NationStates Jolt Archive

Cardinal Angelini was having breakfast with the Pope. They were having an exquisitely light frittata with slivers of rich salty prosciutto and plump, seasoned artichoke hearts, crusty rolls, and fresh-cut fruit. The Pontiff kept the conversation light and inconsequential as they attacked these delicacies in their first ardor, with true Italian respect for fine food lovingly prepared.

But when they were replete, toying gently with a few moscarpone-filled pastries and cups of rich cappuccino, he brought the conversation round to more important matters.

“Carlo, you were appointed Acting Secretary of State because I knew that I could trust you to let the professional staff manage things without interference during this hectic time. And I deeply appreciate your help.”

In a private meeting with an intimate counselor, Leo felt comfortable in dropping the wearisome second-person formal modes of address traditional for the Pontiff. It was a strain, at the best of times, for a man who had been used to the quick and nimble subtleties of diplomatic speech, to be constrained within the stifling formalities of tradition. But tradition was the bedrock Leo relied upon to help handle the awesome responsibilities of his supreme office.

Angelini bowed his head, smiling. “I am happy to be of service, Holy Father. It has been a most interesting experience.” He considered saying something about how pleased he’d be to resign the spot to a younger, more energetic appointee, but decided that might sound presumptuous.

“Ignazio tells me you have a nice touch in handling the contacts. I’ve placed great confidence in Ignazio, and in Tenda as well. Both are extremely capable and professional. I would love the luxury of being able to simply endow one of them with a red hat and move him into the slot, but it would be a poor move, strategically, at this point. They have both been somewhat claustrophobically bound to their Secretariat desks for far too long. Not enough breadth of experience and contact within the Church.”

“So, I have been thinking about it, and I am going to assign Ignazio, first to the Presidency of the Academy, and then to a Nunciature somewhere. In five or ten years, we’ll have him in the College, and perhaps return him to the Secretariat.”

“In the mean time, I would like Tenda to take over as Sostituto, and have him choose his successor in the Second Section. He has a good team, there are several possibilities, and I know I can trust him to make a worthy choice.”

“That means,” Leo’s gaze became suddenly penetrating, and he focused on the genial, easygoing Milanese Cardinal, “he is going to need a free hand, supportive backing, and a Secretary he can count on for reliable tact and good humor. Nataka can sometimes be a bit unapproachable in manner, you know.”

Angelini, whose laziness was proverbial and who had genuinely been looking forward to getting back to his many not-too-time-consuming appointments in various Pontifical Universities and Governatorato offices, began to get a sinking feeling in the vast area under his red-piped cassock front.

There was perhaps just the faintest twinkle in Leo’s eyes as he continued. “It will not be a long appointment. Perhaps two or three years. But I know I can rely upon you to give it your best efforts, yes?”

Angelini swallowed. He did have the talent to deliver what the Pope wanted, and he knew he should be grateful at the opportunity to serve, but he was already anticipating a considerable reduction in the time he would have for gentle afternoon naps and evenings nodding over a breviary with a plate of cannoli at hand. His smile was a little rueful, but determined. “Of course your Holiness can rely on me.”

He took a sip of cappuccino to fortify himself. “Can your Holiness give me an overview of what you would like the Secretariat to accomplish in these two or three years?”

There was now a definite, and sympathetic, twinkle in the Pope’s eyes. “You will be busy, I am afraid, Carlo.”

Angelini grinned ruefully. “I guessed.”

“One of the reasons I want Nataka to take a greater level of responsibility is to enhance the work of the Second Section. Do you realize the number of nations with substantial Catholic populations where we have no diplomatic representation short of a regular briefing from the Episcopal Conference?”

The Pope shook his head. “This lack of engagement has resulted in messes like the ones in Roania and Tanah Burung, it had contributed to the unchecked rampages of the Reich against the innocent, and manifold other sins of omission. And now, with more and more of the early waves of human space colonies re-establishing ties with Earth, we are finding splinter Churches that have struggled valiantly to keep the Faith alive without the light of Rome.”

“My vision is to re-establish strong communications throughout the Catholic peoples, using the Church as a network to strengthen and support the Faithful, cleanse the Church of those perilous anti-doctrinal tendencies arising through lack of guidance, and restore the confidence and abilities of our bishops to lead their flocks in the firm clear path of the Church’s established magisterium.”

“And that will have to start with the establishment of a great many formal diplomatic offices—nunciatures and legacies—and the recruitment and development of an ever-stronger staff for the Secretariat.”

Angelini nodded, trying to keep gloomy resignation from his heart and rejoice in this opportunity to serve the Holy Father and the Church. The struggle was clearly visible on his broad, cherubic face, and Leo was glad of the self-discipline that allowed him to enjoy his own amusement without a hint of betrayal. His own face showed only benign approval.

“Bene, Carlo. It will not be so bad. You can rely on Nataka, he is most able and energetic. And of course, you have my ear at any time.”


Later that day, in Guiliano Marcusi’s “Curial Rumors” column in the Osservatore Romano, the columnist speculated:

Inside rumor has it that Angelini’s appointment is to be made permanent, and that this presages a major shakeup in the upper echelons of the Secretariat, and possibly at the Academy as well. Speculation is rife that the Church is about to resume international diplomacy on a level that has not been seen since the early days of John Paul II, or even Leo XIII.

Of course, the question most Curia observers want to know is, who will end up with the plum of real control? Consensus has it that Angelini’s appointment intentionally provides the Secretariat with a figurehead Secretary, and either Nataka or Rahner will be groomed for ultimate succession. But which? The Holy Father is playing it close to the chest, but most informed sources suggest Nataka is in line for immediate control, with Rahner in the offing for the permanent plum.

This could signal a huge increase in the Secretariat’s relative importance in the Curia. We can only wonder how Cardinal Renard, who has been appointed Acting Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, will respond to the news.

And later that day, the Vatican Office of Communications issued a quiet release, inviting nations currently lacking formal diplomatic ties to the Holy See to review the potential value of such ties and enter into discussions with the Secretariat of State.

(OOC: We have established this thread to serve as the ongoing “Office” for all regular business connected to the Secretariat of State, diplomatic relations, etc. Such developments can be started here, and if they lead to storylines, we can spin them off into separate threads.)

Definate TAG. Got class, but will respond.

For later postinations ...

Carlo Cardinal Angelini
Secretariat of State
The Holy Vatican See

Your Eminence,

At the direction of His Imperial Majesty, David IV, I am writing to express the Holy Empire’s interest in establishing cordial diplomatic relations with the Holy Vatican See. While His Imperial Majesty is not a member of the Catholic faith, he is a devout Christian monarch and desires to maintain warm relations and fellowship with all true Christians and with the Catholic Church in particular. In these difficult times, His Imperial Majesty believes that there is a genuine need for strong voices in the world community representing faith, morality and compassion. In this spirit, the Holy Empire of Excalbia would like to appoint an Ambassador to the Holy Vatican See and would be happy to receive a nuncio or other such representation as His Holiness, Leo XIV would find appropriate.

Respectfully,
Albert Cummings,
Minister of State,
Holy Empire of Excalbia

Albert Cummings
Minister of State
Holy Empire of Excalbia

Your Excellency,

The Holy Father is pleased to receive The Holy Empire of Excalbia’s request to initiate diplomatic relations, and shares His Imperial Majesty’s value for Christian fellowship.

We would be greatly obliged if your Ministry would undertake appropriate preparations to receive Archbishop Peter Tsarong, Papal Legate to the Holy Empire, and his staff of four. In addition, a temporary transition crew of three will accompany the Archbishop to assist in locating and preparing appropriate residences and offices for the Legation. The crew will be under the supervision of the Legation Secretary, Sister Magda Suldesova, and we would be grateful for whatever assistance your staff can render in facilitating these matters.

Archbishop Tsarong and his staff will be leaving Rome on the ____th, and stopping overnight in London. They will be arriving in Citadel Excalbia on InterAir Flight 974.

Please inform us of the name and arrival schedule of the Excalbian representative His Imperial Majesty will be sending. You may contact Albio Farnese, Liaison for Vatican Diplomatic Affairs, in Rome, for assistance in accommodating your staff.

We look forward to a productive and edifying dialogue between Excalbia and the Holy See.

With goodwill in Christ,

+ Carlo Giovanni Cardinal Angelini
Secretary of State (acting)
Secretariat of the Holy See

Carlo Giovanni Cardinal Angelini
Secretary of State
Secretariat of the Holy See

Your Eminence,

The Holy Empire looks forward to receiving Archbishop Tsarong as Papal Legate together with his staff. Please direct the Legation Secretary, Sister Suldesova, to contact Peter MacMillen, Director of the Ministry’s Office of Foreign Missions, to arrange any details related to the establishment of the Legation. There are several nice buildings in the city’s Diplomatic Quarter, as well as a few near the city’s Roman Catholic cathedral – St. Mary’s – and the National Ecumenical Cathedral, that you may wish to consider as a site for the Legation. Lady Jane Yournis, Chief of Protocol, will meet Archbishop Tsarong and his staff upon arrival.

With your consent, we intend to name Sir Talbot Cole as the Emperor’s Ambassador to the Holy See. Ambassador Cole plans to arrive together with a staff of three secretaries and two attaches on the ___th on Air Excalbia flight 016. Our second secretary for administration assigned to the Embassy will contact your Liaison for Vatican Diplomatic Affairs directly to finalize the administrative details.

His Imperial Majesty, David IV, and His Imperial Majesty’s Government look forward to a long and productive relationship with the Holy See.

Respectfully,
Albert Cummings
Minister of State
Holy Empire of Excalbia

[b]Albert Cummings
Minister of State
Holy Empire of Excalbia

Your Excellency,

We will be happy to receive Sir Talbot Cole as His Imperial Majesty’s Ambassador, and will send Father Issandr Motaki to receive the Ambassador and his staff upon your arrival, and to schedule a meeting with the Secretariat and an official reception with the Holy Father.

The accommodations in Citadel Excalbia sound impressive, and Archbishop Tsarong and his staff will be most grateful for the assistance of Lady Jane.

With continuing appreciation for your courtesy in facilitating this exchange,

In Christ,

Carlo Giovanni Cardinal Angelini
Secretary of State (Acting)
Secretariat of the Holy See


(OOC: Excalbia, if you want to RP the actual arrivals of the representatives, etc., please start a separate thread and TG us. Otherwise, we will assume that both representatives have arrived, established offices, and had their first pro-forma meetings with their opposite numbers in the Ministry/Secretariat, and the Emperor and the Pope. Nothing ever happens at those meetings except formal pleasantries, anyway…)

(OOC: HVS, OK with me. We'll assume the meetings went well and wait until we have something substantive to work on...)

(Bah... I'm not re-writing that entire letter... must resolve to be on NS more often, and pay closer attention.)

We request a confirmation that Her Imperial Highness, and her entourage, will be permitted to visit the Holy City?

~Consulate of the Divine Empire of Novar Ohan

[tag]

Would love to have Lady Bryce talk to a Vatican diplomat in Chimaea... but after the stuff going on now x_x So TAG

Carlo Giovanni Cardinal Angelini
Secretary of State
Secretariat of the Holy See

Your Eminence,

I request a private audience with your eminence about the new Papal administration's position on Judaism's relationship to the Holy Vatican See. I represent the opinions of Jews in Italy and mainland Europe.

I have spoken to senior Jeruselem Catholics about the new Pontiff and seek clarification on this issue.

Rabbi Yisrael
Head of Roman Jewish Synagogue.

To Rabbi Yisrael
Roman Jewish Synagogue

Dear Rabbi Yisrael,

I hope you will find it convenient to meet on _______, at 10:30 a.m. I have taken the liberty of inviting my colleague, Michael Stephen Cardinal Hume, to meet with you as well; he is currently acting, and has been fulfilling for the past three years, the Presidency of the Pontifical Council most relevant to the Church’s religious relations with Judaism.

Please inform my office immediately if this time is not convenient; another time can be arranged.

Cordially,

+Carlo Giovanni Cardinal Angelini
Secretary of State, Acting
Secretariat of the Holy See

To Rabbi Yisrael
Roman Jewish Synagogue

Dear Rabbi Yisrael,

I hope you will find it convenient to meet on _______, at 10:30 a.m. I have taken the liberty of inviting my colleague, Michael Stephen Cardinal Hume, to meet with you as well; he is currently acting, and has been fulfilling for the past three years, the Presidency of the Pontifical Council most relevant to the Church’s religious relations with Judaism.

Please inform my office immediately if this time is not convenient; another time can be arranged.

Cordially,

+Carlo Giovanni Cardinal Angelini
Secretary of State, Acting
Secretariat of the Holy See

OOC

Will post RP later. Time to go .... ______ is fine :wink:
Shalom!

TO: Cardinal Angelini, Secretary of State, Secretariat of the Holy See

FROM: Office of the Governor of Chimaea

Most cordial greetings to the Holy See and to your Eminence,

The Governor of Chimaea, Lady Tanya Bryce, wishes to carry out a formal state visit to the Holy Vatican See, seeking to strengthen Chimaean ties to the Catholic Church and discuss various matters of state.

The Governor would be grateful if an arrangement for the visit could be made.

Rabbi Yisrael was waiting for audience with Angelini and Hume as scheduled. In one hand he held his Torah and a briefcase in another. His cousin was running the Roman Jewish Synagogue in his absence.

Angelini's door finally opened and he was escorted into the Secretariat's office. Angelini and Hume were awaiting him. He bowed respectfully and sat down. "Thank you for your time your eminences. I know this Conclave has occupied most of your time and many things have happened." he greeted them.

The Rabbi was poured a cup of his favourite tea as he was frequent visitor in the past.

<Some small chat>

He turned to Hume "In past, the Catholic Church has not exactly been to hospitable to the Jewish peoples. Under Sixtus VI, the liberal approach of the Jeruselem Catholic Church towards us was partially implemented. Leo XIV being more conservative, I fear may undo the good work of his predecessor so I need to what is new relationship between the peoples of Old and New testament.".

Office of the Governor
Commonwealth of Chimaea

To Whom it May Concern,

The Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your enquiry regarding a state visit to the Apostolic See for Lady Tanya Bryce.

We welcome the opportunity to meet Lady Bryce and discuss formal and informal relations between the Apostolic See and the Commonwealth. If her Ladyship’s itinerary permits, may we suggest the following schedule:

Day One: Formal private audience with his Holiness, Leo XIV, and escorted sightseeing in the Vatican City. If her Ladyship is expecting press coverage, these activities provide excellent opportunities for striking photo and video footage.

Day Two: Discussions with Secretariat staff, followed by luncheon with Cardinal Angelini. A press conference in the afternoon is optional, to discuss any substantive conclusions or areas for further meetings; the Vatican press facilities are available for such a conference and Cardinal Meisner can speak on behalf of the Apostolic See.

If follow-up is required, it can be completed on the morning of a third day with the Secretariat staff.

Attached is a list of dates available for this schedule in the upcoming 90 days. If her Ladyship’s itinerary does not permit such activities, we welcome alternative suggestions.

Cordially,

Father Francis Kwan
Secretary to His Eminence Cardinal Angelini

Cardinal Hume smiled a trifle quizzically at the Rabbi. They were friends; had had many interesting discussions on the relative traditions of exegesis and midrash in the past, and the Rabbi had been most helpful in preparing for Jewish participation in previous conferences and meetings of the InterReligious Dialogue group.

“I think you worry needlessly, my friend. Leo is a man deeply respectful of Church tradition, and orthodox in every doctrine. But let me stress that word: Orthodox in the most complete sense. He is not one of the conservative minority who would like to restore the Church to its pre-Vatican Council days. The Reconciliations begun under John Paul II gained no further momentum under Sixtus, it is true, but that was more a function of his focus on the internal issues the Church faced during his Papacy than a reluctance to continue the outreach so well-begun in the latter 20th Century.”

He pursed his lips judiciously. “It is true, that even in the last century, when we have sought to build positive relations with our Jewish brethren, there have been setbacks. You know the line we walk, with regards to interfaith relations. The Church strives to maintain the best possible relations with like-minded leadership in all faiths, but that does not erase the fact that conflict among those of other faiths occasionally requires us to remain neutral, rather than the more active friendship we would prefer.”

He glanced at his colleague.

The Secretary of State’s mellifluous baritone was reassuring. “With regards to his Holiness’ stance on issues of outreach, I can say with some confidence that the Vatican under Leo will be an active and positive participant in world affairs, and that will include faith groups as well as nations.” He surveyed the Rabbi a bit diffidently. “Was there some particular issue of concern to you, either here in Rome or in the larger sense, as regards the Church’s relations with Judaism?”

Rabbi Yisrael paused and gathered his thoughts. "Thank you for reassurance that we the people of Old Testament are not simply going to be a side-issue for the new Pontiff. .... There was an issue of which the Catholic Church could assist. I have seen the rise of right-wing parties in Europe whose philosophies echo the evils of Nazi national-socialism. The Jews have always being favourite targets for their jibes as we are noticably different from the community in our own ironic way. Lately some our my fellow Rabbis have received death threats from the followers of these so-called 'Nationalists'. Most are misguided youth who are simply fanning the hate for their leaders, but some claim to be Christians. Is the Catholic Church concerned about these thugs using your Church to justify their crimes against peoples who are Alien to their so-called pure nation?"

Angelini nodded, gravely. “Yes, it is disheartening, is it not, how continually that old evil resurges in the hearts of men?”

He shifted in his chair, generating an ominous-sounding creak, and glanced at his colleague Hume, before continuing.

“Of course, we are always deeply perturbed by the evils done in the name of the Holy Church. The shift over the last thirty years, to increasingly authoritarian regimes and governments, has given rise to a great many abuses and persecutions. And they frequently use the language of the Church—language long since abandoned and repudiated by the Church itself—to cloak their abominable practices with the veil of “spiritual” legitimacy. ‘Inquisitions,’ the rise of heretical sects claiming the mantle of ‘true’ Catholicism, Catholic heads of state citing long-discredited doctrines and thoroughly specious interpretations of the magisterium to bolster their own temporal power…” he trailed off.

“Yes, it concerns us deeply. Yet our sphere of action is necessarily limited. Even in the realm of purely moral leadership and spiritual admonition, we must be wary of unintended consequences; the misinterpretation or over-broad application of statements from the Holy See has created more problems than it has solved on more than one occasion.”

He glanced at Hume, who nodded, and turned to the Rabbi to ask a question of his own.

“Is there a specific nation with which you are concerned? Specific incidents? It would be helpful, in determining our scope for action, if we had more specific information. Indeed, if you can share information about these incidents, my office is trying to gather more data on this problem for discussion at the next InterFaith Conference. The more information we have, the stronger case we can make, both internally and externally.”

The Rabbi considered his response "At the moment, those threats have been isolated to shady non-government organisations who are hid behind a veil of secrecy. I'm sure they are behind the funding of these right-wing parties but they not reveal their true selves yet. I'm sure they will when they take power and become government. Many nations like Greece and Cyprus of the anti-Zionist alliance ilk have already stated their intentions but are not Christian. Then there's crazy Catholic nations like Papalcy IV with it's heretic name who express very clear zeal with no room for tolerance with other religions."

Hume glanced at Angelini; they both nodded.

“You must be aware, Rabbi, that with the rise of schism in the last few decades, there are cults which style themselves “Catholic,” yet have neither communion with, nor recognition from, the Church. In such cases, there is little we can do through official diplomatic channels,” Angelini said slowly. “However, the more information we have, the more likely it becomes that we will be able to take advantage of unofficial opportunities.”

He turned to Hume, again. “I believe, too, that the triennial InterReligious Dialogue Conference is in the planning stage, is it not? Perhaps that might be a place to bring this matter into the larger discussion…?”

Hume assented. “Very much so. The theme of the Conference this time will be the interface between faith and public policy in situations where a state’s governmental administration professes, or exclusively prefers, a single religious sect or faith. Zionism and anti-Zionism would be the archetypal sequelae of such an interface.”

He smiled. “I hope we can count on your Synagogue, Rabbi, to assist with the accommodations for your Jewish brethren attending the Conference next year?”

Rabbi Yisrael replied "As the European representative for the Jewish faith, it would be my pleasure to attend this conference. For too long, Rabbis refuse to attend inter-faith conferences but I feel it is time for a change. It is time address issues which we have neglected for 2000 years and less complaining and more action to we do learnt the lessons of the holocaust."

A formal letter is received by the Secretariat of State


Cardinal Angelini
Secretariat of State
Holy Vatican See

Your Eminence,
We, the undersigned Bishops and priests of Cawhaba* ask for your assistance in grave matters within the Ecclesiastical Province of the United Duchies. As you are well aware, his Excellency, Archbishop Patrick Hanks was found dead in a hotel room under questionable circumstances almost two-weeks ago. Now we find that the Grand Duke has placed forward Father James Woelsly as the new Archbishop. Although the House of Cahe had the right to recommend the Cawahabian Bishops this right does not return to the Archdiocese of Thunderbay when the Crawfords inherited our small Kingdom.

We futher wish to note that the Council of Trent determined that any candidates for the episcopate must be born in holy wedlock. Some questions have arised about the union of James Woelsly's parents.

Your Eminance, the Church within the Klatch is under attack. The rise of the Dyellbian Anti-Pope ten years ago has led to a gradual decline in those attending weekly mass. It has worn away at the foundations of the Church here on the Island of Cawhaba such that we fear for the survival of the Church itself. At such a time as this we can not have a man who may be sympathetic to those who follow the Anti-Pope.

We feel that this 'recommendation' is the influence of the false Cardinal Bethop. Bethop is the Dyellbian Anti-Pope's lap dog and servant to the National Socialists as the new provincial Ambassador to the Grand Chamber in Thunderbay. This false Cardinal has also used his title and position to further the heretical teachings of the Anti-Pope against the faithful here in the United Duchies. We implore you to deal with these matters before this Anti-Pope entrenches himself further. Without some form of action, we are afraid that the newly opened Continent of Zithil will be closed again the Church, surrendering all who live there to the false teachings of the Dyellbian Anti-Pope. We implore that the Holy See make evident that it shall protect the rights of the Catholic Church within the United Duchies and her territories. We beg of you to act.

The faithful servants of Christ and the Holy Roman Church,

Bishop Patrick Moldone of Escaba
Bishop Francis Lontone of Nabath
Father Patrick Monahan
Father Francis Behaven
Father Tushu Merrill
Father Gregory Pathel
Father Alfwood Kasgill
Father Alphadus Dumtoff
......


*OOC: Part of the United Duchies one of the newer integrated territories...

To: Cardinal Angelini
Secretariat of State
Holy Vatican See

Your Eminence,

The People's Republic of Kay Son is interested in opening relations with your country. Although Kay Son is mostly a Bhuddist/Shintoist country, it is my belief that all religions should be featured in the cosmopolitan air that our country has. A place has been reserved for your representative within the capital city of T'sing T'sau.

Prime Minister Yun Ren of the People's Republic of Kay Son

To Whoever is the Pope in Rome.

I am the current leader of the church in the Grand Duchy of Tirah in the system of Tirah. After 150 years of forced isolation by the forces colonizing the planet and 20 years waiting to get our hands on an ship to deliver this message we have finally been able to contact your holyness and now wait your intructions and directions.

Yours in god, High Abbot Thrapes of the order of St. Herni

Hume thanked the Rabbi. "We will certainly hope that Jewish involvement in the next Conference deepens in strength and quality. Contributions in the past have been critical to understanding the power of inter-faith dialogue for all participants. We will be delighted to have you."

(OOC: There has actually been a good deal of dialogue and exchange between various Jewish faith groups and the Vatican in the past 60 years, in real life; and as we are playing this "Vatican" diverging from the RL timeline relatively recently, we must assume good relations with some Jewish groups. However, since there is no single Jewish spiritual leader analogous to the Pope or the Dalai Lama or the Archbishop of Canterbury (i.e., able to speak on behalf of all the believers of their communion,) it is perfectly reasonable that the Jews of whatever tradition this Rabbi represents might have been out of touch with the Vatican, so we will assume that is what you are referring to.)

Angelini nodded. "And on the political matters to which you have referred, we will tag a file in the Secretariat to monitor the situation. If specific concerns arise, we will be glad to discuss additional strategies to meet the threat of this growing anti-Semitism."

They exchanged a few more cordial remarks, before concluding the meeting.

The correspondence from the Duchies worked its way through several levels and finally ended up directly on Archbishop Nataka's desk. He brought the matter to the Pope, in one of the daily briefing sessions the Pontiff and the Sostituto had implemented, and they had discussed the matter. Cardinal Sales of the Congregation for Bishops had been called in, for consultation, and finally, the response had been drafted.


To the Episcopal Conference of the United Duchies

Dear Brothers In Christ

It was with great distress that we received your correspondence, and we have discussed your dilemma with the Holy Father. Clearly, there are anomalies in the Church in the United Duchies that require rectification. Your expression of concern gives us hope that the Episcopal Conference will be able to assist in this process, which we propose to begin immediately.

Please send the President of the Conference, with any additional representatives of your choice, to confer with us in Rome, so that we may work out the solution to this matter in detail. At this point, the Apostolic See has no formal diplomatic relations with the civil authorities of the United Duchies, and so has no representative locally to whom we may entrust this matter.

However, first allow us to set your minds at rest as to one very important point:

No one can validly ordain a bishop of the Church except the Holy Father; and the Holy Father will ordain no bishop who has not been thoroughly reviewed through the Conference for Bishops. Being aware of the schismatic Church in your region, the Holy Father is not inclined to ordain any bishops who may subsequently need to be removed from their See!

However, it appears that the Provincial administration of the United Duchies is struggling with the task of maintaining the Church under the current circumstances. We suggest a re-organization of the Province, with a complete review of all existing bishops. Under such a review, any existing schismatic bishops would be removed from their pastoral appointments and replaced with bishops of orthodox character.

Additionally, as it appears that your Episcopal leadership is struggling with the tasks of pastoral administration, we will accept recommendations from orthodox bishops and other clergy regarding the potential ordination of additional bishops to serve in the United Duchies. We can also have advisors from the Holy See consult with legal experts in the United Duchies regarding exercising the due process of law to maintain the control of existing Church resources (real estate and other assets,) in the hands of the orthodox clergy, and to ensure that any schismatic clergy are dispossessed of such resources.

As you can imagine, this will be a lengthy process which will require much planning and considerable paperwork. Please advise us as to the dates of your arrival in Rome to begin this process.

In Christ,[/i]

+Carlo Giovanni Cardinal Angelini
Secretary of State
Secretariat of the Holy See

+Rufino Jiao Cardinal Sales
Cardinal Prefect
Congregation for Bishops

Prime Minister Yun Ren
People's Republic of Kay Son

Your Excellency,

Your invitation to initiate diplomatic representation with the Peoples' Republic is most appreciated. We welcome the opportunity for ongoing dialogue and the exchange of knowledge with the people of Kay Son, and are pleased to appoint Monsignor Francis Sugami as Papal Consul to the People's Republic.

We hope that a representative from the People's Republic may be appointed to the Apostolic See; however, if the People's Republic has a diplomatic representative already accredited to Italy, we would be pleased to extend similar accreditation to that representative as well. Please advise us as to your preference in this matter.

Cordially,

+Archbishop Joseph Gopangi
Secretary for Relations With States
Secretariat of the Holy See

(OOC: Tirah, please check TGs.)

Well things got even messier when the reply was received. The President of the Conference had been the only person keeping the liberal Bishops from the throats of the traditionalists (guess why I'm saying had) With his unfortunate death not only had the two groups suddenly gone at each other's throats. They had done so verbally in a meeting in the Thunderbay Bishops Palace. Within a week the whole mess was out in the open when one side or the other had the entire letter published in the Centurion. With that the evenly divided Conference (being a bishop short) proved that things had deteriorated beyound comprehension when the only thing they did was strip the Vice President of his post.

***
Town Home of Landgrave Wittelbach

The Wittelbachs were the nations leading catholic family. The Landgrave was the brother-in-law of the Grand Duke himself. Now he faced the fact that the Church his family had been devoted to for generations was acting more like a bunch of school boys fighting over who got the best chair in the tree house.
He looked out his office window on the city below named for his family. "I really don't care how this happened, but the fact is that you must send someone to attend to this mess and visit with the Holy Father."

Bishop Torhaven and Bishop Escaba both looked at each other with daggers. You could hear the loading of the verbal fireworks. "Now I must also note that if the Vatican gets too demanding on the St. Anne business, it will be another repeat of what happened after Innocent X refused the Peace of Westphalia…"

The two men sitting stopped attempting to figure out the best insult and looked a bit concerned. "I am not a happy camper your Excellencies. And as such I'm thinking about initiating the clause in the land grant of 1722…."

Both men turned to face the Landgrave. The revenues from the land that the Wittelbachs had 'donated' to the diocese of Thunderbay made it a very well endowed. Which was one reason for all of the fighting within the Conference between the two groups, and which side would gain the coveted post.

"So I've noted that you have both not attended the Pope in Rome in almost nine years. As such, I thought it would be best if you both went to represent your positions. And explain why you seem unable to decide on a new President for the Conference. I also ask that you take Father James Wolsley to advise the Pontiff on more secular matters."


+Carlo Giovanni Cardinal Angelini
Secretary of State
Secretariat of the Holy See

+Rufino Jiao Cardinal Sales
Cardinal Prefect
Congregation for Bishops

As acting Secretary for the Episcopal Congress of the United Duchies, I wish to inform your Eminencies that Patrick Moldone Bishop Escaba and Andrew Michael Bishop Torrhaven will be returning to Rome to help straiten out matters raised in the Cawahaba letter. In attendance will be Father James James Woelsly to advise on dealing with the secular government of the United Duchies and the Klatchian Federation.

Father Henry Malone
Acting Secretary for the Episcopal Congress.


OOC: I'll let you open up the discussion/ arrival, as you desire. I have a fairly good memory of how the major pieces of the Vatican layout but I have no clue how or where Bishops arrive…

To: Cardinal Angelini
Secretariat of State
Holy Vatican See

Your Eminence,

I have appointed a representative to entrust our interests to your fair nation. His name is Lang T'ao, former freedom fighter and civil rights advocate from the fair city of Yoslieph. He will be arriving on the morrow, given that information on the nearest airport can be given.

Prime Minister Yun Ren of the People's Republic of Kay Son

Kay Son (Rome Fiumicino Airport RL...)

OOC: thanks

Prime Minister Yun Ren
Peoples’ Republic of Kay Son

Your Excellency,

We look forward to greeting your emissary Lang T’ao upon his arrival in Rome. Attached under cover of this correspondence is travel information, and a list of accommodations and services in Rome convenient and appropriate for diplomatic personnel.

Cordially,

+Archbishop Joseph Gopangi
Secretary for Relations With States
Secretariat of State


(OOC: A&H is quite correct, diplomats, etc., traveling to the Vatican come to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport.)

Father Andre Ringells had been dispatched to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport with one of the Vatican limousines to meet the bishops from Alcona and Hubris, with Father Woelsley. He was a medium-high secretary in the office of the Synod for Bishops, which office had been delegated the task of seeing to the visitors’ accommodations, and any routine business they might have.

They were being accommodated at one of the staff residences of the Beda Pontifical College, as accommodations within the Vatican itself were still a bit tight. Many Cardinals and Bishops still lingered on from the various ceremonies and the Consistory at which the Pontiff had announced his Curial appointments. With the reshuffling of offices in the Curia, anyone with a stake in ongoing business had to be there to shepherd it back into the proper channels.

Cardinal Sales, whose secretary had briefed Father Andre on the general nature of the assignment, had requested all the available files from State, Bishops, and the Synod on the United Duchies and the Klatchian Federation. He wanted to have a good grasp, when they arrived, of the political situation, as well as the precise organization of the Province as it stood now—the number, nature, and names of the various Sees and their occupants, as well as the characters of each bishop and their flocks. (OOC: Hint-hint)

OOC: That will take a bit of typing time...but this thread or a new thread? Since this is relevent but also tangental...

(OOC: New thread, please--and/or you could put some of the "background" information in a TG. Keep in mind that every parish priest is a potential information source, and anytime one of the existing bishops would have been a candidate for ordination, there would have been a pretty thorough 'background check' done... and still available in files.)

To: Cardinal Angelini
Secretariat of State
Holy Vatican See

We are requesting premission to come to rome to establish closer ties to the mother church, while the Teritoran church is not excommunated from the mother church or broken off at our end, there has been little communation between rome and the Teritoran church over the last hundred years. We would like to retify this any other problems that might exist.

Archbishop Vorn, Archbishop of Castle Dora, head of the Teritoran Catholic Church and spiritial adviser to the Teritoran King, King Doran
Grand Inquisitor Bern of The Order of St Hern
Grand Master Marn, Knights of the Holy Order of St. Vernsi

Archbishop Vorn, Archbishop of Castle Dora
Grand Inquisitor Bern of The Order of St Hern
Grand Master Marn, Knights of the Holy Order of St. Vernsi

Greetings in Christ

Your representatives are welcome to visit Rome to formalized relations with the Church, upon review of the Teritoran Church doctrines and practices by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the faith, and the rectification of any anomalies, if necessary.

We look forward to meeting with you. The attached packet includes all necessary arrangements about protocol, personnel, accommodations, and other helpful information.

cordially,

+Archbishop Tenda Nataka
Sostituto
Secretariat of State

(OOC Note: please TG us with any proposed story arcs and we will discuss whether to initiate a new thread or stay in this thread. Thanks!)

Archbishop Tenda Nataka
Sostituto
Secretariat of State

That is most good news we will come to rome ourselves to prevent any misunderstandings or attempts at trouble by misguided clergy. Since the Higher herarchy has over all has had little to do with Teritora evently being more concerned with, Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia then our region of the world, rome, the pope and his cardinals have become legendary almost mythal, even with the records, among the common people, the noblity and even most of the clergy which could cause problems. We have had more dealing with fellow catholics from other countries and even an church council than with we have with St. Peters and the various popes. We are going to make sure there are no misunderstandings on our end. If all goes well it will be likely that the King of Teritora will most assign an ambassader to rome and may even come to rome himself to meet with his holyness. We will make arrangements to travel to rome at once and pray all goes well, maybe we will even meet his holyness.

Archbishop Vorn, Archbishop of Castle Dora
Grand Inquisitor Bern of The Order of St Hern
Grand Master Marn, Knights of the Holy Order of St. Vernsi

To: Archbishop Nataka, Secretariat of State, Vatican See

Your Eminence,

I am pleased to hear of the progress towards creating a Nunciature in Tanah Burung, and look forward to hearing from the bishops of my country of fruitful relations with the Vatican.

However, it is another subject on which i write. The government of Tanah Burung is seeking avenues through which to finally achieve the goal of a world free of the scourge of colonialism. In the Vatican's capacity as a state rather than a church, i am writing to invite you to take part in drafting a Declaration Against Colonialism. By involving a diverse spectrum of nations in this effort, it should be possible to build strong support for the self-determination of peoples everywhere, an aspiration very much in keeping with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Please accept the expression of my very best regards, Eminence.

Mari Alkatiri
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights
United Provinces of Tanah Burung

Nataka studied the missive from the new Foreign Minister of Tanah Burung curiously. Dear me, he wondered to himself, is the man really that inept, or does he take us for fools?

He handed the letter over to one of the subordinates he most trusted with such delicate correspondence. The next day, the result was waiting in his in box:


The Honorable Mari Alkatiri
People’s Representative for Foreign Affairs and Human Rights
United Provinces of Tanah Burung

Your Excellency,

It was with great pleasure that we received your correspondence concerning the upcoming Declaration Against Colonialism. Your understanding of our teachings and goals is impressive, and we are honored by the invitation.

As Bishop Taofinu will be leaving shortly for Tanah Burung, I have taken the liberty of fully briefing him on this correspondence, and empowering him to discuss the matter with you. I am sure you will find him a valuable resource in this area, as colonialism and its effects have been personal concerns of his for many years.

And may I also take the opportunity of this correspondence to extend to you congratulations and best wishes upon your election to the office of People’s Representative for Foreign Affairs and Human Rights? We look forward to a fruitful and positive relationship with your office.

Kindest regards,

+Archbishop Tenda Nataka
Sostituto
Secretariat of State of the Apostolic See

Nataka initialed the draft and sent it onward for processing.

Your Eminence,

I write to you personally to express my total support for the Vatican. My Holy Republic will stand behind you 100% no matter how grave your situation may appear. Because no matter what, our faith in God and his one and only son, Jesus the Christ, will deliver us from all troubles.

As a Roman Catholic, I would like to travel to the Vatican, with your permission, to discuss the Orthodox Churches. As you may have already heard, my Holy Republic has successfully reunited the "True Christian Churches."

Thank you for your time, my people and I look forward to working with the Holy See.

Kevin Tracy the Great

"President Herschel, have you read this brief on the pope?"
"The Pope? Isn't he the..."
"Yes, pointy hat, we've been over this."
"Follows that Jesus fellow. Nice man."
"President Herschel, are you claiming you met Jesus?"
"Why of course. Funny guy. Odd accent. Very good at gardening."
"You realize this conversation is being broadcasted throughout the world?"
"You don't say?"

Kevin Tracy the Great

Dear Sir,

His Holiness has asked me to express his deepest appreciation for your friendly letter of support, and assure you that he will remember you and your people in his prayers.

You are most welcome to visit the Apostolic See, and if you have particular concerns regarding Christian Unity, do not hesitate to make an appointment with the office of the Pontifical Council on Christian Unity. The President of the Council is Cardinal Matthew Walsh.

The Holy Father holds regular public Audiences every Wednesday afternoon while he is in residence; tickets may be obtained by application to the office of the Majordomo. If you desire a private audience, please inform us of the dates most convenient to you, the number in your party, and the reason for the Audience; we will endeavor to accommodate you in His Holiness’ schedule.

In Christ,

+Monsignor Iulio Kwan
Private Secretary

(OOC: If you wish to discuss the Christian Unity issue with Cardinal Walsh, you will need to TG Excalbia, Cardinal Walsh’s player. If you have a particular story arc you wish us to participate in, please TG the Holy Vatican See.)

To his Eminence, Archbishop Nataka, Secretariat of State

We would be very grateful for a Nunciature to be established in Halibris. Though our government is secular, we wish to establish relations with the Vatican. Also, we are a mostly Catholic nation, and our bishops have asked we make this request to you so they and the Faithful may have a proper channel for contact with the Holy See.

(Your fellow child of God,)
Gregory Olp
Minister for Foreign Affairs

One of the numerous clerks in the Second Section (Relations with States) of the Vatican’s Secretariat reviewed the correspondence from Halibris. He prepared a dossier on the small Republic, attached it to a summary of the request, and a cost estimate for the various options of diplomatic representation. (The cost estimate was a recent addition to the Second Section routine—implemented by Leo XIV.)

The request was duly forwarded to Archbishop Gopangi, the Secretary for Relations With States. The Archbishop reviewed it, and examined the available diplomatic staff rosters. He selected two possible names, scrawled a note by each, and clipped them to his formal memo of recommendation. The file was then carried to the Sostituto, Archbishop Nataka, whose job included a daily morning briefing with the Holy Father.

Not that such requests were much discussed in the briefing—time was short and precious, with the myriad calls on the Pontiff, and only the most urgent and/or controversial matters received individual attention during such sessions. However, the dossiers were duly handed on to the Pontiff’s personal secretary, who reviewed them thoroughly. His job was to know as much as possible about such matters, so that when the Holy Father was presented with a summarized list of the various matters and recommendations requiring for approval, he might be able to answer any possible Papal questions.

However, Leo asked none regarding the various diplomatic recommendations from the Second Section that particular day. Monsignor Kwan briefly summarized each matter, the recommendations of the various relevant Vatican bureaucrats, and then presented the Pontiff with the documents for signature and/or comment.

Halibris was on its way to diplomatic relations with the Apostolic See.

The matter duly wended its way back through various levels of review—personnel, finance, etc.—and, by a not-too-startling coincidence, ended up back on the desk of the very clerk who had first received the matter. He called up the appropriate correspondence templates, and prepared a draft for the Secretary.


The Honorable Gregory Olp
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Republic of Halibris

Your Excellency,

The Apostolic See is pleased to respond to your request for diplomatic representation by the appointment of Monsignor Jago de Berea Montales as Apostolic Legate to the Republic of Halibris.

Monsignor Montales and his staff will arrive in your capitol via InterAir flight 3119, on the ____st of __________. Please send all relevant information regarding arrangements for his reception to this office.

We would also like to invite the Republic of Halibris to appoint a duly-accredited representative to the Apostolic See, and assure you of a warm welcome for any such delegate.

In Christ,
+Archbishop Joseph Gopangi
Secretary for Relations With States
Secretariat of the Apostolic See


The correspondence was reviewed, passed, signed, and sent without comment.

EDIT: Whoops, wrong nation.

EDIT

((Like your style of letters--hope you don't mind if I copy...))
Archbishop Joseph Gopangi
Secretary for Relations with States
Secretariat of the Apostolic See

Your Eminence,

We are very grateful for processing our request so quickly, and, especially, accepting it. We are glad to recieve Monsignor Jago de Berea Montales and his staff.

We will be ready to recieve them at Logan International Airport in Haliton as soon as you are prepared. They will be driven to City Hall, where I will be waiting to meet the staff, along with the Archbishop of Haliton.

As for the accomadations of the Nunicature, you may decide. We have several buildings currently unoccupied in the Embassy section of Haliton, but ready for use. Or, you may want a building of your own, in which case we would construct one to your liking. Either way, we are ready to make plans for the Monsignor and his staff to sleep in a hotel temporarily, or perhaps in the rectorary of the Archbishop's Cathedral, which the Archbishop tells me has room enough.

As for your invitation, we gladly accept. We would like to send Dr. Horace Van der Steed to the Vatican to further our relations.

Again, we thank you.

Gregory Olp
Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Honorable Gregory Olp
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Republic of Halibris

Your Excellency,

We look forward to receiving Dr. van der Steed as diplomatic representative of the Republic. You will find credentials enclosed with this correspondence. You may contact Albio Farnese, Liaison for Vatican Diplomatic Affairs, in Rome, for assistance in accommodations and other logistical matters.

With regards to the Legation’s accommodations, we are happy to accept the hospitality of the Cathedral for the interim. Monsignor Emori Naitaku will be temporarily assigned to the Halibrian Legation staff in order to make more permanent arrangements; we appreciate your assistance in facilitating his work.

With gratitude for your efforts in promoting cordial relations between the Republic and the Apostolic See, I remain,

In Christ,

+Archbishop Joseph Gopangi
Secretary for Relations With States
Secretariat of the Apostolic See

Carlo Cardinal Angelini
Secretariat of State
The Holy Vatican See

Your Eminence:

As a long-time friend of the Pope, His Imperial Highness Julius IV is requesting to establish official diplomatic ties with the Holy See. As the leader of a nation of 112 million Roman Catholics, 22 cardinals, 234 bishops, 22 archdioceses, and 106 dioceses, all laws that the Emperor and his late father Paul VII promulgated are in accordance with the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

His Imperial Highness eagerly awaits your confirmation.

In peace,

Andres Gomez
Prime Minister of the Holy Empire of Edvardus
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

OOC: The Holy Vatican See has ceased to exist (http://www.nationstates.net/holy_vatican_see).

what is OOC and who is the replacement for the Holy Vatican See?

what is OOC and who is the replacement for the Holy Vatican See?

"OOC" means "Out Of Character"; it means I wasn't responding in-character as a representative of my nation.

As for the Holy See's replacement, possibly Apostolic See (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Apostolic_see). Although they seem to represent the concept of sede vacante rather than the papacy. You could send them a telegram (http://www.nationstates.net/Apostolic_see) to ask them.