict, to make both of us stronger, to withstand the storm that is our world."

~ Metatron

Inquiry: Pope.
Failure to understand motives at to why a higher power would require a representative when it could involve itself directly.

Inquiry: Catholic Church.
Failure to understand belief in higher power.

Conclusion: The 'Church' is the result of a power greater than humanity attempting to exert its control over a primitive intellect trying to understand itself.

Speculation:
Probability of Alien Interference in Earth History = 99.9%
Probability of Unknown Diety of Mythological Parametres = 0.1%


Cyborean Consciousness
Main Computer Unit
The Cyborean Empire

The formal invitations to the coronation of Pope Leo XIV were sent out later that day. (Monsignor Rinaldi, the Master of Ceremonies, wondered how things had ever gotten done in his office and the Floreria, before the advent of the Vatican’s MetaNet computer systems—one of the few really radical modern innovations Sixtus VI had been insistent upon.)

They went to heads of state and heads of government, to the heads of churches and religious leaders, to distinguished (and wealthy) Catholics of all descriptions, to the leaders of international humanitarian and charitable institutions, to the heads of great educational institutions—more than seventy thousand invitations, in several categories.

And his office had set up a special task force to handle the ticket requests from religious orders and institutions, governments, and other large groups, as well as temporarily co-opting staff from half of the Vatican’s other offices and government departments to co-ordinate ticket requests from all the other thousands of sources, including unaffiliated individuals. All of these had to be coordinated with the enhanced security forces; fortunately, between them, they had both electronic network security and physical security under high-quality guidance.

The Coronation would be in the Basilica, of course. The ritual would be centered around a huge Mass, with a public Audience afterwards, and a “private” Audience for a few thousand ultra-VIPs. For three subsequent days, there would be Masses of jubilation celebrated by the new Pope, and additional public and private Audiences, as well as Leo’s first Consistory for all of the Cardinals.

For each of the Audiences, a set of remarks must be prepared—significant documents, as they would be expected to provide hints of the direction and policy the Vatican might take on a variety of issues under the new Pontiff. For some events, including the private Audiences, the submission of written questions would be permitted, and the Pontiff might elect to answer some of them. In addition, thousands of groups and individuals would be formally introduced to the new Pope, have an opportunity to make brief formal statements of congratulations, loyalty, and/or good wishes, and receive the Pontifical blessing in return.

It was a massive undertaking, but of course it had been done before, many times. In the mean time, the Vatican heralds were working on the new Pontiff’s seal and crests, the jewelers were crafting the new Ring, the vestitiary had taken his measurements and was finishing the robes and other paraphernalia, and the Keeper of the Jewels was ensuring that the triple Tiara would fit securely but comfortably for all of the long ceremonies.

In the Papal Apartments, some alterations had already been made. Leo XIV was attached to the desk he had had while serving as Secretary of State; it had been moved into his study, along with a few other items from his old office. The new Pope, a man of extremely simple material tastes, had faced the distasteful reality that he simply could not do everything that needed to be done without far more help than a simple Cardinal had ever needed: A valet to care for his wardrobe, a kitchen staff to feed not only him, but any he might choose to invite for meals—and what a powerful tool a private or semi-private meal with the Holy Father could be. A groom of the chambers to ensure that his bedroom, study, private audience chamber, dining room, closets, etc., were kept in order and everything was ready to hand when required; a Secretary to keep his appointments and manage his schedule and private correspondence, and secretaries for the Secretary, to manage the sheer volume of work. And a Major-Domo to oversee it all, and ensure that everyone did their job in such a way as to make the least possible intrusion on the Holy Father and give him the illusion, at least, of some control over his own life.

Sitting at his desk, trying to draft one of the dozens of important statements and documents that would be required of him in the upcoming days, Leo XIV paused at this vagrant reflection, and smiled a trifle cynically to himself. They would be at it immediately, of course—and why not? In his own many years in the Curia he had been instrumental in managing two Popes, and he was well aware of the process. Machiavelli had written a tome upon “The Management of Princes,” and every Curia seemed to have absorbed it into their very pores. He knew, yes. None better. They’d be managing him diligently.

He chuckled a little. Pick your fights, he reminded himself. Not that he thought of himself as a combative man. He looked over at the to-do list, in his own private shorthand, on the top sheet of a pad at the edge of his desk.

Distribute offices—the Dicasteries must have leaders. He’d made the formal gesture of asking the old office-holders to continue as transitional leaders until the Consistory, but some things really had to change. And of course, there would be a new Secretary of State.

New Cardinals—he had a list, there, and it would have to be expanded. The College was still thin of membership, and there were places where a red hat could buy the Church both resources and political advantage, for a very modest investment.

Nunciatures—these were very high on the list. Sixtus had been content to let the world largely look after itself; and in consequence, the world had done what it usually did—gone in every direction at once, and taken many parts of the Church with it. There were nations of considerable importance where there was no official Vatican representation or diplomacy other than a secretary loosely attached to the local Bishops’ Conference. That would not do. Formal diplomatic communications via properly-established nunciatures would be essential.

Those were the big ones. There were dozens of small ones, everything from reorganizing the Papal secretarial staff to reviewing the piles of official requests and correspondence that had waited in abeyance through Sixtus’ final illness, and the interregnum. Reports from the Dicasteries, the international summaries that the Secretariat continued to assemble, and finally, the vexing matter of Cardinal Zhiosky’s death. Esteban had requested a private audience to discuss that, using discreet phrasing that nevertheless hinted at considerable trouble.

It would be so easy to lose the essentials in the mass of detail—none of it trivial—that engulfed him. Yet the real key lay in these addresses. Everyone would be wanting to know where the Church stood, what directions it contemplated, how he, as Pontiff, regarded a dozen vital questions, and what kind of role the Vatican planned to play on the international stage in the future.

The tricky part would be to say enough to reassure the Faithful, while leaving the Church the freedom it needed to maneuver in a complex and dangerous environment—yet an environment that was rich with promise.

He returned to the substance of his first address. The beginning was a fine, ringing, positive note, but the segue into the body of the speech lacked something… He frowned, and as he did so, Monsignor Verelst entered. The Monsignor had been Sixtus’ private secretary, and would be assisting Leo through the transition—after all, he knew where everything was, and how the previous Pontiff had carried on his various correspondences—but Leo found himself missing Francis Kwan, who had worked with him in the Secretariat of State, fiercely. Francis had the knack of anticipating his thoughts and actions, acquired over many years’ service together.

He had thought of making Francis his new private secretary, but whoever took over at State would need him too much. It would be selfish. No, he’d have to find and train a new man, someone congenial to his working style and habits. Verelst’s style had suited Sixtus admirably, but he did not have the right mixture of initiative and knowing when to ask for guidance. Besides, he had already asked to retire, as soon as the Holy Father could spare him. In the mean time, he was making a diligent effort. Leo smiled at him (it was never necessary to smile at Francis, the regretful thought flitted through his mind—but perhaps that was not due to any inherent quality of the Chinese priest, but rather of the difference between what was expected of an old Curia warrior versus what was required of a Pope.

“Well, Monsignor, how does it look?”

The secretary handed him a document, the first proclamation of his Papacy:


Leo XIV, Servant of the Servants of God,

To the Bishops, priests, and clergy of the Church:

We rejoice in humble gratitude for the good wishes and promises of loyal service we have received from you all, and promise in return our most scrupulous and attentive care to the interests of those who, for love of Christ, have given their lives to the service of His People.

With this in mind, we wish to propose an extraordinary Symposium, to discuss the critical issue of the recognition and care of vocations, and the training, education, and support of clergy throughout all of the Churches in our universal Communion. This Symposium we hope to initiate not less than three years from the commencement of our reign, and we place the planning and preparation for this Symposium under the joint guidance of the Congregation for the Clergy and the Congregation for Bishops.

It is also our fervent hope that in addressing the issues of nurturing the service of faith, we may share ecumenical consultation with the representatives of other churches and faiths whose dialogue has done so much to enrich the understanding and experience of the Church in the past hundred years. We therefore propose a Summit Discussion, to follow upon the Symposium, to which will be invited the representatives of the Church selected by ourselves and those attending the Symposium, as well as the representatives of churches and faiths who wish to enter into this dialogue. Those who are called, in any faith, to dedicate their lives to Divine service, share challenges and perspectives that can illuminate the question of bringing the Divine Presence more actively into secular and worldly lives.

We will be requesting the Congregations of the Clergy and Bishops to solicit, through the hierarchy of your Ordinaries, your suggestions and assistance in the planning and preparations for the Symposium and the Summit Discussion. We know that you will be as generous with your thoughts and prayers for the success of this enterprise, as you have been to us on the occasion of our accession. We rely greatly on every member of our clergy—priests, bishops, and religious—to assist and strengthen us in doing the work of our Holy Church. We feel faulty, and manifestly inadequate, for work of such universal, eternal, and grave consequence, yet we are confident in our faith that the same Holy Spirit that illumined a simple Fisherman can work through us, with your support and prayers.

Given this ___ Day of ______, the first year of our reign,


There was space at the bottom for the Seal, which was not yet delivered. He looked it over, then turned to Verelst. “And how do you think this will be received, Monsignor?” he asked, watching the man shrewdly.

Verelst’s lips twitched, slightly. “It will catch them off-balance, Holiness.”

Leo nodded, the lines around his eyes deepening in amusement. “So it will. And some will say I’ve gone soft and caved in to liberal heresies, and some will worry that it means a hand on the reins and the feel of the bit in their mouths, and they will all be suspicious, from one cause or another, assuming I have some ulterior motive. ‘Beware of old Gambini,’ they used to say of me. ‘He never goes straight at anything.’ And perhaps they were right.” He let forth a gravelly sound that might have been a chuckle. “Yes, it will keep them on their toes, and that’s not entirely a bad thing.”

He nodded, abruptly. “It can be released as soon as the Seal is delivered. Now, unless you’ve come with the Paraclete resting in your mouth to give the very words we will need for all of these addresses and greetings and statements, leave me, please. I think best when I have the privacy to tear at what little hair remains to me.”

The Monsignor bowed, and withdrew, with the discreet reminder: “Until four o’clock, Holiness. You’re scheduled to meet with Cardinal Esteban, then.”

A nod and a gesture acknowledged his words, but the Pope was already staring into a screen full of text as though hoping to find a lost Book of the New Testament there.

(OOC: The Coronation will play out over the next few days. We’ve made some hints, in this post, of ways that other players can lead off IC with possible future threads or even just relationships with this NS “Vatican.” If sufficient interest materializes, we’ll continue on with this ID.

You can communicate formally IC—greetings, requests for private audiences, correspondence regarding matters of concern to your nation, its leaders, or its church, a request for the Vatican to establish a Nunciature (embassy) in your nation, discreet negotiations about who would make a good Cardinal, etc.

Or, you can TG us OOC and discuss ideas for larger story arcs that this Vatican might be able to help you with. If anyone is unclear regarding our intentions and how we would RP this Pope/Vatican, we’re happy to provide clarification privately—though we won’t give away too much OOC that would spoil IC fun!

If it looks viable, we’ll update our Factbook entry and post a “Who’s Who” guide to the Vatican, What’s a Nunciature?, Church Heirarchies and Structures, etc., that will give more detail for people to work with for future RPs.

Thanks, (again) to everyone who’s participated so far and made this such a great series of threads!

Oh, and one more thing… be careful of your assumptions about old Guido Gambini, now that he’s Leo XIV. Remember the old saying about the Papacy: “The offices shapes the man as the man shapes the office.” He’s not likely to turn into a different person altogether, but he may have a few surprises in store!

Archbishop Tenda Nataka, the head of the second division of the Secretariat of State (Relations with States,) was still deeply absorbed in the post-Conclave cleanup, so the correspondence from Endless Crimes was routed to Archbishop Ignazio Rahner, the Sostituto who had been Gambini’s capable deputy for many years. He surveyed it with mild surprise.

More research would have to be done, of course. The Reich was near the front of the “yellow drawer” (problems and potential problems) in the Secretariat’s Intelligence files, but that meant little in relation to any of its component entities. There were masses of information to be sifted. This could mean anything from an internal power squabble to a subtle threat, to a genuine, if sotto voce feeler for real negotiations.

Rahner examined several options, and decided to go ahead and draft something for Cardinal Angelini, whom the Holy Father had appointed Acting Secretary of State. However, doubtless he would want to review it himself. Fortunately, Rahner was not unfamiliar with how such things had been handled in the past.


Metatron, The National Zionist Empire of Endless Crimes

Greetings in Christ

We warmly welcome opportunities to build a positive dialogue with Endless Crimes. It remains the policy of the Church to respect the conscience of those who are not ready to embrace the full Doctrine of the Church, and to provide ways in which an open and productive dialogue can advance understanding and Christian unity.

Any correspondence you direct to our Secretary of State will receive interested attention, and the Holy Father will certainly be kept apprised of the status of any ongoing exchange of correspondence. Any representative, formal or informal, whom you choose to send to the Vatican, may be assured of a reception and the warmest consideration of any dialogue advanced.

As you are aware, no formal relations currently exist between the Vatican and your nation, so at this point all discussions may be entered upon in the most flexible and informal of contexts. We hope this will be helpful in reaching the goals of all concerned.

+Carlo Giovanni Cardinal Angelini,
Secretary of State (Acting)

Archbishop Nataka greeted the Roanian officer politely, and touched a button on his communications console. An officer of the Corpo di Vigilanzi answered promptly.

“Please escort this officer to the Command Center, and inform Commissario di Vianello and Comandante Scalia that the Roanian representative is here to see them.”

In the bunkered and shielded headquarters of the children of christ, a shadowd figure greets the news of a new pope with derision, "when will these papists learn" he asks of no-one in particular, as indeed there is no one who would interrupt him as he contemplates his next decison...
"alright" says the shadowed man "send the vatican the same greeting as always" "lets see if they agree to spending some of thier vast wealth to do the good works they claim to espuse" "maybe this Pope will actually be a man of faith, and not another politician" "yes sir, I'll send the message at once sir" the man leans back in his chair, frowning and thinking of how relign has killed so many, destroyed so many lives, and wondering when humanity will see that they are all one people.......fade out.....

OOC: Sorry, I'm bussy I wont be able to RP too much in the near future but i'll try and get some stuff up.

(Ooc: Going back a bit in order to catch up.)

Scalia didn’t like the situation. No, not one bit. His brow furrowed as he went over the information gathered thus far, tapping the stylus along the frame of his datapad. It didn’t look good regardless of who turned out to be the masked man. Sealed … sealed …

The letter found amidst Ver’chan’s effects was telling. The ideas of reform that Yaakov was said to espouse would no doubt not have been warmly received. His instincts told him this was the crucial tie – but instincts alone were not enough to begin pointing fingers.

Snapping the stylus into the recess designed for it, he slipped the small datapad into the pocket of his light trench coat, and quietly stalked off down the hall in the direction Ghattas had indicated the masked man had gone. His sharp eyes scanned the hallway, making note of any doors or turns, noting the distance from the scene of the apparent crime. And then …

Garbage bin?

Glancing around, he pulled on the thin driving gloves he kept in his pocket, and squatted down next to the bin, peering in, one brow arched up. Carefully, delicately, he began shifting aside and removing bits of paper, glancing at each in turn. There, concealed beneath a large bag, was a mask. There was no doubt as to the connection – he doubted very much this was the sort of thing the Cardinals would have just had floating about in here after all. Reaching into an interior pocket, he drew out a clean static-free bag, and carefully placed the mask, and the bag that had been covering it, inside. Those bits of refuse that had been in close contact with the mask were included as well in a separate bag. Sealing them both, he stood, then took out a thin black marker and made notations on the bags. He pondered his options for a moment, then nodded to himself, taking out his comm device and tapping in to the Channel.

“Alberigo, Nattore, I’m going to be longer than expected. I’ve some possible informants I’d like you to ‘chat’ with concerning this Warriors of Christ group and possible planned mischief during the activities here. Encourage them to be as helpful as possible – we’ve a reputation to uphold, after all. You know the situation, you know what’s expected. Do what needs to be done, though I’d prefer discretion and care over the fast track. We’ve more names than our own on the line here. Report back as soon as you have something.”

He listened to the brief acknowledgement, and went about tracing the shortest route roundabout to the scene where Yaakov had been apparently, frightened to death. Those two were some of the best he had, and his faith in their abilities was absolute. That being taken care of, he was able to concentrate more on this irritating situation. Once he’d determined a path that seemed to match up with his suspicions, he ran back through the course, timing himself, pausing at the trash bin, continuing.

No, this doesn’t look good at all, your Eminence. Not at all.

Making several more notations on his datapad, he gave a quick explanation and report to both Buonamini and Di Vianello on his findings, then made arrangements for the evidence to be taken to a lab for analysis. It was, after all, amazing what one could find with the proper instruments. In the meantime, he began the search for other evidence.

The Inquisitor rounded the corner, looking at Scalia with undisguised contempt. "Signor," he said, his accent thick around the Italian, "I am to be kept informed, need I remind you?"

OOC: Hiding information about Yaakov's death from the Roanian officer responsible isn't going to make Roania very confident in the Vatican...

ooc: Roania, I'm trying to catch up here, boyo. Rein it in, and be patient. I'm still behind in case you've not noticed. I'm well aware, so if you please, edit, chill, and I'll get with you as soon as I can wrap up a bit. RL issues have been more than a hindrance without having to deal with your attitude as well. This ooc note to be replaced with something of actual content later.

as an addendum, not to mention - your 'Inquisitor' is nowhere near the crime scene anyways. Being escorted to the Command Center, and Scalia, Buonamini and Di Vianello were being notified to come speak with him. So there you have it.

To His Holiness, the Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City, now Gloriously Reigning, LEO, the fourteenth to bear the name,

Holy Father,

May the blessings of Our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you, and all the prayers of the Universal Church be with you! On behalf of the bishops and synods of the Holy and Most August Empire of Pantocratoria, congratulations on your election.

On behalf of my fellow Pantocratorian cardinals, I would like to sincerely apologise that none of us were present at the conclave. Unfortunately this was utterly unavoidable; we were all in New Rome for the wedding of the Emperor's eldest daughter, Princess Anna, and there was some sort of terrorist attack utilising a bioweapon. For fear that bioagent may have infected us without us knowing, and for fear that we could spread that infection to the entire College of Cardinals, we had to remain in Pantocratoria. Now that we are certain that no infection took place, it is our sincerest intention to attend Your Holiness' coronation.

On behalf of the bishops of the Holy and Most August Empire of Pantocratoria,

Jacques Cardinal Conomos
Archbishop of New Rome

ooc: Roania, I'm trying to catch up here, boyo. Rein it in, and be patient. I'm still behind in case you've not noticed. I'm well aware, so if you please, edit, chill, and I'll get with you as soon as I can wrap up a bit. RL issues have been more than a hindrance without having to deal with your attitude as well. This ooc note to be replaced with something of actual content later.

as an addendum, not to mention - your 'Inquisitor' is nowhere near the crime scene anyways. Being escorted to the Command Center, and Scalia, Buonamini and Di Vianello were being notified to come speak with him. So there you have it.

OOC: Sorry, madame. Must have missed that... um... if you have any questions about Ver'chan or something, tm me. :oops:

Ignore-cannoning my previous post...

IC:

The Inquisitor idly kicked his heels as he waited for someone to speak to him about this mission.

Jeruselem Catholic Church Press Release

Leo XIV was announced as the Pontiff succeeding Sixtus VI as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Leo XIV or Guido Gambini was chosen after a tight contest and the death of Roanian Cardinal Zaakov <to be completed> during the Conclave.

Cardinal Augustus Brown was present at the Conclave representing Jeruselem. Queen Mariah I issued an statement welcoming the appointment of the new Pontiff and the ending of the uncertainty of who will head the Catholic Church.

In other news, Bishop James announced Easter celebrations are proceeding peacefully with no major disturbances so far.

Cardinal Dutt sat alone in his hotel room, burning the speech in support of Hume that he had written and never been able to deliver. Bringing such a document home would be signing his own death warrant. He thought about protesting the election, but there was no precedent for such a thing. Then he packed his bags, changing into a hawaiian shirt and shorts, the garb of a tourist. Home to Umbrage, in time for good friday, and missing the coronation, since he could not risk being seen in public.

He left only a note to the acting secretary of state:
- I once wrote to the old pope that i had been forced by the circumstances of the church in Umbrage to ordain married men in secret as priests. The desperate situation of the persecuted church in my country made this necessary. I ask now, will this be acceptable in the future to the new regime? You may reach me through the usual channels of leaving a coded message with the assistant director of cultural relations at the Umbrage diplomatic mission in Geneva. - Dutt.

The officer who came to inform di Vianello of the presence of the Roanian representative in the public Command Center was brisk. Di Vianello, who had just been listening, on his telefonino, to an update from Scalia on the latest discoveries, nodded. “I will come immediately.”

He noted, as they crossed the Courtyard of St. Damasus, that the removal of the polysilicate panels was already all but complete. The Floreria had every man on the job; the transition from the Conclave to the Coronation could not be delayed.

In the Command Center, he greeted the Roanian politely. “Buon di. I am Pasco di Vianello. Have our people offered you coffee? An oversight… Antonio! Coffee, presto.” He seated himself, and brought the visitor up to date on the status of the investigation—it had been rendered somewhat easier because of the Seal of the Conclave, he noted.

“The fact that no one within the Seal could move anywhere except within the Seal—and that was only St. Martha’s, the passage between, and the sealed portions of the Basilica—meant that nothing, and no one, could go too far from the scene. And in fact, the discovery of the mask indicates that our initial suspicions were, most sadly, confirmed. The Cardinal who witnessed a figure in a mask standing over the body, combined with the discovery of the mask itself, seems incontrovertible.”

“The mask itself is currently at a laboratory for testing. We will know more in some hours. And the letter is being copied—we will provide you with a copy when they are ready. In the mean time, have you any information about Cardinal Zhiosky’s associations or actions that might shed some light on this matter?”

He carefully skirted around the almost-inevitable conclusion—after all, who else present within the Seal of the Conclave could have had reason to kill the old man? It was an ugly, ugly problem for all concerned.

At four o’clock, the Major-Domo ushered Cardinal Esteban in to see the Pope. He knelt for the Holy Father’s blessing, noting that there was a new tautness about the man’s mouth, and a sense of reserve that was quite different from the old air of concentration and narrowed focus. The terrible solitude of his new position was already becoming clear to Leo.

At the gesture, he resumed his feet, and sat. “Holy Father, you have many, many cares in front of you, I know. And I am reluctant to add to them. But the matter of Yaakov Zhiosky’s death is very grave, indeed.”

Leo nodded. He hadn’t agreed with Zhiosky about everything, but he’d liked the older man’s stubborn courage and respected his sacrifices for the Faith. “A terrible thing, Vicente. And, as it relates to the larger situation in Roania, one with deep implications for the Church.”

“Yes. But deeper, perhaps, than your Holiness is even yet aware. I have discussed the matter with our good di Vianello. He and the Genovese people have been pursuing their investigations, thoroughly. I am afraid Esgal Ghattas was not mistaken. Someone did deliberately attempt to bring on that heart attack. A fright mask was found in a rubbish bin not too far from where Yaakov died. They are having it analyzed even now.”

“That ass, Ver’Chan.” For a moment, the old Gambini was back.

Esteban nodded. “Almost certainly.”

“But…why?” the Pontiff said, slowly, his eyes narrowing as he thought.

“Whatever the reason, it must be compellingly strong, Holiness. A man doesn’t take a risk like that unless he is in mortal terror or has something more than substantial to gain. It’s not even as though it could be set down to a moment’s impulse. He had to have brought the mask in with him, and concealed it deliberately to prevent it from being found in the initial sweep before the Conclave was sealed.”

“An intelligent man doesn’t,” Leo said drily. “All right, Vicente. Wait for confirmation from the laboratory, then send for Ver’Chan. It is time he went to Confession.”

“And if he confesses?” Esteban asked, rather diffidently.

“That rather depends on what he tells you, doesn’t it? Ask him for permission to share the information with me, and if he gives it, I will advise you. If not, you will have to deal with it on your own.”

“And if he refuses to confess?”

The pouches under Leo’s eyes suddenly seemed to grow heavier, and the lines around his mouth to deepen. A palpable regret could be seen in his eyes. “Then we will simply have to allow him to return to Roania.”

Esteban winced. “Holiness…”

“I know. Probably better than you, Vicente. The situation in Roania is in chaos—but chaos may offer a chance for improvement, as well.”

He sighed. “These idiots with their “Inquisitions.” You would think—would you not, Vicente? —that upon learning that a tool does greater long-term damage than the short-term repair it manages to effect, a man would banish such a tool from his box. Yet it took the Church centuries to learn that lesson. And short-sighted and greedy men continue again and again down the same dead-end path.”

The Dean of the College of Cardinals nodded sadly. “The short-term power of the tool is enough to justify its use for those who think only of immediate temporal gain and political advantage. That is not hard to understand. What is difficult to understand is that even our brothers, men of the Church, who should have learned from our experience and who are aware of the looming weight of Eternity, can so deceive themselves.”

Suddenly, Leo smiled at him warmly. “Ah, Vicente. I wish—how I wish—you were not retiring. You have qualities that are all too rare in this place. Men of the Church are yet men, subject to all of the fleshly temptations of power and arrogance and ambition. Even the well intentioned can deceive themselves all too easily into the belief that the end justifies the means. And the Church herself, in her temporal body, is a tool to that deception—how simple it is to forget that our temporal knowledge is incomplete, our temporal perception faulty, and even the Word of God, when confined within the temporal matrix where men can perceive it, is but the reflection seen through a glass, darkly.”

“All of this…” he gestured vaguely around, as though to include all of Vatican City, with its monuments and museums and magnificence, “…becomes a snare and a delusion, giving us the feeling that we are necessarily wiser, more virtuous, closer to the Mouth of God than ordinary men.” He grinned, suddenly. “It adds a whole new interpretation to the admonition that we become fools for Christ.”

The grin vanished, then, as the recollection of the business at hand—and the vast press of business waiting—was recalled.

“I am sorry to dump this one on you, Vicente. But I can think of no one better able to deal with the troubled soul of our brother Ver’Chan, and at the same time have the wise discernment to guard the Church.”

Esteban, understanding his dismissal, nodded and rose. “Yes, Holiness. I will do my best.”

As he left, his heart lightened a bit. He had not voted for Gambini, but he had faith that the Holy Spirit would ensure the election of the man most needed as Pope today. And it appeared that faith might not be misplaced.

Rahner brought Dutt's note to Angelini immediately. The old man read it in some confusion. "He is leaving before the Coronation? Before the Consistory?"

Rahner nodded. "I am aware, Eminence, that both Sixtus and the current Pontiff, when he was still in this office, had planned on having personal meetings with Cardinal Dutt. Umbrage is of considerable concern, and his insight would have been most useful in determining an effective policy for the Church in dealing with matters there. This sudden departure took us all by surprise. No formal request for a meeting had been issued, but of course no one expected any of the Cardinals to leave until after the Consistory."

Angelini frowned. "Well, communicate with..." he looked over the message, "The assistant director of cultural relations. Have the message immediately relayed that Cardinal Dutt's presence in Rome is requested to advise his Holiness on affairs in Umbrage. Provide whatever is needed in the way of transportation or other assistance."

Rahner smiled. "Immediately, Eminence. I think perhaps..."

"Yes?" Angelini asked curiously, recognizing his cue.

The Sostituto shrugged. "Well, sometimes when communication with the Church is as badly interrupted as it has been in Umbrage, and Catholics are so isolated from contact with the greater Church, they tend to forget what resources are here, and regard themselves too much as "on their own," as it were. It can be contribute to a very pessimistic outlook, sometimes."

Angelini considered this, nodding slowly. "Perhaps so. Well, it is a breach of etiquette--and certainly of discipline--but as you say, it may be understandable."

Rahner nodded, and returned to his office to set in motion the communications that would recall Dutt.

(OOC: BTW, while in RL Easter looms close, we would have been playing this RP very differently if it were close in the RP timeline as well... so please assume that it is NOT Easter in this RP timeline. Thanks...)

As Emperor Justinian I walked to meet the new Pontiff, He was a bit dissapointed to news that a conservative won. Pergutoria, being a liberal lot, would accept this, since, after all, he was chosen through God's Will. Meanwhile, Cardinal Etcheaberria thought about many thing. The death that had rocked the conclave. Most of all though, his abstain vote. Maybe he should have voted, but he felt content. Maybe this new Pope would elevate him further, maybe even recognize his new religious order, The Knights of St. Michael. Anyway, he and the Emperor were going to pay their respects to the new Holy Father..........

Cardinal Augustus Brown was in Rome with a fellow Bishop in a tailor's shop buying some a suit for his brother back in Jeruselem. "Here are his measurements, Signor. He's a fan of black, so make it dark as possible." as he handed the tailor some paper. As Brown haggled over the price with the tailor, two men in black lurked outside. The Bishop pointed out the suspicious men.

"Where's my escort gone? There supposed to be around here somewhere." Brown thought. Two men approached the suspects "Excuse me? What are you going hanging around here. Please move on". The two men mumbled and moved away. The Bishop got agro at the escort "About time. Took you a while to act. Those guys were suspicious!". The two men apologised "Sorry, your honour. We got distracted by some dodgy Arabs nearby. This place is crawling with weirdos lately".

(ooc to my fellow liberal/progressive Catholics: don't give up on this Pope yet, folks! Read his draft regarding vocations for a clue on one possible opening. IC, though, i can't react to that just yet... HVS, i have a time reference to a recent Gaudete Sunday in this one, but i assume that won't clash with any time lines you have in mind.)

As soon as the doors were open and the white smoke issuing, Ximenes rushed to his mobile phone to report the news to the coordinator of the Tanah Burung Conference of Catholic Bishops, F.X. Mangunvijaya.

"It's Gambini, Bapak Mangun. I had hoped for a compromise candidate, but the votes were not there." Actually, he thought, if i had not overslept and neglected to vote, we might still be in there trying to agree on a Pope. Best not to admit that to his mentor.

Mangunvijaya was silent a while. "Well, you know that was not my hope. But of course we will have to accept that. The only question is whether the church will accept us."

"I have hopes, Bapak," Ximenes said. "I do not see this Pope devoting himself to the missions as others might have, but he is no doctrinaire conservative either. Perhaps, like John XXIII, he will be the figure who can move the church to a new era."

Mangunvijaya laughed. "Gambini? Well, anything is possible. But with all his talk of careful stewardship of the church's resources, i don't think he'll be too keen on our Gaudete Sunday declaration."

(http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=104296&highlight=)

---

With the news of Pope Leo's elevation, the government of Tanah Burung fired off a letter.

Your Holiness,

Congratulations on behalf of the people of Tanah Burung on your election as Pope. We look forward to the Vatican resumign its active and constructive role in international politics, and particualrly the quest for social justice and the dignity of man, in which the social teachings of the church have been such an inspiration to the nations.

At this time, we would welcome a Papal Nuncio to take up residence in the diplomatic quarter in Ukun Rasikan, along with the other ambassadors of friendly powers. We feel fruitful diplomatic exchanges would be possible, and we are certain that the Catholic church in Tanah Burung would benefit from more regular contact with the Vatican.

Let me be perfectly clear on one matter, however. We have had diploamtic incidents in the past with foreign diplomats commoneting on our domestic policy. We would ask that any Vatican representative in Tanah Burung remain silent on matters of purely domestic concern.

Yours in peace,
Violeta Bi Bere
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights

Blue Office, Imperial Palace
Kaer Askavii, Vetinari District, Imperial Union of Cetaganda
The Ring of Powerfullness, Sol VI

"...and finally, we recieved an message from the Vatican. The new pope has been elected, and they have issued invitations to use to send a representative to the coronation," says Theodore Alton, First Speaker of the Empire, a position like a cross between prime minister and foriegn minister. At the moment, Lord Vetinari and Lord Alton were having their usual daily diplomacy briefing.

"Oh, that's right, the previous one died - Sixtus, correct?" When Alton nods, the monarch continues, "So, what would the protocol be?"

"Well, it depends. In modern times, the monarch would attend if possible, or a high-ranking member of the Family. On the other hand, when relations weren't so warm, the Archmage or Lord Speaker would attend - obviously, Lord sa'Diason is...unavailble at the moment."

"Your recommendation, Lord Alton?"

"While the Roman Catholics make up lonly a few percent of the population, that is still well over sixty million people. Furthermore, the Roman Catholic Church is an important player internationally, given the power of many nominally Catholic nations, and in nation where they're simply a large portion of the population. It would be best if you attended personally."

Vetinari sits back in the chair, and sighs. "I suppose so, but that's simply not possible. I can't possilby leave Cetaganda this soon after Liberty was wiped out - we still have no idea who did that. Then, of course, there's that NC Black in the Dominion - and, now that I think of it, its a Dominion security firm running security for the Vatican in addtion to the Swiss guards. Any other options?"

Lord Alton hesitates, before saying, "There was a case when the monarch could not attend, but the Heir Primus was too young to go in her stead. The Coronation of Benedict XIV, to be exact. In that case, the King Consort - Calris Aton-Vetinari - attended." Alton pauses a moment, then says, "However, I could also attend if you feel that-"

Vetinari waves Alton silent. "No, you're correct - its important diplomatically that a member of the imperial family attend. I'm sure Tarvi won't mind going, and I hardly think it will be dangerous - Dominion security corps are good, and no one in the Vatican would be stupid enough to try something."

"As you wish, your majesty. I shall send them a message immediately."

"Contact the local branch of the church, as well. I'll want someone from Cetaganda to help Tarvi. And I'll speak with Lady Savanche about - an aide."

====

{Secure Comms}
x Lord Theodore Alton (State Directorate, IUoCetaganda)
o <Appropriate Person's Name> (The Vatican)

The Imperial Union of Cetaganda is saddened to hear of the death of Pope Sixtus. While the recent crisis on Titan prevents the monarch from leaving the nation, the Imperial consort, King Consort Tarvi Julian Andivar-Vetinari, will be attending the coronation.

Lord Theodore Alton
First Speaker, Imperial Union of Cetaganda

[i][size=9]<Edited for various typos and such.>

The office of the Sostituto, head of the first division of the Secretariat of State, made a beehive look like a placid backwater in these days between the Conclave and the Coronation. Each Regional Desk had a half-dozen additional temporary staff, recruited from elsewhere in the Dicastery, from the Vatican’s College of International Relations, and the other Vatican Universities in Rome.

Father Kenzuka Takashima was one of four deputies to Archbishop Rahner, and he handled some of the highest-level correspondence. The Pantocratorian greeting was filtered through him, and he went directly to Rahner to confirm his response on behalf of the Holy Father


Leo XIV, Servant of the Servants of God:

To our dear brethren in Pantocratoria, with gratitude for your prayers and greetings. We are pleased to be informed that there is no longer any risk to your health, and look forward to greeting you on the occasion of our Coronation, and at the Consistory which will be held in conjunction with the occasion of our accession.

We look forward, also, to greeting the distinguished representatives of the Imperial family, and hope that we may offer all of the official Pantocratorian delegations a private Audience during your stay in Rome. Please contact the office our Major Domo, Peter Shan Cardinal Tsao-Li, for scheduling. With the greatest appreciation for the good wishes of the Church and Bishops of Pantocratoria, we extend our Pontifical blessing.

This ___ Day of ____, in the first year of our reign

(Seal)

(OOC, we’re being a bit fluid on timeline, here—all of this is happening in the few days prior to the Coronation, but different “events” have different continuity, to make it easier for players on differing schedules.)

Today the gold-edged, hand-calligraphed invitations, sealed and beribboned, were despatched to heads of government and heads of state in the nations with whom the Vatican enjoyed full diplomatic congress, and only slightly less magnificent invitations went to friendly states. A more restrained, but cordial style was sent to others—neutrals, those with a more problematic relationship with the Vatican, those of uncertain status. Formal announcements went as a courtesy to all others; phrased sufficiently ambiguously as to leave an opening should a formerly hostile nation take this opportunity to re-examine the possibility of communications.

Archbishop Nataka, having finally wrapped up most of the trailing Conclave details, was available to double-check the lists of royalty and VIPs.

“Hmmm… Mariah… Malissa… Aurora… I see you’ve added Sirithil… Appropriate, though she’ll probably send a representative… Emperor Johnston… It will be interesting to see who attends, who sends representatives, and what representatives are sent,” he muses gently, turning the page and continuing on the list. “Between the embassies and the hotels, you won’t be able to move without bumping into someone famous.”

As he spoke, a young priest came in, panting slightly, as though he’d run from the communications center. “Your Excellency?”

Nataka looked up. “Father… Father Wynkoff, isn’t it? What is it?”

“Excellency, the Emperor of Pergutoria has arrived. We have no record of a request for a private Audience, but…” he shrugged rather helplessly.

“Ah. Yes. Justinian? Pergutoria are good friends to the Church. Hmmm… I will call Cardinal Tsao-Li’s office.” He picked up the phone.

“Yes, Peter? It’s about the Pergutorians, we hear they’re arrived a little early for the Coronation, and looking for a chance to pay their respects to the Holy Father. Can we squeeze a little Audience in?”

“Yes, I know they’re on the list for an Audience after the Coronation, but apparently there was a mix-up in the communications. Cardinal Etcheaberria is with Justinian…”

“Of course he is, of course he is, Peter. Oh, yes, I certainly understand. Constantine was a great friend, you know. And Justinian is young, but promising… You can? Excellent. I’ll let them know. Yes, of course. No, I appreciate it tremendously, Peter. Thank you. Yes, good-bye.”

Nataka restrained himself from rolling his eyes. He and the Chinese Major-Domo had never gotten on terribly well, but they maintained a professional cordiality. He turned to Father Wynkoff.

“There is a short Audience this morning, half a dozen or so parties. They’ll crowbar Pergutoria onto the list. It begins in about half an hour, so you can bring them around through the Basilica on your way. They’ll be fifth or sixth on the list, and Monsignor Marquandt will take over once you’re at the Apostolic Palace. Good job catching this one, by the way, Father. I appreciate your attention to detail.”

Wykoff smiled and returned to the eminent visitors. He followed Nataka’s suggestion, leading Justinian and Etcheaberria through the Basilica, as well as the security checkpoints. Sure enough, they slowed down, and asked a few questions. He was no tour guide, but he was able to point out some of the highlights. They made their way through to the Palace, and the large, comfortable antechamber for those awaiting a private audience with the Pope. There were three or four other parties, ranging from Prince Daltross and Princess Shalliri of Bellaria, attended by the Archbishop of Trevist-Kethal and a couple of minor courtiers, to a group of a dozen or so Dominican Abbots.

Monsignor Marquandt met them and greeted everyone with cordial respect, smoothing ruefully over the necessities of yet another security checkpoint. “If you’ll just pass through the scanner, please,…” and offering coffee.

Each party was accorded from five to ten minutes, so their wait was not too long. When Monsignor Verelst came to the door, Monsignor Marquandt nodded to Justinian and the Cardinal. He preceded them into the room, and announced them.

The private audience chamber was not as large as the huge public Audience Hall, but it was substantial. A short aisle led between comfortable chairs for the visitors to a railing, with a gate in it. On the other side of the gate was the Papal Chair, with Monsignor Verelst and representatives of the Noble Guard in attendance. The visitors were ushered past the railing (none was aware of the extremely unobtrusive, but effective, additional security measures present at the railing, not to mention the discreetly invisible surveillance in the room,) to kneel before the Holy Father, who blessed them. When they rose, they were ushered back to the comfortable chairs.

“We are delighted to see you, your Majesty, and also your Eminence. We have been very encouraged to hear of the warm reception the people of Pergutoria have given your Majesty’s accession to your father’s throne,” the Holy Father greeted them.

When Father Wynkoff had gone, Archbishop Nataka returned to the contemplation of the most important correspondence for the Second Division—Relations With States. In reading the next one, he could practically sense the presence of the doughty old grande dame whose signature graced the bottom. He chuckled. A subordinate had not known how to take the almost belligerent tone of that final paragraph, but Nataka was a bit more familiar with Bi Bere.

He was pretty sure he knew exactly how the Holy Father would want this one responded to, he thought as he sat down at his keyboard.


Bishop of Rome and Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of The Universal Church, Patriarch of The West, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of Vatican City State,
LEO, the Fourteenth of that Name, Gloriously Reigning,

To the People and the Church of Tanah Burung, affectionate greetings.

We receive your good wishes on the occasion of our election with great pleasure, and look forward to closer communion with our dear people of God in the Catholic Church of Tanah Burung, and fruitful relations with the sovereign state of Tanah Burung. Your suggestion of a Nunciature pleases us greatly, and we have forwarded it with our warm endorsement to the Secretariat of State. The Secretariat will contact you with regards to the particulars of establishment, and we shall take the occasion of Cardinal Ximenes’ presence in Rome to consult with him regarding the appointment of a Nuncio who can best serve the particular needs of Tanah Burung.

Let us in our turn be clear, eminent Madame, since you have done us the honor of frankness, that the policy of the Church shall remain as it has been for many decades: To encourage growth of the ideals of Christian life through the care of conscience in Catholic individuals; and to encourage the ideals of Christian life on the international stage through appropriate diplomatic communications and the moral leadership of example. While the diplomatic representatives of the Church are free, as are all Catholics, to act as their consciences dictate in matters of personal moral decision, we are confident that the quality of diplomatic training and education afforded to our representatives will maintain the high professional standards of the justly-renowned Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.

Given in Rome, at St. Peter’s, the ____ day of _____, in the first year of our Pontificate.

The draft had returned from the Apostolic Palace with remarkable celerity and only minor wording changes, and under the Papal Seal, the Pope had scrawled “Leo PP XIV,” in the same dark-blue ink that he had always used for special endorsements when Secretary of State. Tanaka chuckled and sent it out.

From the desk of the people's representative for foreign affairs & human rights

Dear Hilario,

Do forgive me my tardiness in sending you congratulations on becoming this country's first cardinal, dearest eminence. Your grandmother would be proud, adikku. Really: we're all chuffed at your success. The Vatican not yet being engulfed in flames, i assume you're acquitting yourself with dignity and honour.

I'm enclosing a letter from the new Pope. Let me tell you, this Leo pleases me immensely. If you know who writes his diplomatic correspondence, dear boy, do pass on my respects. It's well parried. I do wish i could do this job forever, but age and the inconvenient necessities of facing the electorate from time to time being what they are, i fear someone else will have the opportunity to exchange the odd note with the Pope before his tenure ends. If the current polls hold up, it will be Mari Al-katiri sooner rather than later. The thought of him having to say something nice to a religious leader fills this old woman with amusement. Knowing Mari, it would give him gallstones to have to be polite even to the High Ulama of Aceh Darassalem. Perhaps losing will not be such sweet sorrow after all, if i have that to entertain me.

In the meantime, i'd be obliged greatly if you were to handle the details of the Nunciature here with Vatican officials. I have nought but the utmost confidence in you. Really, Hilario: you'll do just fine. Do take note of what Leo has sid about the personal moral conscience of individual Catholics: it's an enormously promising line, and you may have occasion to use it in the future.

Again, my sincere congratulations and love to you, Hilario.
Violeta

From: The National Zionist Empire of Endless Crimes
To: The Vatican
Subject: The Future

"I`m glad that you`re not corrupted by the evils of western propaganda trying to undermine The Reich as a haven for peace and beauty.

I`m sure the dialogue between us will open the door to a greater future, to a future where both of us can work together... for the greater good.

In any case, we will gladly use the opportunity of having a representative in the Vatican, although this course of action is a bit of a risk from our side. We hope that Seraph Emanuel is acceptable, and, if there are no further objections, he will arrive next week.

~ Metatron

Looking up from his datapad, Scalia nodded to the officer. “Understood. I’ll be right there.” Getting to his feet and straightening the collar of his coat with a smart tug, he made his way to the Command Center by the quickest route he’d found so far in his searching, annoyed to no end with having to ask directions more than once.

This place has more twists and turns than a discussion on Dominion politics, so help me.

Upon arriving, he made a curt bow of his head to all three gentlemen, his face the careful mask of neutrality he usually tried to keep in place for such business.

“I trust you have been updated sufficiently by these fine gentlemen?” he asks the Roanian quietly. “I apologize for my tardiness – unavoidable.”

--------------------------------

Battista listened to the news with a mix of excitement, and nervousness. Indeed, Gambini had be the one they had hoped for, but in his brief visits with the man, he knew that here was potential trouble as well. This was a man who would not be easily lead, regardless of understandings that may or may not exist. It was an uncomfortable, yet oddly enough familiar position to be in, considering the relationship (or lack thereof) between the Church and the government in the Dominion.

The coming days will be interesting ones, to be sure. Let us hope in the hustle and bustle we have not been forgotten, all the same.

Pondering all this and more thoughtfully, he penned a congratulatory note with a request to be part of the more private group audiences planned for after the Coronation.

Meanwhile in the Dominion, the news spread, and the somber mood was lightened somewhat. Rumors had already started, given that Battista’s trip to Rome was no secret. And, as the natives were naturally inclined to, speculations, plotting and plans were thick.

--------------------------------

Alberigo and Nattore had wasted no time gathering their things, especially the black cases containing some of the more interesting tools of their trade, and making their way to the closest of several locations where the prisoners were being held. After a short time observing them over the security cameras, and speaking quietly with those who’d been guarding them, they made their choice.

“I think he’ll do nicely, don’t you, Nattore?” Alberigo said in a conversational tone as they made their way to the cell holding their target.

“Oh, indeed, my friend. I think he’ll do quite well indeed.”

It began simply enough. Little questions. Things like his name. All was met with a fervent belligerence that both men found amusing. From the beginning they engaged in the time-honored and tested game of ‘good cop, bad cop’, each comfortably familiar with their roles.

At one point, with a nervous glance at the various tools and implements Alberigo had started laying out, the man snarled at them.

“So, the Vatican shows it’s true face now, eh?”

Both operatives looked at each other in confusion, Nattore blinking then turning back to their ‘guest’.

“Good heavens, no,” he said, looking scandalized. “This is was requested by one who has their best interest in mind, as I’m afraid it is believed they don’t have the heart to do what’s necessary here. Alberigo here however, has no such problems.” He gave the nervous man a sympathetic look, then added in a softer voice, “Which unfortunately, probably doesn’t bode well for you.”

Alberigo whistled quietly as he worked, seemingly quite unconcerned, flashing the Warrior a broad smile and sly wink at one point, keeping eye contact til the prisoner dropped his gaze.

Nattore winced, then leaned in to whisper conspiratorially, laying a sympathetic hand on the man’s shoulder.

“I’ve seen him work before. Not pretty.” Shudder, then continuation. “He seems to actually enjoy dragging things out, tormenting his targets for as long as possible before getting to the questions he really wants answered. Developed quite the reputation in his field. Did I mention? He’s made it his life’s work to learn about the different methods used, both past and present. And that’s outside his usual training. Why, I remember one time, he managed to keep a man alive for thirty-two hours after he’d …”

And the conversation continued, in gruesome detail. Nattore chatting on quietly as Alberigo carefully arranged and examined his tools one by one, making quite certain his movements were all in the full view of their target, who seemed to grow more pale as the minutes wore on.

Nattore nodded almost imperceptibly. With luck, this wouldn’t take long at all. With even more luck, it wouldn't need to get ... messy.

<<Official letter to Leo XIV>>

From: Government of Jeruselem

We greet your appointment as Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church with anticipation and invite your Holiness to visit our nation where our lord Jesus Christ was born and died for mankind.

The Catholics of Jeruselem will welcome your presence as head of the Roman Catholic Church and hope you can guide mankind to a more stable and peaceful period in time where Catholics are no longer fighting wars of religion with our Islamic and Jewish brothers.

May the kingdom of God descend to guide mankind to it's true path and destiny.

Co-signed

Dei Gratia Mariah I Regina Iervzalem
Keeper of the Holy Lands
http://www.whoosh.org/issue28/direct/penelope.jpg

Cardinal Augustus Brown
Minister for Religion and Culture
http://www.imperiosud.com/aoe/aok/animaciones/monje.gif

The Papal Installation loomed imminent. The Floreria, in conjunction with the security forces, had already cordoned off St. Peter’s Square to begin installing seating, and gigantic video screens and speaker arrays, so that those seated in the Square could experience every moment of what occurred in the Basilica.

Inside the Basilica, the security was even more intense, although carefully designed to be minimally obstrusive. Of course, everyone would go through one obvious security checkpoint. But then at the Ushers’ gate, where they would be met and escorted to their assigned seats, each visitor would be discreetly scanned again by an array of devices which would confirm their identity as well as check for unexplained energy sources and/or kinetic implements. Genovese, as well as the Corpo di Vigilanzi and the Italian government, were taking no chances.

The Floreria staff themselves had patiently endured additional and advanced security checks, and every item transported into the Basilica—seating, sound and light equipment, scaffolding, banners, floral containers, extra candle holders, etc.—was also carefully scanned and examined. The Chair of Peter had already been meticulously examined, and would be so again. It was assigned a 24-hour guard. In the Sacristy, where the rows of Cardinal’s chairs and canopies had been disassembled and stored, they had been replaced by the racks and cases the Vestitiary and the Vatican jewelers had brought in, including the safe containing the Triple Tiara itself. The Sacristy, too, had multiple layers of security.

Sixtus VI, in restoring the “Coronation” aspect of the Papal installation, had explained in an Apostolic Letter that although his two recent predecessors had chosen not to include the Triple Tiara in their installation ceremonies, he had returned to it, not from a desire to assert temporal royalty, but to establish the surrogacy of the temporal Church for the true, eternal Church. By crowning the head of the temporal Church, the installation renewed and reminded the Faithful of their commitment to He who is crowned leader of the Eternal Church, and re-emphasized the three roles of the Pope as supreme lawgiver, teacher, and judge of the Church.

Carefully, Cardinal Pironio, Archpriest of St. Peter’s and senior Cardinal Deacon, ensured that the Pallium, the white stole embroidered with six black crosses, and the three jeweled pins that would fasten it to the Pope’s robes, were resting in their cases.

The seating for the Cardinals received special attention, as their part if the installation ceremony was lengthy. Each and every Cardinal would have to rise from his seat, approach the Pope, genuflect and kiss the Ring of the Fisherman, then stand and pay simple homage to the Pontiff, upon which he would embrace them and they would exchange the Kiss of Peace. Then the Cardinal would return to his seat. The rows of seats would have to be placed just so, with plenty of space between them so that even the portliest Cardinals (like old Angelini,) would be able to move with dignity through the rows and into the aisle that led to where Leo would be standing.

Leo had, upon consultation, rather grudgingly allowed the Tiara—after all, it was a tradition more than five hundred years old. He had vetoed, however, being paraded around the Square in the Sedia Gestatoria—the Papal Throne, and the long ceremony of Investiture, with its heavily embroidered and gold-bedecked enrobement. Placement of the Tiara and the Pallium would suffice, he said.

At the Hotel Bernini, David Tedeschi was getting news of considerable interest. Prince Daltross and Princess Shalliri of Bellara would be holding a gigantic celebratory levee at the Bellarian Embassy throughout the several days of the Installation, and inviting all of the distinguished royalty, heads of state, and VIPs to attend. He contacted his news director and began the process of getting an official pass to attend and report on the event, aware that the number of press permitted would be limited.

An opportunity to see so many of the great and powerful together in one place at a purely “social” setting came along rarely—and could provide some fascinating opportunities to gather interesting news tidbits.

(OOC: This levee at the “Bellarian Embassy” is an opportunity for the non-clerical players to meet, greet, and interact in conjunction with the Papal installation. We hereby promise never, never, never to create a real NS nation of Bellara, and therefore please regard Bellara as a “friendly neutral” nation without diplomatic consequence or implication should any distinguished visitors choose to attend. It might be fun if a number showed up… hint-hint…)

Di Vianello nodded, and introduced Scalia to the Roanian. “I was just explaining the current status of the investigation. I don’t think there is much more to say, at this point, until we have lab results—which of course we will provide you.” He told the Roanian. “In the mean time, you are welcome to make yourself at home here—Timoteo will look after you—or let us know where we can reach you and we will communicate with you there.”

He smiled rather apologetically. “And now I am afraid we must leave you—I am sure you understand. With the ceremony imminent and so many distinguished visitors to the City, we must try to be in a dozen places at once.”

Courteously, they shook hands, and he and Scalia headed back towards St. Marthas, while Buonamini went to check on some of the Polizei checkpoints outside the Vatican.

As they walked, di Vianello shared the latest briefing he had from Esteban with his temporary colleague. “His Eminence, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, would like to know immediately any definitive results that the lab tests yield, and, if possible, to be provided with copies thereof. As the conclusion is now all but inevitable that it was Cardinal Zhiosky’s colleague who precipitated his death, there are any number of unpleasant ramifications to be considered.”

He sighed. “It is an interesting situation. We are a sovereign state, and theoretically we have the right to arrest and try a possible criminal in our own courts. But of course, we have largely left the matter of secular crime up to the Italian government, under the Lateran Treaty. Maurizio informs me, however, that the Italian government would be just as pleased if we… er… handled our own mess, in this case. And who can blame them?”

“If the criminal is a Cardinal of the Holy Church…” he crossed himself almost involuntarily, unable still to believe such an enormity. “Then it is proper that the Church should deal with the matter. Interestingly, I enquired of a friend who knows Canon Law thoroughly, and there is no way to “unmake” a Bishop, as there is to unmake a priest. They can be asked to resign from their diocese, they can be suspended from their clerical functions, and the Pope can appoint a new Bishop to replace them, they can even be excommunicated, but they cannot be laicized. So that makes any crime involving a Bishop—and Cardinals are all Bishops—an especially tricky matter for the Church.”

“His Eminence, I believe (although he did not say so,) is hoping for a voluntary confession, which would make it possible to handle this matter under Church discipline. It might save a life, and (I am sure he hopes,) a soul. If there is no confession, well…” he looked back over his shoulder, where they had just left the Roanian representative. “Having the evidence in hand, as it were, could help him induce such a confession.”

The note from Metatron was duly filed under Endless Crimes in the Secretariat’s files, and a copy delivered to the Second Section, so that they could make preparations to receive Seraph Emanuel unofficially. Nataka suppressed even a private grin at the title, and forwarded a copy of the file to the regional desk that handled matters pertaining to the Reich.

He followed up on his correspondence with Violeta Bi Bere by sending a respectfully-worded request for an interview with Cardinal Ximenes, at his convenience. It would be important to get the Cardinal’s impressions on the principal challenges and strengths of the Church in Tanah Burung, its relationship with the civil government, and the general character of diplomacy favored by the people of that lovely island state.

His request for a personal note from the Pontiff for Mariah of Jeruselem had been answered promptly, and attached to the formal invitation to the installation was a brief typed note on the Pontiff’s stationery, thanking the Queen for her good wishes and expressing appreciation for the role of her people in maintaining the holy sites of the Christian tradition. It was hand-signed in Leo’s dark-blue ink. A nice gesture. It was an enormous help to have a Pontiff who had been Secretary of State, and understood the value of such things.

Rahner had received the note from Archbishop Battista of the Dominion in his early correspondence. Recognizing a matter to which the Pontiff had given personal attention while he was Secretary of State, he forwarded it to Verelst immediately, with a covering note explaining this.

The Pope’s acting private secretary was feeling a bit overwhelmed. Sixtus’ much quieter style had been easier to keep up with. The addition of a couple of extra clerks from the Secretariat had been helpful, but there was still so much business connected with all of the Audiences and meetings the new Pontiff must undertake. He glanced at the note from the Sostituto, and wondered if this was something Leo would want to give personal guidance on, or he should just take the initiative and schedule.

Well, Rahner presumably knew the Pope’s preferences, so he’d take his advice. He called up the Audience list, and shifted a party or two here and there. He routed the new schedule to the Major-Domo’s secretary, who dispatched a note to Battista, inviting him to a private Audience in the early afternoon of the day following the ceremony.

The represenative to the coronation from our nation is the Archbishop himself. His congradulations to Leo the 14th.

ooc- sorry didnt have ebough time to make a real good post
cough*Archbishop DeVito to Cardinal DeVito *cough
reinstate the tridentine mass

Ximenes received the note from the Secretariat asking for an interview at his convenience. And although he longed for nothing more than to spend some time with the many missionary orders of the Vatican City, he assumed this had the tone of a command. He headed directly for the Secretariat, saying humbly to the receptionist: "I've been asked to appear, and will wait on His Eminence's pleasure." Fortunately, he'd brought along a book he'd been meaning to read by a controversial Sri Lankan theologian, in case that meant a long wait. Affairs being what they were, he excpected they would be very busy indeed and he might have to cool his heels for some time.

OOC: Sorry, I've been busy in other threads, and with work

The Inquisitor smiled. "I have my own suspicions, yes. The Kaiser looks down upon this situation expanding. She has... doubts about the rationality of the Genovese. However... let me assure you that Roanian law will be called into force should my suspicions pan out. As for motive, many members of the church in Roania loathed Zhiosky... I reccomend that you hand any evidence to me. We will deal with this situation."

<===============>

Ver'Chan looked up as several Cardinals approached him. "Um... gentlemen?"

Nataka turned to his next task, which was the formal notes of acknowledgement to the distinguished visitors…


To: King Consort Tarvi Julian Andivar-Vetinari of Cetaganda

Your Highness,

His Holiness has asked me to express his great pleasure in your presence on the occasion of his installation. Be assured that all arrangements will be made for appropriate diplomatic courtesies for yourself and your entourage through the Secretariat of State, to whom all queries may be directed.

I have taken the liberty of forwarding the news of your attendance to his Holiness’ Major Domo, who is prepared to arrange a private Audience for your Highness, at your preference, of course.

Respectfully
+Archibishop Tenda Nataka
Secretary for Relations With States
Secretariat of the Holy See

This simple but cordial model served as the template for notes to other distinguished visitors as well. Nataka also made a note to forward the information to the Bellarian Embassy, which had expressed a desire to host a social event for the distinguished attendees.

(OOC note: Be patient for a day or so, please, our time will be very limited... we'll pick up threads, promise!)

OOC: The Valinor cardinals are still present, but regretfully I do not have the time to participate in all the threads I am currently now enrolled in at the level I once was. Hopefully, I can work out more active rolls at a later date. HVS, if you need any of the Valinor cardinals for any purpose, you need only ask.

In Polzn, the center of Kileans minority catholic population, the news is greeted with a massive and fervent celibration in the streets. Pope Leo XIV pictures are suddenly everwhere in the homes, shops, and streets of southwest Kilean.

All over Cherry Ridge parades are being held. Everyone is shouting VIVA LA PAPA.

Lehman wke up in the morning to find a note beside his bed. It read:

Your Eminence,
Urgent news from Largent requires your presence. Domestic terrorism involving other religious groups and antireligious groups are threatening the Church all across Largent. Please return as soon as possible.

Archbishop Bourneuff

Lehman was deeply saddened as he left his message for the Vatican:
To whom it may concern:
I regret to inform you that my leave is neccessary. My homeland is in danger and I will not leave them in there time of need. If I am needed here as well I may be contacted at any time.

Cardinal Lehman

Rahner nodded, and returned to his office to set in motion the communications that would recall Dutt.

In Geneva, the note reached the desk of Matthew Sweeney, assistant director of cultural relations. He headed for a pay phone outside the Umbrage mission, one often used as a secure line not believed to be tapped by agents of the High Umbrage theocratic government. His call, eventually, was put through to Rahner.
- Yes, what can i do for you? Rahner asked.
- I'm an ordained bishop in the Umbrage church, like others I hold that title in secret from the hands of Cardinal Dutt. He's has left his apologies, but the time he has spent away from High Umbrage is already too long. Any longer, and he might be suspected of taking part in the Vatican's festivities over the inauguration of Pope Leo. You see, tourists are only permitted to leave Umbrage for a short time, and travelling to Rome is already suspect. However, i've obtained leave to travel there myself.
- Good, we have looked forward to meeting with a representative of the church in High Umbrage, it has been a concern of ours.
- I will be at your disposal in Rome. My position protects me, so i should be at more liberty than the cardinal was. Also the rightful heir to the throne of Umbrage will be attending the celebrations. Princess Christina is rightful heir to the throne of Umbrage, the only surviving daughter of Her Catholic Majesty, murdered by the Calvinists who now rule in the city of Dudgeon. I can't be seen with her, but I hope that the Bellaran embassy will be able to provide a safe place for the two of us to meet. And naturally, the Princess can move freely, for the whole world knows her devotion to the faith of her forerunners.
- We will look forward to meeing both you and the Princess.
- Until then. Goodbye.

OOC:So thers an new pope? Huh, oh well the Teritoran cardinal wouldn't have been able to go to choising one anyway. his currently undergoing enforced time in an petance cell in an isolated monstary guarded by church soldiers and knights. Trying to manplate the outcome of an Royal election is not an good idea.

It would be my great honor to attend the instilation of our new Pontificate. I hope that my prescence will be welcomed, and I look forward to meeting Pope Leo. I shall also be on diplomatic duty, with the hopes of representing my home nation of Imitora in setting up an official government embasy in the Holy Vatican. With Regards

Cardinal Ryan Sanchez
Society of Jesus
Imitora

http://members.optusnet.com.au/a_marrington/ns/pantocratoria.jpg

To His Holiness, the Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City, now Gloriously Reigning, LEO, the fourteenth to bear the name,

Your Holiness,

It is with pious joy in our heart and most Christian zeal with which we do hereby cordially accept the invitation to the occassion of your coronation. We shall attend your coronation along with our cardinals. Furthermore, we would like to request a personal audience with Your Holiness, to discuss our own role as the holy emperor and prince of that most Catholic and august race of the Romans, and seek your guidance, Holy Father, in the execution of the same.

By our own hand in the twenty-first year of our reign,

ANDREUS
By the Grace of God
Emperor of Pantocratoria, Autocrator of the Romans, God's Vicegerent on Earth, Equal of the Apostles, King of France, Master of the Order of the Pantocrator, et al.

(OOC: please, everyone, take a moment to read this post:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=139068

before continuing...)

Prince Daltross and Princess Shalliri sat at the front of the big ballroom at the Bellarian Embassy, where the Royal Levee in honor of the Papal Inauguration was in full swing. The Prince, an upright, rather stout man in his sixties with very thin hair and a slightly lined face, greeted the guests cordially. His tuxedo was unobtrusively elegant, his tie (in the Royal colors of green and blue) hand-tied with an insouciantly expert hand, and the Order of Bellara gleamed discreetly on his lapel.

Princess Shalliri, a soigné, elegant woman who might have been any age between forty-five and seventy, enquired warmly after absent family members of those whom she knew, and contrived to make each arrival feel as though she/he had been all that was wanting to complete the Princess’ enjoyment of the event. The levee was just getting started, but she hoped it would be well-attended. The Embassy staff had done nobly in the area of providing a wide variety of refreshments, and the music in the main ballroom was pleasant, if a bit bland. The smaller reception rooms featured music of more character, with plenty of seating for those who wanted to listen.

Several Vatican notables were already present—mostly those who had little to do with the actual preparations for the inauguration. Cardinal Hume was standing near a large window, chatting to a couple of Bellarian diplomats; Cardinal Martin was talking to a French government minister; and Archbishop Colasuonno of the Vatican Bank was making earnest gestures to a couple of Italian industrialists.

Prince Daltross looked around the room and gestured to a footman. “Make sure that the sommelier brings up that sparkling vintage, please, and see that the Princess gets a glass.”

In the office at St. Martha’s, Sister Agnes Pettigrew was directing some of her staff in the tasks of locating appropriate accommodations for the many clerical visitors to the Inauguration. Since the Cardinals still had St. Martha’s full, it was a matter of checking with various of the Vatican Universities, the Roman convents and monasteries of various religious orders, and a long list of hostels, bed-and-breakfasts, and lodging houses who catered to visiting clergy.

“Yes, thank you, Brother Maynard. That would be Archbishop DeVito from Cherry Ridge. Oh, I’m sure he’ll appreciate an adjoining bath. Thank you so much.” One of the Sisters looked over at Sister Agnes and made a ‘thumbs-up’ sign. Good, they were coping well.

There was a slight tap at the door frame. “Good afternoon, your Eminence,” several of the staff chorused. Sister Agnes smiled at Cardinal Esteban. “Your Eminence, how nice to see you. What can we do for you?”

“Ah, I am looking for Cardinal Ver’Chan… is he…?”

She nodded. “Second floor, Eminence. In the suite of St. Martin of Tours.”

“Thank you, Sister… and thank all of you, who have done so much to make our brethren comfortable here during the Conclave and all of the events.” He smiled warmly at them, and blessed them, before passing on, heading for the lift.

Father Francis Kwan informed Archbishop Rahner that Cardinal Ximenes had arrived.

“He just came?” The Sostituto was a bit surprised. Usually a Cardinal sent to confirm an appointment time, but the Tanah Burung Cardinal was already tagged in the Secretariat files as one who was a trifle unconventional in his approach. Rahner pressed a button on his telephone, and said “Your Eminence? Can you spare the time to see Cardinal Ximenes, now?”

There was a gentle thrumming sound, then a snort. “Eh? What? Oh! Yes… ummm… Cardinal Ximenes, ahh….” Angelini’s voice was a bit blurry, but firming up rapidly. “Yes, Ignazio, what about his Eminence?”

Rahner grinned. “He’s here, your Eminence. To discuss the Tanah Burung matter… the Nunciature?”

“Ah, that! Yes, of course… Now? Ummm…. Certainly, why not? Be sure we get some coffee, eh, Ignazio? A nice cappuccino would go down well just now…”

Rahner caught Father Kwan’s eye and winked. “Of course, your Eminence.” He pressed the button again. “Check and see what Cardinal Ximenes wants… just water for me, please, Francis.”

He rose and went out to the big outer office. “Your Eminence? So kind of you to come.” He gestured towards Angelini’s office. “His Eminence Cardinal Angelini is very anxious to talk about matters in Tanah Burung.” He led the way, then stood aside to allow Ximenes to enter. Father Kwan followed with the refreshments, hand them around and closing the door on his way out.

There was no trace of sleep in the portly Angelini’s face or manner. He wasn’t Gambini, but he was shrewd enough, and he’d been well briefed on what was needed here: Ask leading questions so that Rahner could listen to the answers and make a thorough assessment of the situation.

Angelini smiled at his colleague, a cherubic expression enhanced by the fringe of white hair that framed his plump, rosy face. “Buon di, brother,” he said. His Milanese accent was noticeable, but he had a lovely baritone voice. “You will have to forgive me, please… I assumed this office just days ago, and have been trying to read up on the files ever since. It would be so helpful to us, in putting together plans for a Nunciature, if you could tell me more about Tanah Burung—in general, and the Church in Tanah Burung in particular.”

“Especially any particular challenges or strengths of the Church, and anything about its relations with the government that might be helpful—pitfalls to avoid, ways we can be useful, and so on. I blush for my ignorance, brother, but I know little of your beautiful country and its people.”

He smiled encouragingly at his colleague.

Cardinal Esteban passed Cardinal T’ngaka in the hall on the way to the suite of St. Martin, and they exchanged a brief word. They were good friends, but had not had much time for socializing with all of the business of the Consistory, the funeral, and the Conclave.

“I confess,” the African Cardinal said in his soft voice, “I was a trifle disappointed that our brother Eugenio did not receive more support. But I am encouraged by the tone of His Holiness’ first Encyclical.

(OOC Note, HERE is the Encyclical:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=138880&highlight= )

Esteban nodded. “Do not underestimate him. He has a formidable intelligence and, I think, he will find a vision, too. If he tends to think perhaps more about institutions than individuals, that is perhaps a necessary adjustment right now…” he smiled ruefully. Sixtus had been all about individuals, and in consequence, some of the institutional matters had suffered a bit.

“I should not wish to do so—to underestimate him. Some of what he proposes will be very welcome in my country, our educational resources are so few and so poor. But he does not have the reputation of making decisions that involve spending money easily,” the Cardinal said delicately.

“Oh, dear me, no. Not easily,” Esteban chuckled. “But he is not short-sighted. No one knows better than Leo that it is sometimes necessary to invest resources in order to grow even greater resources—whether those resources are financial, or human, or spiritual.”

T’ngaka nodded. “It will be interesting to see how these things proceed. I think the Church is very ready to return the Tridentine Mass to regular, ahh… ‘circulation?’” His eyes crinkled with mirth. “I hope I will have the opportunity to see you again, Vicente, before I have to leave. My Audience is scheduled for the twenty-sixth, and my travel arrangements are already made for the twenty-seventh.”

“Come and dine with me, then,” Esteban invited, “on the evening before you go. You can see the little place I’m getting ready for my retirement.”

“You are going through with it, then?” T’ngaka asked.

“Sicuro! As soon as his Holiness can spare me… which will be soon, I hope. I need a little peace and quiet to sort out all of the bureaucratic accumulations in my soul after all these years in the Curia!”

The African’s clicking laugh sounded. “I will, then, and you will make me envious… until then, Vicente…” He passed on.

Esteban was smiling, but the smile vanished as he knocked at the door of the St. Martin of Tours suite.

Ver’Chan’s face was wary and neutral as he admitted the Dean of the College of Cardinals. Esteban sat, gesturing for his colleague to sit, also.

“I am glad to find you alone, brother,” he said. “I thought that you would want to know the status of the investigation into our brother Zhiosky’s death.” He watched Ver’Chan closely as he continued.

“We are fortunate to have the united efforts of the Polizei of Rome and the Genovese Security firm as well as our own Corpo di Vigilanzi in pursuing the matter. Between them, they offer amazing resources for determining exactly what happened that afternoon. And the fact that the area was already sealed, with none present except those who were at the Conclave and a few servants, facilitates the investigation greatly.”

You may be aware that our colleague Esgal Ghattas happened to hear a loud exclamation, and see a figure in a cassock, wearing a fright mask, standing near the body.”

He shook his head. “A terrible thing. A grave thing, to attempt to bring about a death. I admit I truly hoped that Esgal had been imagining things. But it seems not. As the security men found, when they searched all of the rooms here at St. Martha’s, and the belongings of everyone at the Conclave, not to mention the rest of the premises, there was someone in a mask present that day. The mask was found, in a rubbish bin, under a bag. It was sent to a very modern laboratory here in Rome, for analysis. It is truly amazing, what they can find these days, from just a few flakes of skin, a strand or two of hair, the surface oils of the skin… It is relatively easy to obtain sufficiently conclusive information for identification from such tiny matters…”

He sighed. “It is difficult to imagine, what kind of reasons someone would have, to do such a thing. They must be very strong. A terrible burden for any man to carry alone, especially knowing how some members of the Roanian government will view the death of such a venerable servant of the Church. Duke Leopold has already sent a representative, to receive the reports of our security forces.” He paused, and made eye contact with Ver’Chan.

“So there you have it, my brother. I knew that you would want to know the status of this matter. Now, one other thing. I do not believe that you have had an opportunity, since the Conclave began, to attend Confession. As Dean of the College of Cardinals, of course I have pastoral duties to all of our brethren… Normally, they do not include acting as Confessor, but I am certainly at your disposal, should you wish to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation while you are here… Perhaps, even now, if you wish?” he enquired mildly.

Back in the Second Section of the Secretariat, Archbishop Nataka was reviewing what was known of the situation in Largent. Not good, not at all good, he thought worriedly. Why Largent? Why now? As a focus for anti-Catholic disaffection and terrorism, it seemed—remote. Still, Jerusalem had been very remote from Rome, too, once.

A tragedy. Poor Archbishop Bourneuff. Such a tragic martyrdom. True, martyrdom was a crown of glory and the hope of a true Servant of Christ, but that made it no less terrible to experience. He prepared a full report on the matter—at least, the information he had—for the Pontiff. The Office of Communications had already issued a formal statement deploring the events, and offering the prayers of the Church for the souls of those who harmed in the explosion, for Archbishop Bourneuff, and for the Emperor in this time of terrible domestic crisis. And indeed, in several Churches in Rome, masses were already being said.

The Pontiff would probably want more information, Nataka reflected. He called one of the regional desks. “Please bring me the Largent file. Who is our official representative there?”

(OOC: Largent, waiting to respond further on this one until we get your response to our TG.)

Nataka then turned to the Umbrage matter. The Sostituto’s office had requested that someone attend the levee at the Bellarian embassy to make contact with the exiled Princess Christina, and with Bishop Sweeney, traveling incognito. It was a matter of some delicacy. The Japanese Archbishop’s head tilted as he considered. It must be someone who appeared purely social in function, but who had the training and depth of information to think on his feet under…interesting…circumstances.

With a nod, he picked up the phone. “Could you have Father Martin Stone report to my office for a briefing, please?”

When Father Martin had gone, he returned to the business of reviewing the acknowledgements and messages of welcome to various visiting princes and prelates…


…His Holiness has asked me to convey his pleasure in the Emperor Andreus’s attendance at his inauguration. The Major Domo’s office has assured us that your Majesty will be received at the Audience on the morning of…


….thanks you for the good wishes of the people of Imatora, and looks forward to his audience with Cardinal Sanchez…

And so on, and so on… Nataka gave a grimace that was a combination of a shrug, a grin, and a sigh… it was wonderful to see the outpouring of support, and the many visits, but it was a terrible lot of work! With a deep and gusty sigh, he initialed the last of the stack and sat back, rubbing the back of his neck, before signaling to his secretary to bring in the next batch.

Angelini smiled at his colleague, a cherubic expression enhanced by the fringe of white hair that framed his plump, rosy face. “Buon di, brother,” he said. His Milanese accent was noticeable, but he had a lovely baritone voice. “You will have to forgive me, please… I assumed this office just days ago, and have been trying to read up on the files ever since. It would be so helpful to us, in putting together plans for a Nunciature, if you could tell me more about Tanah Burung—in general, and the Church in Tanah Burung in particular.”

“Especially any particular challenges or strengths of the Church, and anything about its relations with the government that might be helpful—pitfalls to avoid, ways we can be useful, and so on. I blush for my ignorance, brother, but I know little of your beautiful country and its people.”

He smiled encouragingly at his colleague.

Ximenes was a little surpised to be ushered in so quickly. "Please, Eminence, forgive me for taking you away from your work. When there are so many crises to deal with, the situation in my humble country must seem insignificant indeed. Still, i'll try to answer."

He took a breath. "The land is indeed beautiful. Of course, i prefer my mountain province, but the rain forests and the coast have their own beauty, and the weather is unmatched. The people, they feel the church belongs to them. We have just six dioceses, but 1.5 billion Catholic souls to minister to: it is fortunate that vocations are plentiful. The country is governed by a collective presidency of 11 people -- i believe one of them, Violeta Bi Bere, has already been in touch. Most of these people are good Catholics, but there are some who do not believe and some who still follow the faiths of our ancestors. And Ms Bi Bere may soon be replaced by a Muslim foreign minister, which would be a first for our country.

"I've been asked to deal with the details of a Nunciature, and that's a joyful task for me. Our church lost all the missionaries who brought us God's word during the revolution for independence from Knootoss, and had to stand on its own out of contact for several decade. It's such a marvellous blessing to be back in contact with the Vatican after so long! I am sure we have made mistakes in that time: all i can plead is that we did our best to be true to the faith. I've also been in touch with home and we are taking up a special collection to pay for the costs of a Nunciature, should His Holiness consent to this.

"As to our relations with the government, that is harder to answer. One of the co-presidents is a Catholic priest, who deals with matters of education and health. Bishop Mangunvijaya, the head of our Bishops's Conference, has good relations wiuth the government and they have often worked together. Under his leadership, actually, the church has gotten much closer to the government, i hope to the benefit of both. At one point they wanted to tax us, but we were able to head that off. Recently Mangunvijaya and all of our church renounced war and wealth as part of what we called the Gaudete Sunday declaration." (ooc: linked above.)

Ximenes' voice trailed off before he steeled himself and continued. "And in Mngunvijaya's diocese, the sacrament of matrimony has already been bestowed on same-sex couples. I fear that we have been in advance of Vatican teachings on human sexuality. I'm afraid that our country is very open sexually, lacking the taboos of European countries."

There was slight disturbance before the Cardinals resumed their socialising. The Latin Patriarch of Jeruselem, John Alexander Commentus (refered to as JA from now on), had turned up with Bishop James unexpectly. Brown greeted his Jerusalem companions "John and James, what a surprise. You here to keep these Romans under control?". JA smiled "I needed a good excuse to come to Rome and do as the Romans do. How about I have a chat to our friend Hume?" and James wandered off to talk to some dignatories.

JA and Brown approached Hume "Hume, my friend. Long time no see since I was Cardinal. I see nothing changes during a Conclave, always some controversy and a little mystery eh?. Maybe I should become a Cardinal again instead of Latin Patriarch to get some excitement back to Papal politics." JA cheekily greeted Hume.

OOC: Can I post a thread in which to RP the Emperor Andreus' audience with the Pope? I'm not sure how much of a timeline you're on, but all of my RPs are currently stalled waiting for the replies of others, so I'm keen to get a short one going just to give me something to do while I wait.

Ver'chan nodded. "Yes, your eminence... I would be glad to undergo confession. It's been a while..."

Primate of all Duat, Metropolitan of the Province, and Diocesan of the Diocese Archbishop Neil Bruch ((The height of whose heresy so far is covering his cathedra in cloth-of-gold.))

To The Bishop of Rome and Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of The Universal Church, Patriarch of The West, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of Vatican City State, LEO, the Fourteenth of that Name, Gloriously Reigning, Greetings,

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate your holiness upon your nomination to the office of pontiff. Alas, I am unable to visit the Holy City at this time due to certain secular matters of a strictly temporal nature.

-=-=-=-=-

Imperator, Arch-Princeps and Executive of the Empire, Sovereign Lord of all C’tan Territories and Dominions, including, but not limited to, Duat, Sentinel One, Sentinel Two, Naogeddon, Sigma Orichalae and Wolf 1841, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Archduke of Thephet-Sheta, Lord of Naogeddon, Commander in Chief of the Order of Peace, Lord Chief Justice of the Empire, Grand Master of the Imperial Senate, Senator-appointed of Thephet-Sheta in perpetuity, By the Grace of Fate, Emperor and Autocrat of All Duat, Mephet'ran, Sc.D Ph.D Phy.D

To The Bishop of Rome and Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of The Universal Church, Patriarch of The West, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of Vatican City State, LEO, the Fourteenth of that Name, Gloriously Reigning, Greetings,

I extend my congratulations to your holiness upon your appointment.

((That one I just couldn’t resist.))

To: The Holy See
From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Rykia

The Republic of Rykia welcomes the dedication of the Church to spread its faith and goodwill throughout the world. Despite an extreme minority of Catholics in the Republic, on behalf of Prime Minister Thomas Retherton, I propose we establish regular and official diplomatic ties in order to foster a greater understanding between our two distinct religious cultures; an understanding that may, hopefully, prevent religious conflicts from spreading into the realm of armed conflict should such a difference arise.

The Rykian Parliament has approved President Lighter's nomination of Vincent Carmichael as the Rykian ambassador to the Holy See. Carmichael's family comes from an established Rykian Catholic line and he has served as a minor official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an official courier to our few minor contacts with the outside world. With your approval, we would be pleased to send Ambassador Carmichael at your earliest conveniance.

Lawrence Coleridge
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Republic of Rykia


To the Honorable Lawrence Coleridge, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Rykia; cordial greetings

His Holiness has asked me to convey his pleasure in receiving your greetings and suggestion of establishing formal diplomatic relations with the Holy See. Our Secretariat of State will make all appropriate preparations to receive Ambassador Vincent Carmichael and provide full consular credentials for his reception at the Vatican.

We look forward to a productive dialogue with the government and people of Rykia.

+Archbiship Tenda Nataka
Secretary for Relations with States
Secretariat of the Holy Vatican See

(OOC: Mephet'ran|Ctan, we are deeply, DEEPLY impressed by all those titles... wow... ::winks::)


Cardinal Esteban smiled, and made the sign of the cross to signal that he was ready to receive Ver'Chan's Confession.

"I am listening, my son..."

Cardinal Hume turned at the sound of his name. “John, James! Good to see you.” His eyes twinkled. “This is the Church, after all… the only thing we really approve of changing is the oil in the Vatican fleet of automobiles.”

Then his face sobered. “Exciting enough, with poor Yaakov’s death. And while Leo and I have our differences, I think you’ll see things percolate considerably. It will be interesting to see what he does with the Distribution of Offices.”

He made a regretful shrug. “I sort of hope he doesn’t change my appointment to the Council for InterReligious Dialogue. We were just starting to get some initiatives up and running. But we’ll see. He may have another vision for the Council.” He surveyed his brethren from Jeruselem. “Papal politics have their moments, but at least you don’t have to worry about Curial politics. Everyone’s wondering what he’s going to do with the Secretariat, of course. He certainly won’t leave Angelini there for long.”

Angelini and Rahner listened attentively, and while occasionally they looked pleased or concerned, both of them mainly appeared thoughtful. When Ximenes had finished, Angelini glanced at Rahner. “Well, Ignazio, you are more familiar with the file on Tanah Burung. This is all new information to me, I apologize to admit. But it sounds as though it will be critical to have an Apostolic Nuncio who can address both the issues of governmental and cultural relations, and internal Church orthodoxy, with tact and sensitivity. A billion and a half Catholic souls is a patrimony of inestimable value to God, and we must be very judicious in our stewardship.”

Rahner nodded. His eyes were still on Ximenes, trying to gauge the Cardinal’s inner qualities. “It is a wonderful patrimony,” he said slowly, “and the Bishops are to be commended, in the face of the lack of resources from Rome, on their work in building such a robust and vibrant Church.”

His eyes snapped into sharper focus, suddenly, and he smiled a little. “The issues of orthodoxy are serious, of course. But the Church has managed to address such issues successfully in the past. It may take a few decades, of course. We have usually found that such issues tend to spring more from lack of resources—especially support for sound clerical training at the higher levels, and the opportunity for Church leaders to study and expand their knowledge through the Universal Church—than through any tangible will to error.”

“But your Eminence is very perceptive,” he addressed Angelini, “in pointing out the need for a Nuncio of judicious and sensitive character. We will look at our resources, and submit your Eminence a list of candidates. Perhaps you can then provide his Eminence” (he nodded to Ximenes) “a list of the most likely appointees, and some information about them, which he can share with Bishop Mangunvijaya, and they can provide us with their counsel as to the strengths and challenges of each candidate?” He looked questioningly at the Cardinal from Tanah Burung, and upon receiving a nod, he continued.

“Can your Eminence confirm for me, the provincial organization in Tanah Burung? There are six Diocese, are there not? Each with a Bishop? And do any of those Diocese have auxiliary Bishops?”

(ooc: just posted a religious overview including the names of all TB bishops in my fact book thread, viewable through recent posts)

Ximenes smiled inwardly. The response to what he had said coud well ahve been a harsh one: this augured well for the future. He was glad, at any rate, to have made a clean breast of it.

"Your thoughts on the Nuncio candidates seem wise, of course i agree," he said. "I can confirm that our church is organized into six dioceses, one for each of the United Provinces, and each headed by a bishop. There are a few auxiliary bishops, of course, but the work that devolves on each of our shoulders remains large. I would it were not so: i long to accept Cardinal di Corneliano's suggestion that i spend some time here in study."

Cardinal Hume turned at the sound of his name. “John, James! Good to see you.” His eyes twinkled. “This is the Church, after all… the only thing we really approve of changing is the oil in the Vatican fleet of automobiles.”

Then his face sobered. “Exciting enough, with poor Yaakov’s death. And while Leo and I have our differences, I think you’ll see things percolate considerably. It will be interesting to see what he does with the Distribution of Offices.”

He made a regretful shrug. “I sort of hope he doesn’t change my appointment to the Council for InterReligious Dialogue. We were just starting to get some initiatives up and running. But we’ll see. He may have another vision for the Council.” He surveyed his brethren from Jeruselem. “Papal politics have their moments, but at least you don’t have to worry about Curial politics. Everyone’s wondering what he’s going to do with the Secretariat, of course. He certainly won’t leave Angelini there for long.”

The Latin Patriarch of Jeruselem, John Alexander Commentus (referred to as JA from now on) and Bishop James looked at each other and smiled when Brown looked on. JA said "If you get bored in Rome, you are always welcome in Jeruselem to help us sort out problems our with the Jews and Arabs. The Yaakov incident was tragic, but God works in mysterious ways and he has determined our futures already. If you need any assistance, I'm always willing to help out with discretion.".

General Contact Lancer Dramatic Exit
In Transit, Saturn Interdiction Zone


"No, my lord. That's wrong," sighs Father Albert Renaty. "You can call him 'your holiness,' or a dozen other titles, but most certainly not 'your Popeness.'"

"Ok, ok. I didn't really think that was it, anyways," replies the young man seated next to him at a table in the diplomatic ship's lounge. "Its not like I was brought up memorizing correct forms of address of foriegn and spiritual leaders. I've got a degree in space engineering, not polisci or comparative theology, dam - err, darn it."

"Yes, well, it would behoove you to learn, your majesty. I doubt this will be the last time you have to meet with outland dignitaries."

Tarvi shrugs. "True enough. Well, I think I can handle it. Exchange a few pleasantries, get a feel for how the new pope is going to handle various issues, answer any questions he has about us; after that, on to sightseeing. I think that eve-

=DISCONTINUITY=

-n I can manage to keep from scr- messing that up, Father."

The old man smiles. "I'm confident you can, my lord. Oh, one last thing. As I understand it, security will be quite tight. I doubt they will allow weapons in the presence of His Holiness, or even in the Vatican grounds." This statment he directed at the young 'aide' on the other side of the lounge.

"They're purely ceremonial," replies the woman.

"None the less, we wouldn't want to insult our hosts by bringing them in."

As the woman begins to protest, Tarvi raises a hand. "He's right, Lieutenant Gerovich. I'm sure the security forces will keep them safe while we're inside. Promise me you won't try to sneak them in."

Gerovich frowns, but relents. "I promise that I will not try to smuggle in a gun -"

"Or those daggers," adds the priest.

"- or any of my blades into the Vatican."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," says Tarvi. "Now, seeing as we just jumped, we'll probably be entering orbit soon. I suggest we all get some sleep to rest and get matched up with Italian time."

(OOC: Mephet'ran|Ctan, we are deeply, DEEPLY impressed by all those titles... wow... ::winks::)


Cardinal Esteban smiled, and made the sign of the cross to signal that he was ready to receive Ver'Chan's Confession.

"I am listening, my son..."

Ver'chan stared up at the ceiling, and sighed. "Forgive me father, for I have sinned..." He shook his head. "I acted with malice to defend the spirit and glory of the church." He closed his eyes, and spoke, as if from a great distance. "I... frightened Zhiosky to death..."

Angelini smiled at Cardinal Ximenes. “Yes, that may be possible some day. For now, though, your are clearly greatly needed in Tanah Burung, both to help your brother bishops, and to assist whomever the new Apostolic Nuncio might be. However, perhaps in two or three years… there are many advantages to study in Rome.” He nodded approvingly.

Rahner had made a few notes; now he looked at the Secretary and nodded.

“Well, we won’t keep you any longer now. I’m sure there are plenty of things on your list to do and see while you are here. We will get you the information on potential candidates for the Nuncio appointment, by…” Angelini glanced at Rahner.

“A day or two, Eminence. We have several appointments pending right now, so the candidate pool is already being reviewed.”

“Excellent!” the Secretary approved. “We’ll have a copy for you, and one for you to send Bishop Mangunvijaya.”

They both rose, and shook hands with Ximenes. Father Kwan appeared to escort him out.

When the Cardinal from Tanah Burung had left, Angelini’s brows finally flew up, and he looked at Rahner. The Sostituto shook his head slowly.

“Well, this is one place where it’s to our advantage that the Blue Pope was not elected,” muttered Angelini, referring to Cardinal Renard. Rahner restrained himself from making the sign of the cross.

“He’ll have to be consulted, however. It’s a serious matter.” Rahner sounded both wary and regretful.

“Yes, of course. Not uncommon, but definitely serious. Madonna! Six bishops! For a billion and a half souls!” Angelini was aghast.

“Yes, Sixtus had gotten very far behind in reviewing the matters forwarded by the Congregation for Bishops. Although I don’t know if there were any requests from Tanah Burung. Still, it should probably be recommended to his Holiness that the provincial organization be examined with an eye to increasing Episcopal capacity. The Nuncio will have to consult with Bishop Mangunvijaya about potential candidates.” He made another note, thoughtfully.

“Yes, he seems to be a very popular leader. That Gaudete Sunday declaration…” Angelini seemed to be stifling a grin, and glanced a little warily at the Sostituto. Rahner caught the expression, though, and grinned in answer, though it was rueful. “Yes. His Holiness will worry. ‘There are too many ‘grasshoppers’ as it is.’” His voice took on something of his former boss’s growl as he quoted a popular Gambinism.

Angelini nodded. “Well, he is correct. How many Churches have run into serious fiscal trouble in the last decade? I lose track, but it’s too many. There was that mess in Temchanka just last year. Took some fast footwork to sort that out.”

Rahner shook his head. He’d remembered the uproar, of course, when Temchanka’s new Finance Minister had sent inflation suddenly skyrocketing, and the Temchanka Church had found itself with an unfavorable debt-to-asset ratio and been unable to pay the operating costs for hundreds of churches and charitable institutions. He remembered Gambini using the “grasshopper” line with particular pungence, and spending considerable time closeted with Colasuonno and others from the Bank. “Well, the Tanah Burung Church is relatively young, and it’s easy to let enthusiasm hold the reins. The Nuncio can do a survey of the situation. Perhaps when we’ve dealt with the capacity situation we can arrange for one or more of the bishops to spend time here at the Academy, and absorb some finance courses.”

“And as for the improper sacramental dispensation…” Angelini shook his head. “It must be a very high priority of the Nuncio to observe and determine the theological competence available in Tanah Burung. It’s all very well to focus on the social and spiritual mission of the Church, but if the Deposit of Faith becomes corrupted, the Sacraments are lost, and the magisterium is distorted, we lose the very core of the Faith—and all those souls.”

Rahner made another note. “Of course, Eminence. I will see that a summary of this meeting is distributed through the appropriate channels, and have the annotated candidate list on your desk tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you, Ignazio,” Angelini blessed his colleague, who paced thoughtfully back to his office.

Ver'chan stared up at the ceiling, and sighed. "Forgive me father, for I have sinned..." He shook his head. "I acted with malice to defend the spirit and glory of the church." He closed his eyes, and spoke, as if from a great distance. "I... frightened Zhiosky to death..."

Esteban's expression of grave concern did not change. "I see, my son. Please, tell me how the continued life of Yaakov Zhiosky threatened the spirit and glory of the Church? And why you felt impelled to take this matter into your hands, rather than submit it to a higher authority?"

He was entirely focused on listening to Ver'Chan, trying to understand the man as thoroughly as possible. It was not time to judge, yet--and Esteban could judge only those temporal matters over which the Holy Father had given him authority. Ver'Chan's ultimate Judge did not reside in the Vatican--or even in Roania.

"If you get bored in Rome, you are always welcome in Jeruselem to help us sort out problems our with the Jews and Arabs. The Yaakov incident was tragic, but God works in mysterious ways and he has determined our futures already. If you need any assistance, I'm always willing to help out with discretion."

Hume raised an eyebrow. "Things heating up again between the Arabs and the Jews? It waxes and wanes, I know, but I thought things were fairly quiet at the moment. An increase in the trouble level might have an impact on the next InterFaith Conference."

"Although," he added, "we are trying to spotlight the Eastern religions at the next one. There have been some most encouraging exchanges between the Nicander Abbadias of the Theatines and the Green Lama of Tishan-Nakor. Nicander has two of the Tishan lamas at St. Gaetano in Libina. They are teaching language and philosophy classes, and also working with some artists. Nicander is hoping to send two of his priests to Tishan next year."

"Still, if there is an upsurge in tension among some of the Jewish and Muslim delegates to the Conference, it could require careful planning."

A while later, the small diplomatic courier lands at a international airport in Rome. The three Cetagandans then spend the next two hours fighting traffic in car from the local consulate on their way to the Vatican. There, Lieutenant Gerovich makes good on her pledge to surrender her 'ceremonial' weapons to the guards, while Father Renaty speaks with a secretary.

"Lord Vetinari of Cetaganda has arrived. He requests a meeting with the Pope, at the convienence of his holiness."

Father Javier Campostela Nao, secretary to the Papal Major Domo, checked the Audience list. "Ah, yes. His Highness is expected. Please join the others in the antechamber, and refresh yourselves. The Audience will commence shortly."

As they passed through the door to the antechamber, they passed through the scanner checkpoint that matched their faces with the file copies from previous check points and their skin conductivity and vital signs with a similar prior reading, as well as scanning for metal, half a dozen varieties of ultra-hardened polymers, explosive or flammable materials, transmitting devices on a wavelength spectrum from ultra-micro to ultralong, and two different types of energy signatures.

The monitoring for the checkpoint was remote (the entire antechamber could be locked down with a single button if needed, and discreet cameras provided additional monitoring,) so it seemed simply like walking through a rather more elaborate than usual detector, nothing too ominous.

Cardinal Tsao-Li greeted them cordially, and made them welcome. The Singular Executive of the Hazadrian Federation, with the Archbishop of Hadar, was already present, also a party of Carmelite Abbesses, who were in Rome both for the Inauguration and for their Order's triennial General Chapter meeting. There were refreshments available, with a young priest to serve them.

The sisters were seen first, but their audience was short. While they were with the Pontiff, the International Minister from P'ao Ana Na-Iki arrived, wearing a business suit and the colorful headscarf of the islands.

When the nuns emerged, Cardinal Tsao-Li beckoned to the Cetagandan Consort and his escort. They were ushered into the Audience chamber, where Leo sat in a heavy chair with Monsignor Verelst and members of the Noble Guard at hand. A short clear aisle led between comfortable chairs to a small railing with a gate, which the Major Domo held open so that they could approach the Pontiff and receive the Apostolic Blessing. When that was completed, they were led to the most comfortable chairs.

The Pontiff smiled at the young man and his escort in a very friendly manner. "We are very appreciative, your Highness, of the long journey you have made to bring your people's greetings to Rome. We trust your journey was pleasant, and that you will have some time to view the many historic treasures of our City."

(OOC: We are still being a bit fluid with the timeline, but it might be good to note that the actual inauguration/installation ceremony is only a small part of the inaugural festivities for the installation of a new Pope. There are also a wide variety of Audiences, pastoral visits to special churches in Rome, etc., that are part of the ‘welcome’ celebrations for a new Pope. We’ll include a few more of these in the next few days.)


Pasco di Vianello, Commissario of the Vatican’s Corpo di Vigilanzi, had what might have been the best seat in the house for the installation ceremony of Pope Leo XIV. The unobtrusive, well-camouflaged security control point set up for the event had monitors on every camera, including those in the security sniper points inside the basilica dome. With crowned heads and VIPs from dozens of nations present, security could not possibly be too tight.

The Pope had walked, wearing his white zucchetto and the white and gold-embroidered cope, from the Apostolic Palace to the Basilica, in procession behind the Camerlengo and the Master of Ceremonies, followed by prelates and surrounded by the Noble Guard in their blue and yellow uniforms.

Leo had consulted extensively with the Master of Ceremonies and the various historians who specialized in papal ceremonies, to craft a ceremony that would blend traditional elements so beloved of the conservative factions with the very real humility he felt, and still include the gravamen of the occasion: receiving the Pallium, and rendering the revised Oath that Sixtus VI had instituted.

The procession made its way up the main aisle. Once again, nearly 70,000 people were seated in the Basilica, and the screens were set up in St. Peter’s Square to show the ceremony to another 300,000 or so observers. The press was a massive presence, as it had been for the funeral, and in spite of the little frissom of thrill at the thought of possible terrorist action, there was little reference to it. By now the commentators were so caught up in breathless descriptions of the pageantry, the tradition, and the various notables present that such threats were relegated to ‘and also’ status.

Di Vianello, in the security center, smiled grimly. Anything could happen, of course, but the information that the Genovese operatives had, er, ‘received’ from the Warriors of Jesus pointed to some attempt to interfere with an Audience. Not a jot of the combined security forces’ readiness or skill was abated on that basis, of course—it could be a clever diversion—but Scarpa had assured them that it was ‘unlikely the informants were being insincere.’ Di Vianello had carefully refrained from asking further questions.

The procession moved at a stately pace up to the nave, where the Chair of Peter was placed under a canopy beside the altar. The Sistine Choir sang an anthem, and the Pope was led to stand in front of the altar. First he was handed the pastoral staff—unlike the crozier of an ordinary bishop, the Holy Father bore a staff headed with a cross, rather than a shepherd’s crook.

Di Vianello checked each monitor, and ran a routine “shout” down the line of the various observation stations. Each station had one or two officers in it, and their throat mikes were piped for a gain level that enabled them to subvocalize.

“Stazione uno”

“Stazione due…”

…

“Stazione tredici”

By sheer coincidence, there were thirteen of them—just like the Stations of the Cross.

He looked back at the monitor on the nave, noting that they had progressed to the Oath. Leo was standing before the altar and in a clear voice, vowing to:

…“safeguard reverently the passed-on good, with my whole strength and utmost effort;

To cleanse all that is in contradiction to the canonical order, should such appear; to guard the Holy Canons and Dogma of our Church as if they were the divine ordinance of Heaven, because I am conscious of Thee, whose place I take through the Grace of God, whose Vicarship I possess with Thy support, being subject to severest accounting before Thy Divine Tribunal over all that I shall confess;

I will keep without sacrifice to itself the discipline and the rite of the Church. I will put outside the Church any who contravene or pollute the magisterium of the Church, may it be somebody else or I.

If I should prove false to this oath, or should permit another to offend against what I vow to preserve, I will forfeit Thy mercy on the Day of Divine Justice.”

Di Vianello turned to the exterior checkpoints, running his eye over the various monitors that kept the Square entirely in view. The Genovese people had made some decided improvements there; and di Vianello already had made a note for his next budget request to make them permanent. The Square was just too open, and those colonnades offered too much cover. Even with the Balcony protected by polysilicate shielding, there were too many opportunities for mayhem there. However, the crowd was currently staring, mesmerized, at the huge screens where Cardinal di Corneliano could be seen, pinning the Pallium around Leo’s shoulders.

A Sergeant pressed a few keys, and on a monitor screen the “situation assessment” metrics appeared in real time responses. So far everything was in acceptable parameters.

Leo was led to the Chair of Peter, and seated. The Master of Ceremonies brought the Tiara. Leo had elected to use the Tiara of his predecessor, Leo XIII; requesting that Sicily (which had offered to create and donate a new Tiara in honor of their native son’s elevation,) instead contribute an equivalent amount to one of his Holiness’ favorite charities—a mission that provided end-of-life care to those dying from the terrible effects of the Gillsons viral plague.

Carefully, Rinaldi proffered the cushion upon which the triregno rested. Di Corneliano took it in both hands, noting as he lifted it how heavy it was. Leo bent his head; the expression on his face was solemn. The tiara descended, rested in place. Di Corneliano stepped away, and Rinaldi offered the smaller tray, cushioned with velvet, that held the Fisherman’s Ring, with its intaglio of St. Peter, casting his net, and the engraving “LEO PP XIV.” The ring was placed on his finger.

The Camerlengo presented the Pope to the people, reciting his titles in a ringing voice:

“Bishop of Rome”

“Vicar of Jesus Christ”

“Successor of St. Peter”

“Prince of the Apostles”

“Supreme Pontiff of The Universal Church”

“Patriarch of The West”

“Primate of Italy”

“Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province”

“Sovereign of Vatican City State”

“Leo, the Fourteenth of that Name!”

Rinaldi’s assistant, Monsignor Kane, had by this time made his way around to the end of the widely spaced rows where the Cardinals of the Church waited, a sea of red.

The Pope stood, and the longest part of the ceremony began. Each Cardinal approached. Each genuflected and kissed the Ring, each rose and recited the same Oath they had recited upon their elevation: Personal loyalty to the head of their Church, the new Pope, Leo XIV. One by one they came, each made the Oath, each was embraced and exchanged the Kiss of Peace with their new Pontiff.

Finally, Leo approached the Altar, and genuflected. He laid his tiara there, in token that his authority rested with, and from, God alone, not within himself. He would never wear it again, the single symbolic crowning was sufficient.

The tiara was replaced with a papal miter, white and gold. He took up the pastoral staff. Again the procession formed, but this time the destination was to the very steps of the Basilica.

Di Vinello held his breath. The spot where the Pontiff would stand, at the top of the steps, was carefully shielded by near-invisible polysilicate panels, and miked to make the sound of the Pontiff’s voice clear and natural. Nevertheless, he would be standing alone, before 300,000 people, in that Square.

Leo reached the spot. He stood, and lifted his staff, and gave the Apostolic Blessing Urbi et Orbi, to the City and to the World. Then the cheering broke out.

“Il Papa!”

“Viva Il Papa”

Over and over again, from 300,000 throats. It went on and on.

Only those standing closest to Leo could see the tear tracks on his rather craggy face as he finally turned, and the procession re-formed, and went back to the Apostolic Palace.

Archbishop Vorn called Grand Master Marn and Grand Inquisitor Bern to his office in the Royal Chapel, the fortifed massive catheral near the even more massive Royal Palace, Castle Dora at the heart of the great Royal Capital of the Ancient Kingdom of Teritora. He looked at them when they came in. Grand Master Marn looked every inch the Teritoran Ideal for what an knight of the church should be, He was an tall elderly man in his sixties who while moving more slowly than in his youth had not lost his strength. Grand Inquisitor Bern on the other hand, an man in his fifties had people cross themselves and make wards against evil in the air when he went by. It had nothing to do with the fact he was the Grand Inquisitor and everything to do with the fact he looked all world like the an Teritoran Legonary evil anceint old man used to scare childern into obendence called Herui. Throw in the fact he was the grand inquisitor and it made him the 2nd scarest man in Teritora.

Archbishop Vorn spoke up when both men settled down. "Theres an new pope evently in the Vatican."

Grand Master Marn. "There is, I guess its time to sent the usual message."

Grand Inquisitor Bern nodded. "Indeed, its not like they will notice though."

Archbishop Vorn. "Nodded indeed, the letter is ready for us to sign and send. Lets get to it."

The trio signed ans short letter of greetings to the new pope wishing him an long service in god as pope, signed it and sent it before going back to their duties.

Archbishop Vorn called Grand Master Marn and Grand Inquisitor Bern to his office in the Royal Chapel, the fortifed massive catheral near the even more massive Royal Palace, Castle Dora at the heart of the great Royal Capital of the Ancient Kingdom of Teritora. He looked at them when they came in. Grand Master Marn looked every inch the Teritoran Ideal for what an knight of the church should be, He was an tall elderly man in his sixties who while moving more slowly than in his youth had not lost his strength. Grand Inquisitor Bern on the other hand, an man in his fifties had people cross themselves and make wards against evil in the air when he went by. It had nothing to do with the fact he was the Grand Inquisitor and everything to do with the fact he looked all world like the an Teritoran Legonary evil anceint old man used to scare childern into obendence called Herui. Throw in the fact he was the grand inquisitor and it made him the 2nd scarest man in Teritora.

Archbishop Vorn spoke up when both men settled down. "Theres an new pope evently in the Vatican."

Grand Master Marn. "There is, I guess its time to sent the usual message."

Grand Inquisitor Bern nodded. "Indeed, its not like they will notice though."

Archbishop Vorn. "Nodded indeed, the letter is ready for us to sign and send. Lets get to it."

The trio signed ans short letter of greetings to the new pope wishing him an long service in god as pope, signed it and sent it before going back to their duties.

A messenger delivered the documents to Cardinal Ximenes’ suite at St. Martha’s, sealed in a red-bordered envelope with the Secretariat seal on it, and covered by a note from Angelini:

Dear Brother—

These four men are those who are regarded as most likely to fit in Tanah Burung from among the current group of candidates for diplomatic appointment. Please share them with Bishop Mangunvijaya, and provide me with any comments you might have, or preferences you would like to express. Do, however, remember that these materials are confidential and should be destroyed when you are finished with them.

If you have questions or would like to discuss any of them further, please do not hesitate to call and talk to myself or Archbishop Rahner, or to drop by the office for a chat.

In Christ
+ Carlo Giovanni Cardinal Angelini
Secretary of State (Acting)

Upon opening the envelope, Ximenes found:



TO: Carlo Giovanni Cardinal Angelini, Secretary of State (Acting)

FROM: Regional Appointments Desk, Office of the Sostituto

For your Eminence’s consideration as potential appointees for the Tanah Burung Nunciature:


Archbishop Osvaldo Patabendige Ranjith; 59 (Sri Lankan)

Ranjith was born in Sri Lanka to a middle-class Catholic family and attended schools run by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He attended Trinity College in Colombo, studying history and law, and then went to France where he studied at the Lyon University. He then attended the Trinity Seminary in Wahnekistan and returned to Colombo for ordination as a diocesan priest.

He served many years with distinction there, and was elevated to the Monsignorate, assisting the Church to organize new educational foundations and expanding the Catholic education system, finally becoming Chancellor of Trinity. After study at the Gregorian University in Rome, he was ordained to the See of Natakral in Kabin, Africa, at the age of forty-eight, and became Provincial of Kabin three years ago. During his service in Kabin, he was responsible for the creation of two new seminaries for the training of diocesan clergy, and the implementation of higher theological and canon law studies at DeVeeck University in Datingi.

His Excellency is a man of thoughtful and scholarly disposition, but warm in human contacts and very popular with his staff and parishioners. His lifelong interest in education and clerical training has led him to develop new curricula that have been particularly acclaimed among the Asian and African mission churches, and his book “St. Augustine’s Footsteps” is regarded as definitive in tracing Augustinian theological development.

He is regarded as orthodox in practice but extremely liberal in outlook.


Bishop Francois Taofinu, 53 (From the South Pacific Island of Takapiti)

Bishop Taofinu was born of a French colonial governor’s daughter and the first native Takapitian President elected after Takapitian independence. He attended Jesuit schools and seminaries in Manila, but ended up taking vows as a Dominican at the Cainta Monastery. His Order sent him to Japan for advanced study, and he was ordained a priest at the age of 26. He studied in Rome at the Lateran University for several years before returning, ultimately, to Takapiti, where he undertook to found the first Dominican congregation in the island, and brought a considerable Dominican presence to the Church in Takapiti.

The Dominicans then returned him to Rome, where he was appointed to a number of administrative posts for the General Chapter, and attended the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. He was ordained to the See of St. Milesius at the age of 46, and has held two previous diplomatic appointments for the Holy See; as Legate to Jamaica and as Nuncio to Tel Karahi in western Asia.

Bishop Taofinu has taken a deep interest in Asian and Pacific missionary work, especially the work of Doctors for Global Health, and has been active in recruiting support for medical research on the Gillsons viral plague and other diseases endemic to the Pacific rim area. He is reserved but cordial in manner, and inspires great respect among his colleagues.

Moderately liberal on most Church issues, the Bishop is extremely passionate on matters pertaining to economic policies and Liberation Theology, but sufficiently orthodox to maintain good standing in the Secretariat.


Bishop Emile de Chevigny, 47 (From the African state of Mauriennu)

Bishop de Chevigny comes from a very old Catholic tradition in North Africa. He was educated at the University of Cartagio and attended seminary in Rome at St. Anthony M. Zaccaria, being ordained in Italy before returning to Mauriennu for additional advanced study at the University of Cartagio, receiving a doctorate of theology, and fulfilling parish duties in the capital.

He received a teaching appointment to the Archbishop’s Seminary in Malta, and a concurrent appointment to the University there. He has published two theology texts that are widely used in Catholic Universities, a text on homiletics, and one popular book on the Real Presence that has been printed in seven languages and sold extremely well. He was ordained as an auxiliary to the See of Cartagio at the age of 42, and accepted for advanced study in Rome the same year. He was a distinguished Interlocutor at the most recent Conference on InterReligious dialogue, and recordings of his series of televised theological discussions with Masuri al-Asir, the Grand Mullah of Mauriennu, are widely available.

Bishop de Chavigny has done considerable work on Christian-Muslim relations and is widely regarded at one of the Church’s most promising theologians and writers. He is also an excellent and eloquent speaker with a vivid and charismatic personality and a keenly penetrating scholarly intelligence.

Bishop de Chavigny takes a moderate view of most theological and practical issues currently facing the Church, although he is known to strongly favor the recent Papal Encyclican “Magna Opus Dei,” especially in regards to the return of Latin scholarship to the Church’s educational concerns.


Archbishop Cristobal de Lizarraga, 63 (Paraguayan)

De Lizarraga is a member of the Salesian Order, taking vows at an early age. He worked for many years among the indigenous communities of Paraguay, before returning to San Pedro to study for his ordination. Upon ordination, he returned for some time to the Indian communities, but became convinced that the answers to many of their problems could be found in Asunción, where government policy was made. Upon petitioning for an appointment to the capital, he received a parish there and began several years of careful and diplomatic activism to encourage greater local autonomy for many of the Indian tribes, and government restraint on land abuses.

He was ordained an Auxiliary to the diocese of Villeta at 48, and carried out much valuable work there establishing schools and training facilities for mission workers in literacy, agricultural development, and economic self-sufficiency projects. The Order sent him to the University of the Holy Cross in Rome for advanced study. Upon his return to Paraguay he was made Metropolitan of Gran Chaco province.

His Excellency was appointed Apostolic Legate to Angola three years ago, and was considered to have done an outstanding job of both re-establishing diplomatic relations, and assisting the local Episcopal Council in the restructuring of provincial diocese and organization. His demeanor is quiet and authoritative, but approachable and warm.

De Lizarraga is regarded as somewhat conservative on theological issues but outspokenly liberal on economic and social issues.

Archbishop Nataka reviewed the message from the Teritorans and noted the signatures.

Archbishop Vorn, that was orthodox enough. “Grand Master Marn?” Some local organization, no doubt, like the Knights of Columbus or other national Catholic men’s club. There were a good many of them.

Oh, dear. Another Inquisitor. He made a note for one of his secretaries to forward a copy of the correspondence to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. It was rumored that Cardinal Renard was taking a personal interest in dealing with the phenomenon. Of course, he was only acting at the moment, and conceivably the Holy Father could appoint someone else at the upcoming Consistory, when the Curial offices would be distributed, but Nataka would have put a substantial bet on the possibility of Renard finding a way to remain influential in such matters regardless of how the distribution of offices fell.

The Archbishop dictated a friendly thanks for the greeting, and an Apostolic Blessing to the Church and people of Teritora, and put it in the queue for review and dispatch.

Dismissed, Ximenes backed out of the audience. After some time in quiet prayer, he returned to his room to find Angelini's letter. He scrawled a quick note in reply.

Eminence,

I am staggered by the quality of candidates you are considering for the Nunciature in Tanah Burung. Truly, the church is blessed with riches. I will consult with Bishop Mangunvijaya and send you my comments as soon as possible. My thanks for the honour you do us.

Message from Grand Master Molay:
To:Pope Leo XIV


Congratulations on your election! You were the best man for the job. I would like to request a private audience with you. We shall discuss the future of the Knights Templar and the Vatican. As im sure you have found out, the Knights Templar were not destroyed by your church we merely went underground. As of now we harbor no ill will against you but we must also discuss the Sangreal and the future of it. I look forward to your response.


GM Molay
Grand Master of the Knights Templar and the Priory of Sion

OOC: ... Knights Templar, if you really know *anything* about the organisations you claim to be, I'll be very surprised. As I pointed out to HVS earlier this month, the PoS is a heretical movement of the highest calibre. However, I've been bored. Open a chapter in Roania. We'll have some laughs.

IC:

Ver'chan sank to the ground. "I was a fool. You must understand... I panicked. My Patriarch, Malcom Frasier, had sent me a note... I'm sure you've seen it... detailing plans for reform, for making the Roanian church a 'kinder organisation'..." tears came from his eyes. "They wanted to change it... change it! And... and I... I who... I who had given my whole life to the church... they..." he closed his eyes, and spoke no more, just shuddering from some deep trauma.

(OOC: Knights Templar, we're going to pretend we never saw you. Please go back and read this thread:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=138449&highlight=

And you will see that we are RPing a Church based very closely on the RL Church of today, Vatican II, JPII, and all.

In our multiverse, we did our darndest to wipe the Templars off the face of the earth seven centuries ago and succeeded, and it's completely unlikely we'd recognize any such organization today. Likewise nutball conspiracy movements like the PoS.

However, there's plenty of other multiverses on NS--you could even create your own and appoint yourself Pope! We don't want to crab your RP, but you're not on our wavelengh.

BTW, More later, all... getting late and we busted our chops doing the VatOrg posts in All About. We'll catch up in the next day or so, promise...)

OOC

Knight Templars? Looks like we missed a few ...

Back in his room, Ximenes grabbed the mobile phone and dialled Mangunvijaya's private line. "I have a list of candidates for the Nunciature, Bapak."

"Already? This new Vatican moves with blinding speed," Mangunvijaya laughed. "Well, do tell."

"Of course. First there's Archbishop Osvaldo Patabendige Ranjith. He was born in Sri Lanka to a-"

"Ranjith?" the voice on the phone interrupted.

"Yes, that's the name."

"Not the Ranjith who says Jesus cared not for the plight of the poor, only for their souls! No, i'm sure that no one would suggest such a candidate to minister to the church in Tanah Burung! Who else?"

"Next is Bishop Francois Taofinu. He's a Pacific islander and a Dominican with a lot of mission experience."

"Yes, i've heard of his medical work, of course. He'd be a good fit."

"That was my thought, too," Ximenes said. "Archbishop Ranjith sounds good to me also, but back to the list. Bishop Emile de Chevigny is an African with expertise in loving among the Muslims and apparently a backer of Pope's encyclical on bringing back the Latin mass."

"Ah, the Tridentine mass. Yes, if anyone asks, tell them we're working on that. Not much demand for it in these parts, of course, but in such things we shall obey His Holiness." Mangunvijaya gave another laugh. "You tell those Tridentine fans that the mass in Tetemelayu is beautiful too, though!"

"But the language of the ancient church..."

".. never won any converts in the Asia Pacific. Forgive me, it's another European matter that does not concern us much one way or the other, and i really am working on making mass available in Latin. Who else?"

"The final candidate is Archbishop Cristobal de Lizarraga, who started his work among the original people in Paraguay."

"A good man. They're all good men, actually. We'll have to press for someone who's appropriate for the political situation, though. The way things are going with Knootoss, i think that means we should suggest avoiding sending a white man as the first Nuncio, or else his residence would probably be pelted with vegetables by the hot heads. I leave this to you, but i'd rank Taofinu first, de Chevigny second, Ranjith third and de Lizarraga last."

Ximenes thanked him, hung up, and placed a call to Angelini's office. He'd have to ask about this Ranjith, and explain the political imperatives.

Esteban looked down at Ver’Chan, his heart wrung by conflicting emotions of pity and exasperation. How had such a man ever reached his position within the Church? Surely, things were seriously wrong in Roania. He patted his colleague’s shoulder.

“Come, now. Charles. There is nothing beyond the mercy of God to forgive, or the ability of Divine Providence to handle. It is a grave sin, but we must consider how to minimize the damage, and how you can atone with true penitence. For a Cardinal of the Holy Church to make such grievous errors…” he sighed. “Well. It is a large matter. I would like, with your permission, to discuss this matter with the Holy Father, and with the Abbott President of the Pacific Congregation, Bishop Worosun. They may have some insight into how best to deal with this matter.”

“May I have that permission?”

Father Kwan answered Cardinal Angelini’s phone.

“Cardinal Ximenes? His Eminence is just returning to the office. One moment, please.”

Ximenes could hear a muffled greeting in the background, sounds of movement and a door opening, closing. In a moment, the line clicked.

“What can I do for you, Hilario?” the Secretary of State enquired cheerfully.

He rose without a word, Elves!? Good christians?! He never had encountered such a heresy. How could this have happened? They had put their trust in the cardinal Iesus had sent to this so called papal meeting, but obviously Satan had his claws deeper into the priesthood than they ever could have imagined. High Inquisitor Adolfus Gustavus looked out through the window while pondering what this could cause. Elves with souls... He knew that this was the first step from those devious hellspawn to infiltrate the holy church, the next step would be to put a elf on the throne of the holy father, an eternal elf, an elf that would live forever and forever have the power, claiming to be the voice of God on earth. Laughing as it brought destruction and misery to human kind, forever until someone pure put an end to its rule.

Actually the long lives of the elves was indeed itself a proof that the elves were abominations to god. God created man, and he gave him life, a life long enough to accomplish things, but short enough to appreciate what he had accomplished. Man was not equal to god. But lived to serve god. Gustavus kneeled and made the cross sign. ” Gloria Patri, et filio, et spiritui sancto. Gloria in Excelsis Deo. Munda cor meum ac labia mea. Papam, memento te mortalem esse.” Gustavus crossed himself again and rose. Full of determination, he now knew what he had to do, he started signing the orders.

(ooh, ominous!)

"I beg forgiveness for disturbing you," Ximenes said. "I just wanted to thank you for the list of candidates for the Nunciature. Any one of them would be a marvellous Nuncio, i know it. I just wanted to ask with regard to Archbishop Ranjith, is he the same one that has been quoted by the Asian Human Rights Commission as saying that Christ cared only for the souls of the poor, not for their poverty? If he is, i fear it would be politically difficult to host him. Since all of these candidates are more than acceptable to our Bishops' Conference, i would like to make sure that the choice falls on one who will not cause political difficulties."

Charles Ver'chan nodded, whispering to himself the Lord's Prayer in Latin. After he finished, he looked up at the other man. "You have my permission... may they judge me as I deserve..."

Angelini said, “No need to ask forgiveness, Hilario; this is not a disturbance. It is an opportunity to fulfill my duties, and quite a pleasant one. Hmmmm… I am surprised that canard about Osvaldo is still circulating.”

He sighed. “Do me the smallest of favors, Hilario? I am going to send over a recording of Archbishop Ranjith’s address before the Asian Human Rights Commission. Please view the recording and come to your own conclusion, yes?”

“In any case, if that rumor is circulating in Tanah Burung, it would be better to place someone else there. I will talk to the Holy Father about it, but at this point I am inclined to recommend Francois Taofinu as the best fit. The Holy Father will make the final choice, of course, but unless you have some additional concerns, that will probably meet with his approval.”

He chatted with the Cardinal for a few moments, asking him about the conditions in Ukun Rasikan, and travel times between there and Tiga Burung and BYMD City.

“And I wished to ask the specifics attached to establishing the physical presence of the Nunciature itself, Hilario. Ideally, we like to obtain a list of potential sites from the host government, and have our advance team do the final selection and either adaptation of existing structure or building a new facility, depending on what is available. We are very modest, compared to most embassies, in our space needs, but we do have some unusual requirements, such as a space that can be appropriately dedicated to a Church sanctuary and a chapel for the staff.”


*********************

Later that day, a messenger delivered the promised recording of Archbishop Ranjith’s address at the Asian Human Rights Commission. His topic had been the role of the Church in addressing human rights issues and abuses in the region.

Ranjith was a thickset, very dark-skinned man with a thoughtful, rather intense focus about the eyes, and evident in the measured cadences of his delivery. It was a substantial address, but someone at the Secretariat had thoughtfully bookmarked the controversial passage.


“And what are we doing, the Church is repeatedly asked, to address the economic inequities of the region? Is this not a human rights focus, too?”

He leaned into the podium a trifle. “My respected friends, I am going to shock you. The Church does not regard simply ‘being poor’ as a violation of human rights. Poverty, in and of itself, is not a condition to be avoided at all costs, or social-engineered out of existence. Indeed, we of the Church see the willing embrace of material poverty as a powerful tool for spiritual growth. And did Jesus not say that the souls of the poor would more easily find their way into heaven than the souls of the rich?”

“How many of the great Saints of our Church have been formed in the crucible of poverty, and turned that suffering into the most noble and inspiring leadership for the Faith?”

“Poverty, which Saint Francis called ‘his dear and excellent Lady Poverty,’ is not in and of itself, the problem! The problem is the degradation that comes hand-in-hand with poverty in the midst of plenty, the class and race discriminations attached to poverty that deny to the poor their human dignity, and the invisibility and isolation imposed upon the poor by those who would like to believe it is possible to live in a world where no one is poor—or at least, no one important.” The Archbishop allowed a touch of trenchant irony into his tone on this.

“‘The poor we shall always have with us.’ This is unchanging truth from the book of our faith. Yet even without that assurance, we have seen through the centuries the essential truth that efforts to simply engineer poverty out of existence in complex nations and social groups often leads to worse tyranny and social evils than mere indifference to poverty.”

“The approach of the Church, then, is not to attempt to eliminate poverty. We believe it is possible to live fully realized even in the most materially destitute of conditions. Rather, we seek to eliminate the social concomitants of poverty that rob the poor of their dignity and their access to the resources we believe it is the responsibility of all governments to provide for their people: education, freedom of conscience, basic health care, participation in their own political and social self-determination, and economic opportunity.”

“Economic inequity is a terrible social problem, and the Church has led, and is committed to continue leading, in the fight to address this inequity—not because we believe it is possible or even desirable to eliminate poverty, but because the attempt is an expression of love that allows us to grow ever closer to the model Christ gave us of care and mercy for one another. The poor are not the beneficiaries of this work, they are the benefactors. We who work to alleviate poverty, and, more importantly, to assure those human rights that must be secured even in the face of ineradicable poverty—we are the beneficiaries.”

Esteban nodded. “Then, my son, I will consult with them, and we will determine the best course of action. In the meantime, I enjoin you to refrain from celebrating the Mass, although you may attend and, upon conditional absolution, receive Communion. And I further enjoin you to leave your room here at St. Martha’s only to attend meals, Divine Office, and to walk in the garden on occasion, for your health. Use this time to meditate upon the nature of this mortal sin, and upon the nature of penance. There are a number of inspirational books available on the Library Network,” he gestured toward the terminal on the suite’s desk.”

“I will give you a conditional absolution now, upon the condition of your true penitence and rejection of your sin, and upon your true and heartfelt efforts to atone through the penance we shall lay upon you when I have consulted with the Holy Father and with Bishop Worosun.”

He blessed his colleague, and said gravely:

“ God, the Father of mercies,
through the death and the resurrection of his Son
has reconciled the world to himself
and sent the Holy Spirit among us
for the forgiveness of sins;
through the ministry of the Church
may God give you pardon and peace,
and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

He smiled at Ver’Chan, with a slightly troubled brow still, and said encouragingly. “If you need me, Charles, please feel free to call at any time. This can be a very troubling time, I know. My office always knows where to reach me, and I will give them instructions to find me immediately if you call.”


With that, he left the Roanian Cardinal, heading back to his office. “Please see if Bishop Worosun has left yet, and if not, ask him to remain for an important meeting with myself and the Holy Father. And call the Apartment to schedule that meeting. And,” he sighed, “Please call his Grace the Duke of Roslin and New Agua, and request that he visit us to discuss the matter of Cardinal Zhiosky’s death. Be sure that appointment is a day or so after our meeting with the Holy Father.”

Father Kadesky nodded. “Yes, your Eminence.” He called the Abbey of San Paolo first, where the various Abbots President of Benedictine Congregations who had come to Rome for the Papal installation were staying.


The next morning, Cardinal Esteban met with Bishop Worosun and Leo XIV over breakfast in the Papal Apartment. The Pope and the Benedictine Bishop listened gravely to his tale of Ver’Chan’s confession and penitence. The Bishop’s face, in particular, grew longer and longer as he listened.

“Oh dear,” he said, in his slight sing-song accent, when the Dean had finished. “This is a very bad state of affairs. We have been most remiss of the Congregation’s Houses in Roania, clearly. We must schedule a pastoral visit immediately to assess the situation.” He sighed. “Our Order has received great benefit from the degree of autonomy we allow to our Houses and Congregations—it keeps us vital and helps make our work uniquely suited to the context of our communities. But on occasion it has its drawbacks.”

He bowed his head. “With your permission, Holy Father, I will bring the issue of Roania’s Benedictines to our next General Chapter. It is possible that we will need to appoint Proctors for some of the Roanian houses, if the situation warrants it.”

Leo nodded. “That sounds wise. We have certainly become most concerned about the situation in Roania. That a holy Abbot could reach the level of Episcopal ordination, and elevation to the Cardinalate, with such a terribly flawed understanding of basic Church doctrine is…” he shook his head, “inconceivable. Yet it seems to be a symptom of a larger problem that goes beyond Roania. The Church has much work to do in restoring orthodoxy.”

He turned to Esteban. “What do you recommend, Vicente?”

The Dean of the College of Cardinals looked troubled. “I have been giving it much thought. The most appalling aspect of the affair is that I cannot even be certain that Charles fully understands the nature and depths of sin that ultimately resulted in the premature death of a good and holy old man, nor yet its effects on him and his soul. He seems to have little or no understanding of many basic theological foundations of the faith! How this could have come about…” he sighed. “Well, that larger question is secondary at the moment.”

He turned to Worosun. “He cannot return to his House in Roania. For one thing, I very much doubt he’d live long enough to learn sufficient theology to find true repentance and atonement. Duke Leopold had some affection for Yaakov, I think, and has been known to act… precipitately.”

The Bishop nodded. “Are you suggesting that he transfer to another House?”

“Not just another house, but a stricter Rule within the Benedictine family, I think. And certainly not in Roania. Someplace where the doctrine is sound as a rock and there is plenty of access to theological education.”

“A stricter Rule?” Worosun’s brows went up. “That would be Cistercian, or even Trappist. Hmmm… the Trappists have a very silent Rule, with much attention to scholarship and manual labor.”

Esteban. “Just what he needs, I think.”

The Benedictine thought about it. “How about St. Brede’s, in Effrenata? They supply theology instruction materials for a good many schools. Something might rub off…”

Esteban nodded. “Very well. I will put it to him. He can transfer to the Trappists at St. Brede’s, under life vows. Or, return to Roania.”

Leo canted a brow. “Not much of a choice.”

“No. But for a Cardinal of the Church to commit such a crime…” Worosun was distressed, even yet. “Your Holiness should probably dispense him from his Cardinalitial duties, as well. And suspend him from his See, of course.”

The Pope nodded. “That is already in hand.”


After breakfast, Cardinal Esteban undertook the painful duty of explaining this to Ver’Chan.

“With this atonement, my son, you will be able to cleanse your soul and undertake the learning necessary for true Catholic piety and participation in the great Sacrifice of Redemption. It is a hard thing to ask of a man who has exercised the powers of a Bishop, and been raised to the dignity of Cardinal, but humility is above all the key to spiritual growth. Undertake this, and absolution will clear the guilt from your soul and help you return to the light of truth in Christ.”

“If you accept this penance, I will simply inform Duke Leopold, when he comes to meet with me this afternoon, that you have decided to renounce your Cardinalitial duties and request this transfer to a stricter Rule, and that you have the Holy Father’s blessing in this decision.”

Ver'chan said nothing. He had stripped from his Cardinal's robe, and had returned to his habit, the only cloth he had ever wanted. "I accept this penance ... but..." he seemed to desperately want to make himself understood, why he had acted the way he had. "Please, your Eminence... you must understand I only had the good of the Church in mind... I can see it... the creeping corruption of liberalism, of change... why can no one else see..." his voice took on a pleading quality. "Why could none of my brothers in the Empire see? I thought that here..." he closed his eyes. "I go to my penance, and I pray that the Lord God will show me the truth..."

<===========>

Leopold was walking through St. Peter's cathedral, taking a look at the beauty all around him. He stopped in front of one of the side altars, using the force of his personality to clear a space for himself. He started to whisper a sombre air, a prayer for the dead in the Rite of Novar Ohan. May Cardinal Zhiosky be happier where ever he has gone, then his life on this world has been. He thought after he had finished. I will contact The Patriarch about a beatification when I return home. He's coming here with Malissa when... she... His eyes opened wide. I need to tell someone...

OOC:My, won't he be surpised when if he looks farther and find out the grand Master really is the head of an miltant order like the templers and other knightly reglious orders and that hasn't gone peaceful or been wiped out. He'll likely take that as well as when he finds out its not the only militant order and that the Teritoran catholic church gots its own army.

IC: Archbishop Vorn read the thanks and the blessing when it arrived and
then forwarded it to Grand Inquisitor Bern and Grand Master Marn. He had wondered wither there would be an reaction to an existance of an Grand Inquisitor in the response there wasn't. Just as well, the Inquisition did good work in Teritora. He had also half expected further reaction to the existance of an active reglious order of knights still being around, maybe they had thought it was just some mens club, like some outlanders countries had or something. Archbishop Vorn shrugged, well what god willed would be. He rose, it was time for mass.

---

---

ooc: Lets see if I can catch up and hopefully not mess anything up here ...



There was no blood. There was no need for such barbaric methods, not when one had an in depth knowledge of pressure points and pain centers, and more importantly, how to achieve the desired results with it. Alberigo and Nattore were adept at both.

It had been a struggle, no doubt. The religious fervor with which the Warriors of Jesus maintained their position of truth and justice had made things difficult, as well as the decidedly strong martyr streak they seemed possessed of. It became clear early on that the initial tactics of mind games and subtle threats would not be effective – while the casual arranging of tools (most of which were never used, and those that were, seldom in ways one usually expected) had made them quiver delightfully, it had not loosened their lips. More stringent methods had been required.

Still, their efforts had paid off in the end, and both were confident that even if an inquiry were called, which they doubted, that they and their employers would be sufficiently covered. It boiled down to the words of criminals against respected security officers with a spotless record – as if it would be any other way.

The information gathered had been useful, and somewhat unexpected. They had displayed surprising intelligence in choosing the times for their attacks. The inauguration itself had been targeted for only minor efforts, in the hopes that they would be repelled, and in turn, security would be lulled into a false sense of security. The festivities following were another matter entirely. No one of them knew all the targets or times, save for a carefully protected handful – another surprising show of organization and forethought – and the various cells each had their missions to fulfil. Genovese and the Vigilanzi would have their hands full, no doubt.

--------------------------------------

The lab reports had come back as expected, and Scalia had lost no time getting the information from that, and his two operative’s efforts to di Vianello. Their efforts were no less vigilant throughout the ceremony, and it was with a sincere sigh of relief that he sat down at the end of the day, cappuccino in hand, and plotted out the next steps in continuing to assist maintaining a tight security. It was worth more than his life were something to go wrong, and he knew it.

-----------------------------

Battista had watched the ceremony with clear and sincere emotion. Gambini – that was, Pope Leo – had been the obvious choice for the Dominion, and he had been both elated and nervous when the announcement had finally come. His previous meeting with the man had shown himself to be a competent leader, and should the occasion call for it, adversary. The following years would be interesting indeed. He had no regrets.

His surprise at being offered a private audience still had him rather flustered, albeit in a good way. He penned a respectful response confirming his attendance, and made certain to be well rested for the meeting. It would, no doubt, require him to be on his toes. The more pious part of his Catholic soul was deeply humbled by the honor shown him in this. The part that was pure Dominion, born and bred, looked forward to the challenge of it immensely.

------------------------------------------

Niccolo Giraldi, Minister of Religion for the Dominion, was concerned. He was aware of Battista’s attendance, and although the Church and the State had been on amicable enough terms of late, this new turn of events had him rethinking things. His arrival was late, due to unforeseen circumstances back home, but he hoped nonetheless to represent the Dominion Government well here – and to keep an eye on things, including Battista.

It had been ages since he had seen Rome, and it thrilled him no less now than it had then. He took note of the strong similarities in architecture and ambience between here and home, which of course only made the differences stand out that much more. It was a bittersweet sort of smile he wore, watching the passing scenery on the drive in from the airport, but he did not let it distract him too much from the task at hand.

Archbishop Mishani and Grand Inquisitor Misha looked at the message they wrote before sending it. It was an simple message of greetings, blessings and other pleantaries with their names and titles on it. If they had known it was extremely similair to an Teritoran message sent it would have been changed. The Tordorans and the Teritorans loathed each other and it extended to church relations between the two branches of Catholism. While both were militant, the Tordoran church was known without proof for taking sadisic pleasure in dealing with heretics, nonchristians and other undesiables. They didn't want the vatican attention more than was needed. They didn't need an vatican invesagation.

Cardinal Tsao-Li looked over the afternoon Audience list. The schedule was heavy; would remain so for a couple of weeks, at least, as all the distinguished guests paid their respects to the new Pope. For the most part, Leo had dropped the reins and let the machine run itself, with Tsao-Li and Verelst coordinating the schedule and the guest lists for the Audiences. But he had made a few notes, and handed them to the Major Domo, and as a result, they were expecting Archbishop Battista.

There were half a dozen others expected, as well—the average time allowed for a private Audience was five to fifteen minutes per individual or group—and he had only a few moments until they would begin arriving at the antechamber. The security monitor was already functioning; he ran the double-handshake check to ensure that all of its modes were active and correctly engaged. One of the catering staff was stocking the small buffet with small cookie wafers and cheese straws, and filling the wine and juice carafes.

He glanced at the seats to make certain they were aligned correctly, magazines in place on the side tables, and nodded, summoning Father Cheldeth, the antechamber host today, before going into the Audience Chamber to await the Pontiff.

*********************

Archbishop Nataka noted with interest that the Dominion’s Minister of Religion was reported to have just landed at the Rome airport. Doubtless he was on his way to the Vatican. The Archbishop contacted the main security checkpoint, and gave instructions for the Minister to be escorted to the Secretariat upon his arrival; assuming he wasn’t going directly to the levee at the Bellarian Embassy.

He typed a quick heads-up to Angelini, who had particular instructions from the Pontiff about Dominion visitors.

It was probably a good thing that the Tordorans and the Teritorans did not share diplomatic correspondence, because a careless (or lazy) clerk simply recyled the same friendly thank-you and Apostolic Blessing language for the Tordoran correspondence. With the shift in lines of authority as the Secretariat reorganized, none of the supervisors caught it, either.

“In any case, if that rumor is circulating in Tanah Burung, it would be better to place someone else there. I will talk to the Holy Father about it, but at this point I am inclined to recommend Francois Taofinu as the best fit. The Holy Father will make the final choice, of course, but unless you have some additional concerns, that will probably meet with his approval.”

"If that is the Holy Father's will, then we will of course welcome Archbishop Taofinu," Ximenes replied cheerfully. "I'll be very happy to hear what Arcbishop Ranjith actually said, of course." As Angelini went on to ask him about Nunciature matters, his upbeat mood continued.

"All foreign embassies are located on Canal Street in Ukun Rasikan," he said. "We have no capital, but the foreign affairs ministry is located there, so embassies are also assigned spots along Canal Street. It is a former colonial estate, lined with grass and trees and quite pleasant, opposite the canal from the city of Ukun Rasikan. There are, i believe, a number of open spots, and i am sure that a Nunciature would be granted a spot that met all possible needs. I should tell you, there is great enthusiasm at home over this, and we are already bringing in large collections to fund a Nunciature, should this be permitted. Bishop Mangunvijaya wants to call it the Peter's Presence Pence."

Cardinal Angelini’s voice was warm.

“That sounds excellent—Canal Street. Yes. We will have our advance team there shortly, then. Thank you, Hilario, for your help in this matter. Now, I have one other request to pass on—this one from the Holy Father, himself. He would like you to join him for dinner tomorrow, at seven-thirty. You can call Verelst to let him know I’ve delivered the invitation properly, and you’ll be there.”

When the Cardinal from Tanah Burung had rung off, Angelini called Nataka. “Taofinu, then, Tenda. Am I right in thinking he’s staying at Beda College? Can we get him over here for a briefing?”

When he told Nataka about the Tanah Burung Church's desire to defray the costs, the Sostituto was surprised. "Interesting. I was under the impression that they wanted to direct local resources towards works of charity. Well, this will please the Holy Father. We can put the finances towards the educational works he is hoping to found there."

"Educational works?" Angelini was intrigued.

Nataka nodded. "Yes, depending on what we learn about the educational resources for their clergy and for higher education in general, I believe he wants to endow a foundation there. It is very preliminary, of course."

The Secretary of State looked thoughtful.

"Of course i will be there," Ximenes replied, conscious that this was npt a request but a polite command. He immediately rang Verelst to report that he would be there. And then phoned home to report that he had an audience with the Pope: for dinner, no less. He wondered what sort of food the new Pope liked. Somehow, he was not expecting curry.

Bishop François Taofinu was meeting with Archbishop Nataka and Cardinal Angelini in the office of the latter, receiving his mission briefing on the Nunciature in Tanah Burung. He’d already been provided with a stack of datachips and hardcopy for late perusal, and they’d gone over the basic geosocial information. Now, well into a bottle of orvieto, they were getting into the meaty part of the discussion.

“The new Foreign Minister, Alkatiri, is from a Muslim background, but not devout. In fact, he appears to be almost militantly agnostic, and very anti-clerical, especially non-Muslim clerics. It is believed he is closer to a hard line anti-capitalist than the previous Minister, Madame BiBere, and is looking to form or strengthen high-profile alliances with other major anti-capitalist players to bolster his own standing in the rather chaotic governmental structure. He also seems to be more authoritarian in outlook than the majority of the government; certainly more so than Madame BiBere.” Nataka said.

“The general consensus among our analysts is that he will not regard a more vigorous Catholic Church with much favor. On the other hand, he is a pragmatist who might be willing to play Rome’s goals off against the local Church to weaken both. You must take great care, here,” Angelini said worriedly.

“Ah….” Taofinu’s voice had an overlay of velvet to its exotic, faintly French-flavored accent. “This would be the, ah… issue of heterodox marriage practices by the Bishop… Mangunvijaya, yes?”

Nataka nodded. “We have a window right now. Whomever the Holy Father appoints to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith—and it certainly appears likely that there will be no significant change there—is already somewhat committed to the various large-scale projects and efforts that the Blue Pope has initiated in the last couple of years. With the sudden proliferation of Nunciatures, there will not be too much energy to spare for urgency on one heterodox practice in one mission Church.”

“Which brings up another question, yes? The mission status of the Tanah Burung Church. Is it likely to be a matter for discussion? And what is our policy there?” Taofinu asked.

Angelini shrugged. “As to their position, we do not know. Right now they are under the jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, and while that has certain advantages, it also has something of a downside. We have no official recommendation yet. If the matter comes up, it might give you something to work with. In either case, the key issue remains the same: re-organization of the province.”

“But yes, this I can see. With only six bishops to look after two billion Catholics…!” Taofinu shook his head.

Nataka topped off the orvieto in his colleague’s glass. “We do not even know enough about the current provincial organization to fully understand their needs. That will be your first task. A Domesday book, if you will, of the resources of the Church, starting with educational resources. The numbers and distributions of Catholic primary schools, non-school based catechetical education programs, secondary schools, seminaries, and higher education institutions.”

“Then the numbers and distributions of parishes and churches, parish facilities, staffing levels—I understand these are actually quite good—and associated charitable institutions. There is, I believe, a substantial and admirable social outreach network on the parish level. Finally, the numbers and distribution of religious orders, and their specific institutions and projects.”

“It is a very good thing that I will have an adequate staff, then,” Taofinu said with a touch of humor. “They will have to carry the burden for most of this information-gathering.”

“Quite so.” Angelini set aside his empty wineglass, and leaned back, making his chair (and it was a substantial piece of furniture) creak with protest. “You will need to be getting to know the bishops and the political leadership. In addition, with the re-establishment of contact after so little Vatican involvement, there is likely to be a backlog of minor issues to deal with. Hopefully not too many of the “bishop baiter” variety, apparently most of the Tanah Burung bishops are well-liked. But there are always some, as you know.”

All three men shared a commiserating glance. The most common correspondence that arrived at the Vatican from ordinary Catholics could be divided into three categories: Those who wanted a blessing for some particular cause—or individual (the Congregation for the Causes of Saints had a huge correspondence;) those who wanted to get the Church to change its policy or doctrine in some area that affected them personally; or—and this was a large item—those who wanted to complain about their local bishop, for any of a thousand reasons ranging from the ludicrously trivial to the profoundly disturbing.

“Some of the matters will be pleasant, of course,” Angelini cheered up a bit. “Lots of ribbon-cutting, Mass-saying, Apostolic visiting, and so on. Plenty of chances to meet people, get to know them.”

The Takapitian Bishop nodded. “I am looking forward to that. Now, on the matter of the funding for the Nunciature, I understand there is some anomaly there?”

“Yes, Hilario Ximenes tells us that the local bishops have instituted a drive to defray the expenses of establishing the Nunciature. Unusual, but since they have been out of touch for so long, there has been little contribution flowing in either direction. Now, the Holy Father has expressed some concern over the financial stability of the Church, based on the bishops’ decision to divest many local assets and resources, and apply them to social outreach activities—but that is not a matter you will need to deal with.”

“No?” Taofinu looked relieved. The plate was already so full.

“Definitely not. One of the first things you will need to communicate to the Tanah Burung bishops is that there will be no more dispensations on ad limina visits. Henceforth the Tanah Burung bishops will be expected to make their ad limina visits every five years, just like every other bishop. They can stagger them, of course. But the financial questions can be handled here on those occasions, unless something urgent arises.”

“Ah. Good.”

“So the matter of the Nunciature funding,” Nataka went on, “is unusual, but can be accommodated. We plan on a relatively modest physical plant, the budget will be frugal. Anything shortfall will be made up from the usual budget line items here, and any excess should be retained there for educational projects on the Holy Father’s behalf. Those will depend, of course, on what you learn of the existing resources.”

“Do I understand, then, that the Holy Father is in some sense hoping to make Tanah Burung a model for the new emphasis on education he proposed in his Apostolic Letter?” Taofinu asked.

“I think that is a fair interpretation of the case,” Angelini said judiciously, “but at this point he is simply hoping to endow some particular educational institution that will meet a pressing need—probably in the general higher education area, possibly in the seminary or advanced theological studies area. There is a paucity of such institutions in the region generally. Tanah Burung is emerging as a major player on the regional geopolitical scene, and establishing a prestigious institution that will draw students, scholars, researchers and teachers from around the region could give them a further boost up the ladder. It can perhaps give the Church some leverage with the less well-disposed elements of the government, eventually.”

“That could be useful, yes. It is helpful to have something with which to work, naturally. Now, if we may return for the moment to the most difficult issue… the heterodox Bishop Mangunvijaya…”

Nataka nodded. “The main problem is our limited knowledge. You will need to assess his priorities very carefully, as well as how widely spread his heterodox views and practices are accepted and approved among local Catholics. The country as a whole has a very laissez-faire approach to sexual mores, but the Church was established originally by Portuguese missionary orders of the most conservative and orthodox type, so there may be Catholics who are uneasy or even unhappy with the practices. The danger there, of course, is the formation of an ultra-reactionary core, along the lines of the LeFebvreites. That is certainly to be avoided! We do not want to impair the unity of the Church in Tanah Burung, surrounded as it is by strong competition from Islam and a popular pagan sect. Not to mention the economic and political situation.”

“As we said earlier, there is a window right now. We need not move too urgently; we have time, I think, to do a thorough assessment. When you have all of that information, we will consult further on the matter, and mature a strategy.”

Angelini nodded. “And Hilario Ximenes could be an asset. While he is perhaps a bit lacking in assertiveness, I do not think that necessarily translates into a lack of leadership potential. A very spiritual outlook, a bit unworldly, but that is all to the good, is it not?” He sighed. “God knows we are worldly enough in Rome to compensate for a thousand like him. And God have mercy upon us.” The bulky Cardinal shrugged, an impressive motion.

“In any case, I think that as he has a chance to participate in rebuilding the connection between Tanah Burung and Rome, we may see him grow in some very positive ways. You will have a chance to meet him tonight. The Holy Father has invited you to stop by for coffee, yes? After dinner?”

Taofinu nodded. “But yes, and I understand that His Eminence is dining with the Holy Father, and a few others. I look forward to meeting him.



Monsignor Verelst checked the guest list for the Holy Father’s dinner that night. Cardinal Ximenes, Cardinal T’ngaka, the eminent (and witty) Chinese theologian Li Hsien-Fa, who held an administrative post at the Lateran University, and Mother Anna Fialkowska, Provincial of the newly-reorganized Eastern European Province of the Camillian Sisters.

Upon consultation with the Holy Father’s chef, they devised a menu that included a couple of very spicy Sicilian dishes—that would please the Holy Father, and give the eastern Cardinals a rest from “bland” western cuisine—as well as some savory but simple meat and seafood dishes that showed off the best of Signor Cesare’s talents. The small dining room in the Papal Apartment was prepared, and an adjacent parlor was stocked with tea, juice, and campari. All was prepared.

In Rome ...

Rabbi Yisrael is in his synagogue waiting for visitors.
His dumb assistant turns up "Rabbi, who are you waiting for?".
"Who do you think? The Pope?" he sarcasically replies.
"The Pope is coming? Wow!" the assistant replies.
"No, dumbo. Catholics from home you know Jeruselem. Cardinal Brown, the Latin Patriarch and Bishop James. They are here to discuss some money for our upgrades to this place. Now stay in your office and say I'm busy." he sighs.
"Yes, Rabbi" the assistant apologises and runs off.
"I have sack him one day" the Rabbi thought as another assistant ran in.
"The Catholics are here, Rabbi." he panted.
"Thank you, cousin. Let them in" he replied.

There was a hush for a few minutes before some Papal characters turned up with their guards.

"Welcome to my humble abode. Nice to see you again Augustus and John. I see James is here too. So how is Leo XIV, your new Pontiff?" he smiled.
"Yisrael! Leo is fine, and we are still to see about his policies. Maybe you could visit him?" Brown replied.
"Come bretheren, no more time for idle chit chat. Sadly we must discuss money, but our little Synagogue needs some new life and we need more money" Yisrael replied.

They walked into a private room and locked it. Guards posted themselves outside the room.

To: The Prefecture of the Pontifical Household
From: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PRK

The People’s Republic of Krasnovaria expresses its deepest regret that no delegate from our state could be present at His Holiness’s coronation, but as an expression of the people’s love and fidelity to the Vicar of Christ and the See of Rome, the Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Republic of Krasnovaria requests a private audience with His Holiness. We hope that time may be found in the Holy Father’s schedule for such a meeting with such a loyal son of Holy Mother Church as our Chairman.

(OOC: Krasnovaria, please check TGs. This serves as a tag for our IC response later.)

The packet arrived for Cardinal Walsh by courier, with the seal of Leo XIV embossed on the heavy wax closure. It was not entirely unexpected, for telephone communications had been passing back and forth for some days, but the packet made it so much more real, somehow.


Matthew Cardinal Walsh
Holy Empire of Excalbia

Dear Brother in Christ,

The Holy Father has requested me to inform you that he has need of your services in Rome. He wishes you to assume the office of President of the Pontifical Council on Christian Unity as soon as it may be convenient.

Please inform this office of your travel plans, and I will arrange for you to meet with the Holy Father, and key colleagues in the Curia, upon your arrival. The Office of the Council is fully staffed, but you are of course welcome to bring a personal staff if you wish.

Enclosed is a packet of information on the Council and its offices, the current status, responsibilities, and emoluments of the President’s office, and available accommodations in Rome.

Please contact me immediately if I or my office may be of any assistance to you.

Warmest congratulations and welcome,

+Peter Shan Cardinal Tsao-Li
Majordomo

Matthew Cardinal Walsh eased into a comfortable chair next to his window overlooking the busy harbor of the City of Landing – Excalbia’s commercial capital and home of the Empire’s largest catholic community. He turned from the window to the letter in his hand. With a mix of anxiety and excitement, he broke the papal seal, removed the letter and began to read. As he did, a smile broke across his face. President of the Pontifical Council on Christian Unity. Yes, he thought, that would suit him very well.

Matthew put down the letter and picked up the phone. Of course, he called his friend and colleague – John Cardinal Friesz in the capital – first, then called his old friend, Donald Slesers, the Church of Excalbia’s Chief Bishop in Landing, and shared his news. Both offered their thanks and promised their prayers. Then, he called his staff’s travel manager and arranged his travel to Rome.

Finally, Matthew took up his pen and wrote.

Peter Shan Cardinal Tsao-Li
Majordomo

My Dear Brother in Christ,

I received your letter on behalf of the Holy Father with gladness. The unity of the body of Christ has long been one of my great concerns and, while I am humbled by the Holy Father’s decision to name me to the Pontifical Council on Christian Unity, I look forward to the opportunity to serve the Lord and His Church in this area. I am anxious to hear from the Holy Father about his vision for the Council and receive his guidance with respect to Christian unity. I also look forward to the opportunity to share some of my vision and ideas with him.

I will travel shortly to Rome to assume my new duties, arriving on Air Excalbia flight 016 on the __th. I will be ready to meet with the Holy Father and members of the Curia at their convenience.

Grace and Peace,
+Matthew Cardinal Walsh

OOC: I've started a new thread for Walsh's audience with the pope. HVS, please post there when you are ready. Here is the link: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3133188#3133188

A lonely figure in a scuffed purple military uniform, looking like something out of a mid 19th century engraving, stands pacing the halls in front of one of the Holy See's many minor secretaries. He twirls his long handlebar moustache, nervously, then looks to the bored layman behind the desk.

"You do not understand. It is of the utmost importance that I meet with the Holy Father! We are a devout Catholic state, and without the proper Papal blessing the coronation cannot go on! I know, we should have phoned in advance, but the Ducal Phone is out of order, you see, and we've already lost three technicians in the mountains. We do not have any more technicians!"

He stops, twirls his moustache once more, then goes back to pacing back and forth.

"Also, we could use a new Bishop in Garrafonia. The old one had this terribly unfortunate hunting accident, what with the deer and the gatling gun and the precipice. Surely, you received our letters! I know the post office is not what it should be, but there is no reason for the letters not to have arrived. His Grace has ordered the purchase of a new mule for the national postal service, you see, and we hear its performance is most satisfactory."

The delegate of Garrafonia sighs and sits down on the bench again, taking out a moth-eaten silk handkerchief to wipe a speck of dust off his impeccabily polished and archaeologically significant boots.

"Please!? His Grace will have me in front of a firing squad for sure if I do not get the Papal Blessing. I know, because I am also to purchase ammunition for them while I am here. Do you know of a good sporting store in the vicinity? No, no, I didn't expect you would. Do you not have a Papal Stamp or something that you could grant us a blessing with? A spare Bishop, perhaps?"

Noticing the Garrafonian’s agitation, a plump, kindly-looking Sister at a nearby desk made her way over to speak soothingly to him.

“Perhaps, Sir, if you can explain precisely what it is you want, I can direct you to the appropriate offices. If you are concerned about a Bishop, you will need to visit Cardinal Sales’ office at the Congregation for Bishops. If it is a Papal Audience you want, the public Audiences are held on Wednesday afternoons at three in the Papal Audience Hall, and you can visit the Major Domo’s office to request a ticket.”

“You want stamps? The Vatican Post Office is just over there, Sir. Out that door, down the stair, through the Courtyard of the Swiss Guard and around the Nicholas V Tower, and it’s just on your right.”

“If you want artifacts or souvenirs that have been blessed by the Holy Father, may I recommend the little shop in the courtyard of the Carriage Museum? They have a very nice selection, there, and so tasteful. That’s the one across from the Picture Gallery, right by the Four Gates.”

She nodded encouragingly to the visitor, gesturing to show him the various directions as she spoke.

To: Lev Kagramanian
Chairman of the Praesidium
Peoples Republic of Krasnovaria

Esteemed Chairman:

His Holiness has asked me to inform you that you will be received you in Audience on the ____th of _______, at 10:00 AM at the Apostolic Palace.

He looks forward to hearing news of the people of God in Krasnovaria, and discussing the spiritual welfare of your nation.

In Christ,

+Peter Shan Cardinal Tsao-Li
Majordomo

At a checkpoint, Giraldi receives the message, and graciously indicates the driver to continue on as directed to the Secretariat. “Direct and to the point – excellent.”

Meanwhile, Battista arrives at the appointed office several minutes early – it would not do to keep the Holy Father waiting, after all. Wearing a meticulously cared for black cassock with its traditional magenta-purple buttons and piping, short cape and zucchetto, and a beautifully-crafted pectoral cross that seems to have some age to it, he looks around with an air of mixed curiosity and expectation.

“Archbishop Giovanni Battista of the Dominion,” he announces quietly to the security detail, offering a pleasant smile and submitting himself to whatever measures are being used for screening.

Passing into the Vatican through the Porta Santa Anna, the limousine made its way through a system of narrow passages before coming to a stop in the Cortile San Damaso. The rear door was opened and Chairman Kagramanian stepped out into the courtyard. He paused briefly to inspect his surroundings before a monsignor approached and led him into the Apostolic Palace. Inside the anteroom, the Chairman straightened his jacket – a light grey garment which most people outside of his country would call a “Mao suit” – and stood tall and erect, hands behind his back, as he waited to be summoned to the audience chamber.

Monsignor Verelst checked the guest list for the Holy Father’s dinner that night. Cardinal Ximenes, Cardinal T’ngaka, the eminent (and witty) Chinese theologian Li Hsien-Fa, who held an administrative post at the Lateran University, and Mother Anna Fialkowska, Provincial of the newly-reorganized Eastern European Province of the Camillian Sisters.

Upon consultation with the Holy Father’s chef, they devised a menu that included a couple of very spicy Sicilian dishes—that would please the Holy Father, and give the eastern Cardinals a rest from “bland” western cuisine—as well as some savory but simple meat and seafood dishes that showed off the best of Signor Cesare’s talents. The small dining room in the Papal Apartment was prepared, and an adjacent parlor was stocked with tea, juice, and campari. All was prepared.

Cardinal Ximenes ate a frugal lunch, assuming it would be an insult not to eat voraciously as a compliment to the Pope's chef. He felt awkward: on the one hand, he would be supping with the Holy Father, the rock of Christ's church, who he was sworn to obey. On the other hand, he had not voted for Leo to become Pope.

No matter, he assured himself. God's guidance would no doubt make Leo the finest Pope yet. Already, the hand fo the Vatican was reaching out to a neglected world, bringing closer the long-remote goal: one holy catholic apostolic church. Stopping briefly to pray, he emerged refreshed and feeling rededicated, and headed for dinner.

Archbishop Nataka was alerted immediately when the Minister from the Dominion arrived at the Secretariat. He, in turn, alerted Archbishop Joseph Gopangi, the head of the Second Section (Relations with States,) and Angelini, who had very precise instructions regarding this meeting: Say nothing of substance; and let Nataka field anything the least bit outside the formal channels. Frankly, the Secretary of State was just as happy to have such instructions. He’d been studying the Secretariat’s file on the Dominion, and was feeling ever so slightly unnerved.

Nataka, however, had years of experience as Gopangi’s predecessor, and had navigated ‘interesting’ political waters many times in the past. He was more familiar with the Dominion’s recent political history, and intrigued by the recent resurgence of interest in the Church from various parties within that state. The Byzantine complexity of power networks within the Dominion made it difficult to triangulate the origins and purpose of that interest; perhaps Giraldi’s visit might offer some clues.

Nataka was aware that Archbishop Battista was being received for a Papal Audience; Leo had already mentioned it in the daily briefing they shared. Later, they would compare notes.

(OOC: Since Krasnovaria and Archbishop Battista have shown up for the same Audience; we are going to ask you to be patient and RP out the sequence as it would happen in real life, where the Pope might receive as many as a half dozen different individuals, or groups during one scheduled “private” audience session.)

The antechamber was filling slowly for Leo’s afternoon Audience. A party of senior Chancellors from the Catholic Universities of Bellaria; the Archbishop from the Dominion; the Chairman of Krasnovaria; a group of lay leaders from the European Vocational Developments Union; and the widows of two recently-assassinated Catholic leaders from the tiny African state of Utanga were all being received today.

Everyone went through the exceptionally thorough but unobtrusive security scanning process, and was welcomed and offered refreshments by the Majordomo’s staff. It was a drizzly, close day in Rome and (as usual) the air-conditioning in the Papal Apartments was not allowed to function at a truly effective level. Leo, a Sicilian by birth, had a high tolerance for heat and a low tolerance for outrageous electrical power expenditures. These small austerities, while slightly penitential to those on the Papal staff, made him feel a bit less uncomfortable with the overwhelming luxuries of the Apostolic Palace.

Still, there were iced and chilled drinks; the air-conditioning was on, the ventilation had been upgraded a few years ago during a major renovation project undertaken for the implementation of new security measures, and the Majordomo’s staff made sure that the circulating fans, at least, were on a high setting. It was not too uncomfortable, just—noticeable.

There was a slight stir from the doorway, and the Pope’s secretary, Monsignor Kwan, appeared, and beckoned to Lev Kragamanian.

The doorway between the antechamber and the private audience chamber had been restructured to serve as a secondary security scanner (as well as a security device in and of itself,) but that was unnoticeable just from passing through it. The secretary escorted Kragamanian past the small railing, to where Leo was seated on a plain beige-upholstered armchair, on a slightly raised dais. Behind him, the Majordomo and members of the Noble Guard were grouped in polite watchfulness.

(OOC: Tanah Burung, we are moving the dinner party and all matters related to the Nunciature in Tanah Burung to this thread:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3142567#3142567 )

Chairman Kagramanian was uncharacteristically somewhat anxious as he approached the dais where the Holy Father sat. It would not do to kiss the papal ring, not when this trip was being billed as Krasnovaria’s triumphant entry onto the world stage. Instead, the Chairman clasped the Pope’s right hand in his own while bowing at the waist as he respectfully murmured, “Beatissimo Padre.” Rising, the Chairman began his little speech, priding himself on his impeccable Italian.

“In the name of the people of Krasnovaria, I bring you warmest greetings. Our nation rejoices in your Holiness’s recent election, and our best wishes and prayers are with you and your pontificate. We look forward to a strong and fruitful relationship between the People’s Republic of Krasnovaria and the Holy See, through which both our parties and the whole world might benefit. I thank your Holiness for granting me the honor of this meeting, and I am grateful for the warm welcome which has been extended to me.”

Leo’s eyes twinkled with appreciation for the nuance of the Chairman’s greeting, but his face was grave and his deep voice serious as he responded, giving the Chairman the Apostolic Blessing, and thanking him for the good wishes.

“We are very happy to receive the greetings of the people of Krasnovaria, and the assurances of your government’s good will towards the Church. We look forward to a warm relationship with your administration, Mr. Chairman, and commend you to our Secretariat of State to initiate the mechanisms of official diplomacy.”

“Is there anything in particular,” he went on to enquire, “upon which the people of Krasnovaria would like the attention of the Apostolic See?”

(OOC: Largely, these audiences are formalities, and appropriate things to bring up in response to such a question would be purely religious in nature, rather than political/diplomatic—such questions would go to other Vatican offices, especially the Secretariat.)

The Chairman replied, "Your Holiness, we simply ask that our nation and its people may be remembered in your prayers and granted your blessings."

Battista made his way into the waiting room, nodding his head or greeting quietly any others that met his eye or made the effort. Quietly availing himself of the refreshments provided, he took a seat, and used those and some papers as a pretense to observe the others in the room.

While not aloof by any stretch, he took the time to go over the possibilities and goals of this brief meeting in his mind.

Increased presence in the Dominion ... si ... idle mention of a Cardinal appointment, aye ... what if anything has changed between then and now? And is he pleased with the security?

If others attempt to engage him in conversation, he politely sets aside his notes and responds warmly, his usual habit of weighing and measuring while tucking away any useful information in high gear.

You can take the boy out of Devras, but you can't take Devras out of the boy, he muses with an internal chuckle, continuing to mentally prepare himself for the short audience.

The Pontiff nodded. “We are very happy to keep Krasnovaria and its people in our prayers. Indeed, we will offer a Mass for the intentions of the nation and its people. Your visit is most appreciated, Chairman, and we will remember you kindly in our prayers, as well.”

The Audience concluded, and the Chairman was given a rosary, blessed by the Pope—a lovely thing of mother-of-pearl beads with a delicately incised crucifix.


When the Chairman emerged, there was a short pause, and then Monsignor Kwan appeared at the door and nodded to the Majordomo.

Tsao-Li beckoned to Battista.


(OOC: Krasnovaria, if you have further storyline business, TG us, and/or you can initiate formal diplomacy through the Secretariat.)

Battista gets to his feet, finishing off his coffee and looking expectantly to Tsao-li. Murmuring a quiet 'grazie' and dipping his head in a show of respect, he makes his way as directed to the door. Eyes flicker quickly to take in the room and it's occupant, and he walks with a purpose and odd mix of humility to kneel before the Pope, kissing his ring.

"Bene grazie, Holy Father," he says quietly, head bowed. "I humbly ask your blessing, though I deem myself unworthy."

ooc: Pardon any inconsistencies or mistakes in protocol here. I'm flying a little blind, trying to go off what I've seen in the past and all. Attribute any such mistakes as my own ignorance, easily remedied by a quick edit if need be. *smiles*

Leo gave the Apostolic Blessing, then gestured for Battista to rise, and indicated a seat. As the Archbishop sat down, he smiled.

"Well, we are all still alive, your Excellency--in spite of a good many public ceremonies and appearances. I have to thank you for facilitating the enhanced security. Di Vianello tells me that he and his men have picked up some valuable resources and techniques."

The Pontiff sat back, and surveyed the prelate from the Dominion keenly. "And now we have some room to maneuver, in regards to the relationship of the mother Church to the Church in the Dominion. A matter requiring... finesse, if I may say so."

He set his fingertips together, steepling them.

"You may or may not be aware that the Secretariat is meeting formally with your Minister for Religion today. We hope to gain some insight into the government's attitudes and positions, which will help make a decision on how to deal with that relationship."

"Now, unquestionably, the net result should be a red hat in the Dominion. But I certainly don't need to tell you that one must be very careful in bestowing such responsibilities and honors, especially in a--delicately balanced--political environment."

"I hope that your Excellency will feel free to give me some guidance in this, from your own perspective and that of the Church. Then, perhaps, if you can afford another day or so in Rome, once we have assessed the matter from multiple perspectives, we would like to discuss a plan of action."

Official Reply from OPC Churches of the World (OOC: As there is no one in NS who RPs the Orthodox Presbyterian Churches...it will be me now!)
-----------------------------------------------------

We weep at the election of annother tennant of the office of anti-Christ.

The evil of the Papacy and the Mass wounds Christ and robs him of his glory. As it said in second Thessalonians, God will send down powerful delusion that they would believe a lie and would not believe the truth.

It is "with all decievableness of unrighteousness", in the words of the Apostle Paul, that the Roman Church misleads its followers and makes them more fit for hell than even the Pope himself.

You Preach not the Gospel...you preach only the doctrines of men! God's Curses Upon You!

It gives us hope though that your Harlot Church will be destroyed by God, "slain by the word of his mouth, and consumed by the brightness of his coming."

God have mercy on your souls.

Rev. Dr. Ian R.K. Paisley III

The communication from the Reichskamphen Protestant leader was analyzed in depth and copied to all the appropriate databases.

Then a clerk in the Secretariat of State's "special" section, a young Franciscan Brother from Mairundi, carefully filed it in the nutter file.

A reply was deemed unnecessary.

“Grazie, Holy Father. I can assure you our operatives have learned many things in turn from your people. I am glad it has turned out to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, and I thank God that the situation was thus that we could be of assistance during such nervous times.”

Battista arches a brow in mild surprise at the next turn of conversation. “Is he now? I suppose I ought not be surprised – after all, considering our history, and the number of faithful in our nation, it would be in the government’s best interests to make a showing and feel out the new administration.”

He carefully avoids any telling reactions to the mention of investing a Cardinal, instead nodding sagely, his expression thoughtful. “It would be, most likely, beneficial to see what Giraldi has to say, balance that against what he doesn’t say, and go over it all closely once you see what can be gently drawn from him. Of course,” he says with a wry smile, “you knew this.”

“As I mentioned before, the Church and the Government have enjoyed this delicate balance for years now without much of a fuss on one side or the other. It has been my experience that all the government wishes is for the people to mind their own business, and not speak too loudly any opinions it has when the two viewpoints differ – complete silence of course being the preferred approach, truth be known. I will gladly make myself available to you to assist in whatever way I can, be assured. It is the least I can do.” Battista smiles warmly while watching closely the reactions of the other, watching for any telltale signs that might be read.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, Giraldi arrives at his intended destination, taking a moment to meticulously straighten his dark suit – and make a first cursory examination of the place, and the person - Archbishop Gopangi it seems - whom he was supposed to meet.

“Minister Niccolo Giraldi of the Dominion,” he says in a strong but subtle voice, offering his hand in greeting. “I must say, I hadn’t expected such a response to my arrival. I’d thought to go about the usual avenues of contact to make my congratulations and offer the well-wishes of our government on this grand occasion.” He is careful with how he enunciates his words, each one clear and concise, never rushed, the slight inflections here and there lending weight to one word or other to the careful listener.

If no other impression was made, it was that this was a man used to the finer arts of intrigue and voice-craft in negotiations – and fully expected the same from those he dealt with.

“How may I be of service?”

http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/niccolo_giraldi.jpg

Leo listened with interest to Battista’s perspective. He sensed that there was much Battista was not saying about the ‘delicate balance’ between the government and the Church. Was it just native caution, or did the Archbishop have some personal matter at stake? Other than the red hat, perhaps.

Yes. Clearly, Battista was mentally trying on a scarlet biretta, and wondering how he liked it. Well, he might be a useful choice, at that. On the other hand, there was that delicate balance to consider…

He smiled. “Your offer is most kind. Be sure I shall take advantage of it. Starting now, in fact. You mention the ‘delicate balance’ between the Church and the government. Can you instance any specific issues upon which differences might be presumed to arise? Other than the obvious ones of course, such as the death penalty.”

**********************

Archbishop Gopangi could assume the bland impenetrability of a bureaucrat when the situation required it, but generally he was a warmly outgoing man. He shook Giraldi’s hand with a beaming smile, and gestured to his office door.

“Please, come in. Be comfortable. We will have cappuccino, yes? I have learned to love it since coming to Rome. Ah, and this is my colleague, Archbishop Tenda Nataki, our Sostituto. I hope you do not mind if he joins us. You may be aware that I am somewhat new in this position, and his Excellency, as my predecessor, still assists me from time to time.”

With a few, economical gestures, he ushered the visitor into his office, summoned his secretary to bring the coffee tray, and introduced Nataka. When they were all seated, he looked Giraldi over again, with a surprisingly shrewd gaze, and said,

“You are most gracious, Sir. We have already to thank your government for assisting in the arrangements that enabled our temporary security enhancements. And to express his Holiness’ appreciation for the presence of the representatives of the Dominion at his installation ceremony. Yes. Very kind.”

“We hope that the relationship between the Apostolic See and the Dominion will continue to be productive and mutually cooperative; as there are so many Catholic souls in the Dominion. We have a certain obligation to them, you understand, which we value your government’s cooperation in fulfilling.”

(OOC: Please note—due to an unfortunate confluence of travel plans and a bug-infested network being taken offline for some days, it is unlikely that the muns of the Holy Vatican See will be doing much posting for the next week. We apologize for the inconvenience; please feel free to move events along and we will try to catch up.)

“Ah, Holy Father, the balance is no more or no less than this – regardless of your convictions, do not speak out loudly against the government, or find yourself conveniently ... quieted. Whether that be in the form of bribery, suggestion, or more stringent methods, what the Lady wants, the Lady gets. Now,” he says, pondering thoughtfully, “mind, she has seemed to … hmm … shall we say, ‘ease’ slightly in some of her views, though not her enforcement in keeping things as she wants them. You see, we’re free enough to do as we like, so long as we don’t find ourselves at cross purposes. The government does not seek to micromanage our lives, nor does it seek to tell us what we can and can not share with the faithful – so long as we remain within those guidelines.”

Resettling himself in his seat, he began ticking off on his fingers. “Death penalties, obviously. Euthanasia has been legal for some time in the Dominion, though it is not mandatory by any means. There are the unfortunate views on genetics and the manipulation and experiments involving them – they’ve made no secret of that, all in the name of scientific advances and the betterment of humankind, of course.” His dry tone leaves no doubt as to what he thinks of that.

“We exist under a dictatorship – there are no political freedoms. And,” he says, his brow furrowing, and voice dropping a bit, “as I hinted at before, there are … methods routinely employed by the government that one could say rather go against our beliefs in how to treat our fellow man. One could say in some ways, the Inquisition is alive and well in the Dominion, though it has no relationship to the Church.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------

“Grazie, your Eminence. That would be quite welcome,” Giraldi says smoothly, nodding in turn to Nataki and smiling as he is introduced. “Of course, of course – it would be a pleasure.” He takes his seat as directed, and murmurs a thanks when the coffee is served, sipping delicately.

“I must profess my surprise at your courteous thanks, however. While we of course would have been most honored to assist, I’m afraid the detail was taken care of by Battista through ah, a private company, was it not?” His smile never slips, if anything increasing a bit as if at some private amusement as he takes another appreciative sip of his cappuccino. “Mmm … quite good, this.”

Nothing like this gets past without government approval, as they seem to know well enough. Alas, appearances must be kept up.

“Of course, I will be pleased to relay your sentiments to the Dread Lady. I’m certain she will be delighted to hear things have gone as well for you as they have. Nathicana is always glad to hear that her nation has been well-represented.”

He grows a bit more thoughtful at the last, sipping his coffee quietly for a moment before responding. “Of course, we look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship as well. The government has never been opposed to the Church within, or outside of our borders. We have anticipated that with change might come a renewed interest in our citizens,” he says, studying them both carefully.

Not to mention that meddling Battista’s efforts here. No doubt he’s been garnishing what support he can to consolidate his own power there. And what effect will an increase in interest have on the government and it’s relationship with the Church? It’s been … quiet for a good long while now.

“As for cooperation and obligations, I would imagine that much depends on what your aims are. We’ve enjoyed a good relationship thus far. I see no need for that to change.”

Leo listened thoughtfully to Battista. Ah, yes, the Dominion had the clever kind of tyrant. The kind that let the people think they were “free” until their “freedom” took some form that threatened her. That kind tended to be long-lived.

Still, the hint of moderation sounded interesting. Did it offer a crack into which the Church could push the thin end of a wedge? Perhaps…

“Well, I tend to agree with you that this is not the time for a Nunciature. We do think highly of stability, even when there are… some moral ambiguities attached. Nevertheless, if we are to strengthen the links between the Church and the Faithful in the Dominion, it might be useful to have someone on the spot, as it were, who can provide a more direct channel of communication.”

He smiled wryly. “Even I have to deal with the Vatican bureaucracy. Bad for morale to intervene too directly, especially in Synodal matters. A Legate, perhaps, fully credentialed for diplomatic representation, might be of significant assistance to you in passing on more, ah, sensitive, matters.”

“I was thinking of Archbishop Emilio Arrivabene Valenti-Gonzaga,” Leo said, with studied casualness.

It was a name to conjure with. The Valenti-Gonzaga were one of the oldest, noblest, (and richest) families in Italy, Princes and Counts for centuries. Emilio was, in fact, the younger brother of the current Count, Leonardo. But it was not his lineage that made his a name Vatican-watchers all knew—rather, it was his role in rescuing the Vatican Bank from the last round of scandals and poor management decisions that had put the Holy See into a genuinely precarious position. He and his colleague, Archbishop Ersilio Colasuonno, with the support of Cardinals Balland and Gambini, had, in ten short years of shrewd management and inspired speculation, turned the Bank around. And left it one of the most solvent and tightly-managed financial institutions in the world.

Colasuonno, it was largely acknowledged, was the steady, detail-oriented economizer who kept the day-to-day operations consistently expert. But Archbishop Arrivabene (as he preferred to be known,) had been the financial eagle, soaring high and stooping for a swift rush to take some choice opportunity, keeping an eye on every corner of the world markets at once. Five years ago, he had left the Bank, assigned to a Chancellorship at the Pontifical Urban University, which had been struggling financially as well as having some carefully-unpublicized problems with staffing, morale, and discipline. There, too, the “Arrivabene touch” had prevailed.

Leo watched the effect of the suggestion on Battista.

************************

Gopangi smiled. “All things temporal change, yes? Change or die, even the Church. This is a lesson it has taken us millennia to learn. Still, changes need not necessarily discommode anyone. In speaking of obligations, I refer merely to the fact that the Dominion’s provincial organization has been neglected. We wish to assure the Catholics of the Dominion that resources of education and training for the clergy will be improved, that parochial and Episcopal staffing will be properly provided for, and matters such as catechetical updates, the receipt of Encyclicals and Apostolic Letters, as well as other guidance can be promptly available to the clergy in the Dominion.”

“These are purely internal Church matters, of course, but we wish that basis to be properly interpreted within the Dominion government—there have been… misunderstandings… in some places, as to such things.”

“We of the Church greatly value stability, too—a point upon which I am certain we are in agreement with your government. An atmosphere of civil order, in which citizens need have no daily fears for their safety or the respect of their property, leaves a man’s mind free to focus upon matters of real importance—the state of his soul and his relationship to God. Of course, we also value the ability of citizens to participate in their own political destiny. Still, a reasonable accommodation can be appreciated as a common ground from which to forge a productive—and, we would hope—a mutually beneficial relationship.”

“And, of course, the Church itself can be a very—stabilizing—influence.”

The Archbishop smiled. “Indeed, we hope that a stronger link between the Dominion’s faithful and the Church will be of great benefit to all concerned. This is not to say, of course,” his expression grew earnest, “that in areas where the official policies of the Dominion’s government are not in harmony with the Church, we will not encourage individual Catholics to act in accordance with their conscience. We will continue to oppose, for example, Catholics employing, or participating in, euthanasia. But that is not a change, and we hope it is not interpreted as a threat to the Dominion government—it is not meant as such.”

He sighed. “If the Church were to overtly oppose or threaten every government whose policies violate Church teachings in some fashion, we would have no friends, and a short existence in this violent world. We prefer the gentle, steady patience of moral example over the long term.”

Ah, and the jockeying for a position to properly meddle begins. Why is it I sense a subtle threat in those words? Stabilizing, yes. And in contrast, one rather powerful force for unrest and pressure as well. It will be … interesting to see how Nathicana receives it.

Giraldi never lets his smile slip, if anything, it warms somewhat. “Of course, my good Archbishop. Of course. Exactly as I have often heard the Lady say, it is either adapt and live, or grow stagnant and die,” he says with a slight chuckle.

“Regardless, it isn’t as though the government forces any citizens to participate in the services and programs offered – I see no cause for concern in your encouraging the faithful to adhere to your strictures in that regard. As I have said before, so long as the rule of law is upheld, we do not try to micromanage the lives of our citizens to such degrees. Matters of faith have seldom been a concern for us, and when they have, it is only because a few unfortunate souls crossed the line on their own. There has been no history of religious persecution in the Dominion. I don’t see it starting now.”

“I’m quite certain whomever you choose to send, the Lady would wish to meet with them. She takes a very personal interest in the running of her government – always has. So long as the lines are clear, I foresee no problems in a closer relationship with the Church.”

* * * * * * * * * * *

“Sante Maria … “ Battista breathes, his eyes widening alarmingly. “Perdon, Holy Father, per favore. You do intend to play hard ball, yes?”

Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, his eyes flickering over the pontiff for any sign, he then continued in a more measured voice.

“I admit the choice comes as a bit of a surprise, and yet … I can think of no one better to butt heads, in a manner of speaking, with Nathicana. She can be a … formidable opponent. And, I would think, his reputation would intrigue her. She may even view it as a sort of challenge – and she’s never been one to pass those up. I wonder …” He trails off for a moment, mulling over a few things.

“Reputation indeed. If things go smoothly, I could see her taking him into a closer confidence in order to utilize his skills. She always seems to have the business of the state as her top priority. This should be interesting to observe,” he finishes with a growing smile.

The amusement flickering in the Pontiff’s eyes might be Battista’s imagination; but he answers mildly, “Let us just say, Excellency, that the choice of an individual to represent the Vatican reflects our perception of the importance of this assignment to the Church. I’m certain that you will find Archbishop Arrivabene a valuable colleague in the overall strategic effort to, ah—enhance the position of the Church as a factor in Dominion political matters.”

“Let me be clear—there is absolutely no intention, here, to yank any rugs out from under you, personally. In fact, I’m hoping that by providing the Dread Lady with a high-profile Church representative who is not a native of the Dominion, you’ll gain additional room to maneuver, ah… less obtrusively, as it were. Insofar as such a thing is ever possible, in the Dominion.”

“Ultimately, we hope that Nathicana will see the value in allowing the Church greater latitude—and even, perhaps, consider adopting some of the political lessons we ourselves have learned so painfully over the millennia. When that realization becomes clear, it would be optimal if the Dominion’s own Church hierarchy is ready with leaders who can make the best possible use of the opportunity.”

He sighed a little. “We often say that ‘God writes straight with crooked lines’… a reference to Divine Providence turning human fallibility into an integral step in God’s plan. Of course, we cannot presume to such clarity of vision. Still, if we waited for only the holy and ideal human material to carry out our work, we would have no Church at all. So long as we never lose sight of the necessary goal—providing the channel for Divine Love to transform humanity—we must do the best we can with what material Providence provides, yes?”

Monsignor Iulio Kwan made a small note on his electronic pad. It was an unobtrusive movement, but it served to remind both men of the passage of time. There were others waiting for audience with the Holy Father.

Leo smiled, a little regretfully. “My time is never my own. Stay in close touch, please, Excellency—through correspondence and through Archbishop Arrivabene. And return to Rome when you can—it is always a pleasure to converse with one who understands, ah.. the unique historical and cultural context of our region.” His eyes twinkled, momentarily, then grew serious as he conferred the Apostolic Blessing upon the Archbishop.

****************************

Archbishop Gopangi smiled, guilelessly. “You are very good, Minister. Very reassuring. I know that the Secretary of State—yes, and the Holy Father—will be most pleased to know that a request for diplomatic credentials for an Apostolic Legate will be favorably received in the Dominion.”

“And certainly, based upon your very helpful suggestions, we will look to select a candidate who can productively exchange information and views with the Dread Lady, should she choose honor us with a personal meeting.”

“It is naturally of high priority to us to ensure that our regional diplomatic relationships are cordial and productive, and if you would like to accredit a Dominion representative here in Rome for direct communications, we’d naturally be happy to provide them with appropriate credentials and access.”

He smiled. “After all, the Dominion shares so many historical and cultural affinities with Italy in general, and Rome particularly, does it not? I do hope you will have an opportunity to enjoy some of the matchless historical and artistic exhibitions that have been mounted here in celebration of the new Pontiff’s accession. Oh, and a little token of our esteem—” he pressed a button on his console, and his secretary, Father Issandr Motaki, came in, bearing a five-pound sack of the Vatican’s own espresso roast coffee beans.

“I hope you enjoy it. It certainly helps keep us on our toes.”

Battista accepted the blessing humbly, then rose, his face filled with emotion. "Your Holiness, I thank you for so graciously offering me this audience, and for your personal attention to and efforts towards aiding the faithful in my nation. I have no doubts either in your sincerity, nor in the abilities of Archbishop Arrivabene. Any concerns I may have lay along the lines of the Lady, and what she may or may not do in response. She has changed, but trying to judge how or where she'll move next has always been a challenge. Mercurial, that one. And driven."

"I have hope that in working together we may indeed bring about some much needed change in the Dominion," he continued, his brow now furrowed slightly. "I will do what I can to make visits here a priority, and in the meantime, shall make the proper arrangements to recieve the Archbishop. I'm certain he will have ideas in how to approach Nathicana - I will do what I can to assist, and make the introduction. Minister Giraldi will no doubt be intensely curious as to the situation ... let us hope he does not view this as a circumvention of his authority. As it is an internal Church affair, I would think not, but that man is one to watch."

Battista nodded respectfully to the Monsignor, then turned his eyes back to Leo. "Again, grazie, Holy Father. And God Bless," he said with a grateful smile, waiting for any reply before exiting the room.

--------------------------------------------------

"I'm certain whomever you choose to send will be warmly welcomed, Eminence. As stated previously, I do not doubt that the Lady would desire such a meeting. Rather 'hands on' in her approach, she is," Giraldi says with a smile that doesn't quite meet his eyes. "I will consult with her on your offer to house our own representative here in Rome. It would, I think, be a welcome opportunity."

"We do indeed share much of our history and past influences. I have to say, it almost feels as though I've never left home - a welcome thing in this world of uncertainty and new discovery, let me assure you," the man says with a slight chuckle. He accepts the sack and rises to his feet, knowing well enough a signal to the end of a meeting when he saw it. Offering each man a nod and a confident smile, he lightly cleared his throat.

"Well, this is unexpected. Grazie, your Eminence. I shall make good use of this - it is appreciated. I only regret I have nothing to offer in return. Perhaps if you find yourself in Devras sometime in the future? We would be pleased to have you. If there is nothing else then, I should take my leave. It has been most ... enlightening speaking with you, and I appreciate the audience. Your hospitality and concern for my fellow countrymen has done my heart good. I am certain we shall have no problems with this 'renewed' interest in our affairs."

Leo nodded. “We will talk again, surely. Your insights are most valuable. And I hope you will find Archbishop Arrivabene a help in strengthening the Church in the Dominion.”

When Battista had gone, before the next visitor was ushered in, he murmured to Monsignor Kwan “Have Emilio join me for breakfast tomorrow, if possible. There is much to discuss.”

**********************************

Archbishop Gopangi bade his guest a courteous farewell. The wheels had been set in motion, now it would be up to the Valenti-Gonzaga. That family had centuries of experience in manipulating the levers of power, regardless of who held them. Nataka had scored one in the gold, there.

**********************************

Over breakfast the next day, Leo asked the Archbishop for his insights on the Dominion—and an appointment there.

The Archbishop sipped his coffee, and considered for a moment before answering in a voice that tended to remind listeners of velvet laid over steel.

“The Dominion? Your Holiness is probably more fully informed than I. There was an abortive coup attempt there, recently, yes? And the Dread Lady has been doing a minuet with Dor Daedoloth… rumors, too, that she and Treznor remain more than close. Thus far the Triumvirate has declined to take any real notice of her maneuvering with Melkor, which would lead one to believe that they are aware of whatever she’s up to.”

Leo nodded. “Financially?”

“Ah. Financially— the Dominion economy is generally sound, if a bit… constrained. The Dread Lady is a more or less sleeping partner in every industry or business of any importance, but has shown a commendable reluctance to take too active a role in any particular area. This means she has missed a few opportunities, but also refrained from the kind of meddling that often cripples over-controlled economies.”

“In general, it’s a sound policy—a too-successful economy can attract unhealthy interest from uncongenial competitors. However, the Dominion’s alliances do a good deal to negate that kind of concern. They could afford to take a few more risks.”

He glanced questioningly at the Pontiff.

“Quite so. And what do you think of the Dread Lady’s recent—and rather unprecedented—change of policy in regards to the Dominion’s leadership succession?”

The Archbishop’s rather narrow, aristocratic features were expressionless, as a pause stretched. Then he said, slowly, “One would almost think, Holiness, that the lady has some kind of… personal agenda… in play. It would be foolish to speculate further without more information.”

Again, Leo nodded, a short, decisive nod. “I tend to agree with you. More information could change the picture considerably, of course. On the other hand…” he gave a very Sicilian shrug.

“In any case, your mix of talents can be of great value to the Church just now, deployed in the Dominion. Our agenda is not dramatic—simply, to take small, slow, incremental steps towards strengthening the Church’s influence, without setting off the fight/flight response among the existing power structure. Ultimately, we’d like to be part of the Dominion’s return to a more… ah, participatory… system of political self-determination, and the implementation of firmly institutionalized human rights protections.”

“Other than that, the brief is simply to establish appropriate lines of authority with the Dominion Church, and assist them in strengthening their internal organization. They need a few Bishops, you’ll have to do some work identifying and vetting candidates there. Battista will be helpful, but don’t rely entirely on him. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you we’re still in the ‘hands off’ stage. Ultimately, I’d like a red hat in the Dominion. I’ll be relying on your eyes and ears.”

The Archbishop nodded serenely. “I’m most honored by the Holy Father’s confidence, and will do my best to serve the Church as required.”

Inwardly, his feelings were mixed. It was a prestigious appointment, of course—and undeniably suited to his talents and inclinations. But he had rather hoped to continue his educational work, something with a lower profile. They’d never let him simply take a pastoral assignment—although he often, rather wistfully, contemplated such a life.

Later that day, the Secretariat of State issued a formal request to the Dominion government for diplomatic credentials to establish its Legation, Archbishop Emilio Arrivabene Valenti-Gonzaga to act as Apostolic Legate.

Archbishop Gopangi rather wished he could be a fly on the wall when Minister Giraldi got wind of the request.