"For the Big Fisherman..."

[Holy See]

At the moment, the Domus Sanctae Marthae ("Saint Martha's House") was void of inhabitants. All those who had originally been scheduled to stay there were relocated to hotels outside the Capitoline at the expense of the Church. The attendants and servants had made certain the beds and rooms were in tip top shape for the arrival of the cardinal electors for the papal conclave. It was hardly a five star hotel, and the overall feel went for humble ascetics rather than the rich and famous. For certain, those who would be staying would not receive much in the way of entertainment - all telephones, televisions, radios and computers had been disconnected or removed. The intent was to prevent anything that might influence the cardinals in their eventual vote for who would be the next pope, after the death of Pope Stephanus IV.

Cardinal Pietro Accolti, the Potenzan cardinal who served as Camerlengo, glanced at a clock on the wall. The first few cardinals were probably on the way here soon. He especially expected Dean Cardinal Jean Louis Rochambeau from the now Engellexic-controlled Montelimar. Each of the rooms had been assigned by lot so that no one could complain about intentionally getting the worst or best one. The rooms were all good enough - the cardinals would receive their rest before the big day, when they would meet in the Sistine Chapel and cast the votes that might decide the direction of the Tiburan Catholic church for the next few decades.

"Your eminence," a deacon said, coming in, "they're arriving."

OOC: The actual conclave will begin on June 18th, but RP between the cardinals is encouraged before then.

 

[Rheinbund]

The Eiffellandian cardinals had already discussed the upcoming conclave with each other. All quite agreed about the way the Church should follow. The world had changed dramaticly during the last 150 years. The Church had changed as well, but it was clear that it appealed to less and less people. More changes were needed. But not too fast. Not too radical. Too fast change could rip the Church apart. None of the Eiffellandian cardinals wanted to become the new Pope, but they knew what they would vote for.

Now they entered the Domus Sanctae Marthae for what would determine the course of the Church for the next decades.

 

[Großlausitz]

The Franconian delegation followed the Eiffellanders en suite. Owing to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century the nominal as well as practical role of Catholicism in Franken was far less important than it was in the Kingdom of Eiffelland. That was why Franken only had two cardinals electors as well as two cardinals beyond the voting age, who were happily enjoying their retirement in the city of Tibur. Although the cardinals and their staff had been assigned a small detachment of LKA (national office of investigation) agents to act as their security personnel, the likelihood of Franconian leaders trying to influence the election was close to zilch. If there was a Lutheran pontiff, however, the delegation would be larger and Franken more prone to meddle. By custom the Franconian Kingdom's electors would usually follow the lead of the Eiffellanders or Wieserreicher cardinals, as cooperation with them promised the most.

This didn't mean Franken's representatives couldn't think for themselves. They were just down to earth and realistic. Whereas the titular leader of the delegation, Thomas Kardinal Maurer, Archbishop of Nürnberg-Kornburg and Catholic primate of Franken, could be considered a more left-leaning and bleeding heart liberal clergyman focused on serving the people, his peer Peter Kardinal von Faber-Castell, Archbishop of Würzburg, was more keen on promoting his own ends. As a member of Franken's most senior Catholic family, who have had a history of political experience, it doesn't come as a surprise. Being a far more recent appointment it was Kardinal Faber-Castell's second conclave. The 51-year-old prince of the church hoped to get some personal benefits from the course of the election.

 

[Natal]

Dariusz Cardinal Kaminski was the third one to arrive. He was to represent in the conclave the Catholic minority of Altai.

The Catholic believers in Altai now were like an endangered species. They arrived with the first wave of Slavic migration, especially the ones coming from Sarmatia. The continuous influence of Kyiv, the Talemantine Empire and Diagism has made and continues to make the catholic belief to slowly disappear.

Kaminski didn’t come here to be chosen as the Sovereign Pontiff. He came to elect someone that can and will modernize the Catholic Church.

 

[Taley]

Cardinal Gaspar Puopolo, Archbishop of Avensa, walked into the chapel for the beginning of the conclave. Cardinal Puopolo had served as Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples under the late pope. He had given his life to the church working the past several decades within the church organization from Avensa a suburb on the outskirts of Talemaniki. It wasn't hard to be a Christian in Talemantros, but it was hard being non-Orthodox in Talemantros. Even though they were Christians, Catholics were just as unwelcome as Islam and were subject to the same restrictions in spreading their faith. For decades the catholic faithful had been steadily dwindling with many people realizing the benefits of going to the appropriate church. After Gaspar received his Cardinalate 25 years ago he was able to maneuver through the imperial politics to stem the hemorrhaging of the faithful from the pews. The small few million catholics in Talemantros have been maintaining their numbers since Gaspar became the unofficial leader of the Talemantine Catholic Church. To make more use of his political skill and talents he was later brought to the holy see to help it navigate the modern world.

The late Stephanus IV appointed him Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and served him faithfully during his short pontificate. Now Gaspar wanted to see his church in a resurgence in the world. He was certainly a man born in the wrong time and pained for the time where the pope held extreme sway over the kings of the faithful, and kings and emperor's bowed to the papal throne. He envisioned this world could be achieved again and would be looking for a candidate who had the god instilled will to see it through. He ran his hand through his snow white hair as the seventy-three year old cardinal walked into the chapel.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Nicosian delegation almost made it spectacle of not making a spectacle when they arrived. The Nicosian delegation filed in slowly and without a word to anyone. The delegation failed to even make eye contact until they had found heir seats among their peers. The Nicosians exchanged glances and nods with their counterparts. Some shared stories and inquired about the others family or flock. Those who paid very close attention to the group could see something among the entire delegation...

 

[Great Engellex]

CARDINAL MANNING & CARDINAL ROCHAMBEAU

Palazzo Bourchier, Syracuse, June 2012

It was during June of 2012 that the Engello-Montel cardinals arrived in Syracuse at the Palazzo Bourchier. The 16th century palace was in the ownership of the Archdiocese of Southwark as the official residence of Engellex’ most powerful cardinal when attending to affairs of the Holy See, it was not a notable palace but rather pale to those of the Crowned heads of Europe – it would be regarded as a rather smart town establishment in Dulwich; it began as the formal residence of Cardinal Herbert Edward Bourchier, the Archbishop of Arundel and Lewes in the 16th century.

The position of the Engellexic cardinals was dictated by their place within the political stage of Dulwich. They were first and foremost politicians and administrators, and their conduct at the Conclave will reflect this self-interest as to allow them to continue as they have been within the Engellexic realm. Since the Federation’s war against Solaren, and Engellex’ disapproval of that campaign, it had proved a serious handicap to the business of Henry Edward Cardinal Manning, the Archbishop of Southwark and most authoritative of all holy personages in Engellex, and the cardinals believed that a renewed effort to bring the Solaris realm under the influence of the Holy See would enable them to regain prestige lost during the war; and as the Capitoline was aware that its influence and monopolies in Engellex depended on the church not becoming an obstruction or irrelevance to the policies of Dulwich in the eyes of Parliament and Court there was a need for an understanding between the cardinals and the conclave. So, on a glorious June day the Engello-Montel cardinals arrived at the Sistine Chapel, having spent two days before in private debate with Cardinal Manning – occasionally Cardinal Rochambeau, who they didn’t entirely trust – at the Palazzo Bourchier, and entertained most lavishly.

The day before the Conclave was due in the Sistine Chapel Cardinal Rochambeau was on his mettle. He was certain that Cardinal Manning would endeavour to make a great effort to impress the Montel cardinal with the grandeur and elegance of the palazzo and its Court, and was determined to outdo the aloof Manning whom he had always believed to be his special rival ever since he saw the Engellexic fighter aircraft disable much of Montelimar in on night. Most importantly though, Rochambeau was the Dean of the College of Cardinals; so he was prepared. He was a sight so unusual and almost dazzling on that morning that even those of Bourchier, who were accustomed to opulence, were astonished at Rochambeau’s effort to meet and exceed the standards of his now partners, the Engellexic saw the relationship much less equal. Rochambeau had been told how the Engellexic cardinals arrived in Syracuse by the Talemandara, a spectacular vessel belonging to the Royal Cunard & Star Lines, which had been gaily decorated with gold and silver cloth with hundreds of bouquets of the famous Engellexic red and white roses. Rochambeau decided to make use of a scarlet landau drawn by four white horses. Before the Montel was entertained by Manning he was given bread and wine to sustain himself, and then taken to the Rose Chapel to hear the Mass.

When they concluded Mass Rochambeau, with the other cardinals, was led to the to the Green Drawing Room and the presence of Manning, who Rochambeau noted was absent from Mass. The palazzo had been especially decorated to receive the Montel, and exquisite tapestries hung in every room which complimented the extensive and historic collection of antique furniture which had been procured over centuries. In the drawing rooms two hundred footman, wearing scarlet and gold liveries, stood at attention, in order to impress the Montel with the status and prestige of Manning. Manning was delighted with the impression he so deliberately created. He welcomed Rochambeau warmly, telling him how pleased he was to receive him the Archbishopric Court – and indeed put emphasis on the word Court. Not entirely sincere in his intention, Manning stressed that he believed the Montel was in need of refreshment, and so led him from the drawing room to an adjoining dinning room that had a magnificent banquet prepared for him especially, whilst they were eating the cardinal had arranged for the Engellexic Avison’s concertos to be played in the background.

Manning stressed that it was, more so than ever, necessary for the Capitoline to tread very cautiously, for the opinions of those in strong catholic states had changed considerably since the beginning of the Federation’s war in Preuti-Borussia. It is time, said Manning, that the Pope and policy – I mean, teachings of the church reflect the change of this continent and heal the divide. Rochambeau looked across to Manning with a concerned brow, and enrage the Federation States? He Knew Manning was referring to the Engellexic want of the church reclaiming lost territory in Solaren, not necessarily soil but hearts and minds. Those States who were responsible for the wars and your position here are now cast off and done with, Manning replied with a monotone arrogance. The Capitoline should try to gain the friendships of the new States – their Kings. In that, he was conveying the want of Dulwich for Pope to recognise the coronations of the new kings of Wissemandie and Montelimar, when they will take place. The Montel sighed, I do not believe this is truly possible. But Manning dismissed his lack of will, there is a way to approach the achievement of this endeavour. You must use your office and influence to ensure the Godless libertines of Eiffelland are not able to corrupt the inclination of the Conclave. A Pope that endorses the advancement of moral deviancy into our societies will be disastrous and absolutely set back the power of the Capitoline in the States that matter.

Rochambeau’s eyes were speculative regarding the prospect laid out before by Manning. He loathed the Engellexic cardinal, but he was quite right in his assessment on liberal influences reaching the Pope. Small wonder that the next day, in the Sistine Chapel, Cardinal Rochambeau would complain of a head ache, but even as it ached it filled with Manning’s words and plans, for it had ever been Manning’s genius to turn every position in which he found himself to his own advantage; and now this opportunity to secure more celebration and respect of his name at home, have the Queen-Empress’s Court admire him greatly. The Pope was dead and they were here to elect a new one; why not establish a Pope that will exert greater influence in Preuti-Borussia? To bring the Solaris under the teachings – and protection – of the Tiburan Catholic States; recognise the fall of the old powers and rise of the new; and endeavour to stamp out moral deviancy from corrupting the Continent any further?

On were the Engellexic Cardinals driven through Syracuse to the Capitoline, renewed and refreshed by two days within the palazzo prior, until they arrived outside; and there was Cardinal Manning leading the procession of Engellexic Cardinals into the Sistine Chapen; and, gorgeously attired, wearing his Cardinal’s hat, Manning and the others prayed for the deceased Pope and wept for his passing, while their minds were busy with the plans for reigning in any attempt to corrupt the church, reaching out to the Solaris, and recognising the new kings.

 

[Danmark]

The taciturn Danish dyad, Their Eminences Cardinal Nicolas Theodgar Hemmingsen, Archbishop of Roskilde and the Suðreyjar, and Cardinal Richard Vilhelm Bisgaard, Archbishop of Aaaben and Østflod, made their sombre and dignified entrance to the House of St. Martha where the multitude of the great, good and the powerful from the widely dispersed worldwide community of catholicism had already begun to coalesce. These men of the cloth had received the news of the dashing of the head upon the marble steps of the Capitoline and eventual departure from the mortal coil of the Holy Father both with extreme angst, sorrow and foreboding. The Holy Father wrenched away from them all, as he was, with many years expected ahead of him, had left a gaping void at the apogee of the Church. Now all were called together from across the globe, a multinational huddle, in this grave but singularly important mission - to elect the new Pontiff. Soon, the bells would toll and smoke would drift into the air in rapturous acclamation to echos of "Habemus Papam!"

The tiny Sanctum Videre, an enclave entirely surrounded by that proud little island nation of the Nicosians, held an especial significance and awe for the two Danes though, despite the sombre and burdensome task thrust upon them, they were also pleased to be here, at the Church's beating heart. Representing around seventeen millions of the Great Danes of a population of at least ninety-five millions, two bishops did not seem adequate to the number of the faithful flock and was an area that needed to be addressed at some point, Catholicism a legacy of the days of the Kingdom's three-hundred-year subsummation within the Holy Germanian Empire.

Conversing in Danish brogues between themselves, one from the east of mainland Danmark, and one from the little island of Færøerne, commonly nicknamed 'The Rock', a piece of the Great Danish kingdom that was seemingly hurled into the Great Thaumantic Ocean by God himself in His great plan, they glanced and eyed over their equals from the other nations. Subsumed, tsunami-style, particularly by the number of Nicosians and Eiffellandians, and slightly pipped by the Engellexians by virtue of their consummation of the Montelimarian archbishoprics, but equal to to the Franconians in number, the two archbishops smiled and nodded in an outwardedly meek but inwardedly determined manner.

Whatever they were deficient in in terms of quotient, the Danish duo made up for in sheer physical and majestic Danish height- 6'6" (1.98 metres) and 6'2" (1.90 metres) - dwarfing their fellows causing Archbishop Bisgaard, actually the smaller of the two, in self-deprecating fashion, to try to reduce his apparent height by stooping rather like an elderly gentleman, a poor attempt if ever there was one as it failed in its good-hearted attempt - he was still tall. The outnumbering of the two failed to disguise a wider ambition. Cool, calm and collected, they strove for stability and looked for the 'continuity candidate' - someone conservative, trusted, and with the carriage of dignity.

Thrusting his hand forward, the Archbishop of Roskilde and the Suðreyjar, greeted the Camerlengo, Cardinal Accolti.

"Dominis vobiscum, I am sincerely and deeply pleased at the manner you handled affairs upon the unfortunate death of the Holy Father".

The archbishop sighed in a despondent air. Memories of the Pope, the Shepherd-upon-Earth, came back int0 the forefront of his mind. Grief was still with him, but so was a back-seat iron-will. He launched into ecclesiastical lingua franca.

"Pietro, amicus, ecclesia indiget virtute. Te sunt eam! Admiror animi et potentia. Ecclesia indiget vobis! Instanter! Non potest haberi apostata, absolutele non! Danorum non accipere!"

The two cardinals stored their trust in the Camerlengo for the stability of the church and they would do everything in their power to ensure the Potenzan Camerlengo succeeded. He was the best hope for the Church, instilled with decades of wisdom, closeness to the hierarchy, thoroughly inculcated and steeped in the teachings of the Church and its liturgy. There should be no 'stalking horses' in this event, and the two Danes had already settled on their preferred choice. It was the will of the Almighty, afterall.

 

[Holy See]

Accolti began to address the various cardinals, acting as a kind of maitre d' for the living quarters. He approached the Eiffelandian group and nodded to them, motioning and directing them to where they could learn their quarters. The Franconian delegation followed suit, and he likewise directed them to where they could learn their quarters. The Camerlengo attempted to give each cardinal some due attention to their persons, offering assistance when it seemed needed and answering any needed questions.

Cardinal Dariusz Kaminski received special attention from Accolti, as he was the lone representative of the Tiburan Catholic faithful in the otherwise pagan nation of Altai. The Potenzan cardinal shook Kaminski's hand and said he hoped that he had experienced a good journey thus far. Cardinal Gaspar Puopolo was the next to receive special attention from Accolti. He had served much in the Church, especially in his home country where he had done much to make sure the Tiburan Catholic faith did not dwindle and become eclipsed by the Orthodox Church. He had likewise served within the Tiburan Congregations of the Capitoline government. Accolti bowed to him politely and told him it was very good that he had arrived in time for the conclave, during one of the most important parts of the life of the Capitoline government.

The Nicosian flock caught the Camerlengo by surprise, as they seemed to be secretive and keeping to themselves to a certain extreme. Some of the Saxon Guard, who had provided an attachment for security, seemed rather hesitant of them, and one of them walked over to ask the Nicosians what they were keeping to themselves. Accolti let the Saxon Guard do their duty while he moved on to one of the most important men in the conclave: the Cardinal Rochambeau, formerly of Montelimar but now under the authority of Engellex.

"It is good to see you, Rochambeau," Accolti said, "I was looking forward to seeing you. The conclave will begin soon, but you will receive the room number of your quarters soon. I'm sure there's much on your mind, so I will not bother you nor your brothers much."

It was then that Accolti heard the sound of someone walking up behind him, and he turned to realize he was now dwarfed by the tall members of the Danish delegation, in particular Cardinal Nicolas Theodgar Hemmingsen, who held his hand out to the Potenzan cardinal in a friendly gesture.

"Dominis vobiscum, I am sincerely and deeply pleased at the manner you handled affairs upon the unfortunate death of the Holy Father," he said to Accolti.

Accolti smiled gently and took the hand of his Danish brother, "Thank you very much, your eminence. The death of His Holy Vicar was very abrupt, as you're well aware, and it's no easy task to make certain the griefs of Christ's Church leads to unintended chaos. However, His Lord and His Blessed Mother have been good to us, and He has upheld His promise that the gates of hell shall not prevail against us."

After a sigh, the Danish cardinal then erupted into Latin, which Accolti readily understood. What Hemmingsen was suggesting was, in fact, that Accolti should become the blessed father, the pope, the head of Christ's faithful on Earth. It was something that had crossed Accolti's mind before, many times, especially in the days following Stephanus's death. Privately, the former pope had said to Accolti many times that, among those he worked with closely, it was the Potenzan cardinal who he believed would be one of the most qualified. Accolti had little interest in advancing the affairs of his home country, and in fact rarely kept up with events going on within it (outside of matters of the church, of course). As Camerlengo he was often making certain things functioned properly in the church, and sometimes acted as Stephanus's confidant. Accolti did not desire to actively seek the papal seat in the same manner some politicians sought the role of president or prime minister - similar to how many vultures sought dead prey. However, he was resolved that if it was to be God's will, it would be God's will.

"The Church is going through a testing decade," Accolti replied, "with a nation of heretics starting a major war just north of us, Muslims limiting the rights of God's faithful, and uncontrolled liberalism growing in some metropolises. Today will most certainly be a day of importance. What is necessary for the Church is leadership that will keep all parties in line, strengthen the central government, and permit the various bishops to act as they need to within their individual diocese. The Church is a body, and every member of her body is sick, and not every part of the human body can be treated equally. They can, however, be treated. Let us play that when the conclave is over and voting is finished, it will be for the better of Christ's Church."

 

[Holy See]

OOC: It's go time...

A clock rung nearby, and the Camerlengo knew it was time for the conclave to finally assemble. Accolti motioned to some deacons, and the call was made for the cardinals to gather for the informing of the conclave. Accolti motioned to Dean Rochambeau to lead the procession, and the large number of Christ's shepherds clad in red left towards the Sistine Chapel, chanting the Veni Creator Spiritus in near perfect unison. Outside the Guard were holding back many Tiburan Catholic faithful who were longing to see the events, perhaps to see the future pope before he dons the robes. The press were likewise there, held back and mingled with the international crowd.

In a matter of minutes the cardinals were gathered in the Sistine Chapel and were led by Cardinal Rochambeau to take the oath to observe the apostolic constitutions, maintain secrecy, and disregard the desires of secular officials in regards to the actual voting. The room had been inspected beforehand to check for any bugs or listening devices, and it was guaranteed up to this very moment that there would be no threat to the secrecy of this conclave. The cardinals took their various seats, divided up by nation. It was then...

"Extra omnes!" Accolti cried out. At that shout, all those who were not cardinal electors departed from the room, and the doors of the chapel were locked. The conclave was set. The destiny of the church for the next decade or more - only God knew - was set.

Dean Rochambeau took his seat as the master of the ceremony, but Accolti was the first to step forward. He moved forward to a pedestal in the middle room, and lifted up a silver ring for all to see. Those closest to him - and who had been closest to the former pope - recognized it as Ring of the Fisherman that Stephanus had bore on his finger. Accolti held it aloft for a few seconds, waving it this way and that, showing it at last to Dean Rochambeau. He placed it on the pedestal, then, saying in a loud voice, speaking in Latin so that all could understand:

"Here before you is the Ring of the Fisherman, held by His Holy Father up to the moment of his passing. As per the sacred tradition of our Fathers, I have kept it to this moment, so that before all you esteemed brothers and cardinal electors, it may be destroyed, to prevent anyone from tarnishing his name. Let it be known before you all."

The Potenzan held out his hand, and another Potenzan - a cardinal deacon - stepped forward and handed him a large hammer. To the surprise of some present, the aging, gray-haired Camerlengo was able to wield the sizable tool, preparing himself for just a second before swinging it in an arch. With a loud CLANG! the silver ring was shattered, breaking into several pieces and spreading the various bits across the floor of the chapel. A few of the cardinal deacons went out, gathering the pieces together and putting them into a bag to be burned later. Accolti turned and walked to the chair of Rochambeau, bowing before him before turning towards the conclave and speak:

"The proceedings, as you gentlemen all know, will soon proceed, with the passing out of the ballots. Before we begin, however, are there any concerns or questions that you feel you are called by God to bring forward?"

 

[Rheinbund]

The Eiffellandian cardinals had entered the Sistine Chapel together with the other cardinals. Now they were watching the ceremony again as they watched it 2 years ago upon the election of Pope Stephanus. For none of them it was new. In the upcoming years several cardinals would have to step down because of old age, but Strelecki was not one of them. He became Archbishop of Weissenfels five years ago. Now he was 62, and still very healthy. He would follow the events.

Upon the last question from Accolti, the Eiffellandian cardinals said: "We don't have any questions or concerns."

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Cardinal Giudicelli sat on the far end of the Nicosian delegation. Giudicelli noticed the reaction of the others in attendance to the entrance of the Nicosians. He smiled and turned to talk to another Nicosian just as the proceedings began. At 76, Giudicelli suffered from terrible arthritis but today it had been drowned out by the racing thoughts in his head. The Nicosians had discussed long and hard of their options ahead. Extremists, traditionalists, moderates, liberals, conservatives; they had all been discussed. They had come to no conclusion other than it would be the choice of the Almighty through them. However, there was a consensus which excluded certain possibilities.

Giudicelli struggled to his feet, his knees pulsing with ache of the arthritis which had originally been stabbing pains. In response to the call from Accolti, Giudicelli had to make one comment. "I think it is only appropriate that we encourage any final questions or concerns. This is too important to move to swiftly. We have no questions or comments but wish to express our support to those who do".

 

[Great Engellex]

Sistine Chapel, Capitoline, Syracuse, June 2012

Cardinal Manning was too wise and shrewd to believe the interests of the Engellexic reach of the Holy See could be understood and protected by a new Pope without himself providing a few words of advice, or warning. If he didn’t, as soon as he left the Capitoline the work of the so-called reformers would commence the rot, which, he believed, would be so great as to shatter the position of the Tiburan Catholic Church in Great Engellex, and, by extension, destroy the power of the Engellexic Cardinals and Archbishops.

Manning had contemplated throughout the time within the Sistine Chapel that he may have to stay within the Capitoline to hold modernist policies in check. And what would he do about his work in Engellex while he was away? He had political enemies in Dulwich that would endeavour to make capital from his absence; and then there were the economic interests. Manning personally oversaw the finances that left her Majesty’s Treasury for that of the Archbishoprics to ensure God’s work is continued. He could trust none else with such matters. There was also the Prohibition in Cantignia that had snared his attention, should he make it God’s quiet work to alleviate the troubles of the victims of the Mormon aggression? It frustrated him that such enterprises had to be put on hold while he dealt with the geriatrics of this glorified tomb. No, he must mind the business here he decided eventually. He must stay in the Capitoline, but as he came to that decision he observed others of the Engellexic group, he never truly trusted any other before and found it difficult to do so now.

It was in a coarse mood that he met the sight of the Nicosian Cardinals, and, especially, Cardinal Giudicelli. Well, Manning declared, I do not feel the need for questions but for the expression of how we proceed in the new era ushered in around us. We must do so as the Almighty desires; and I feel compelled to express those thoughts I hold, guided by the Almighty, no doubt, I truly believe, that will greatly serve the teachings and bring salvation to many suffering around us; it is my constant endeavour.

Manning took his gold pectoral cross in his left hand, as he studied the other Cardinals for a moment. It is imperative that the Church supports the return of the Heretics (refers to Solaris people) to this Church, the Princes of the Realms I have returned from are keen to observe such an enterprise. I believe the circumstance of our being here, now, is the intent of the Almighty to return them to the teachings of this Church. I am with the concern some – quarters – may not appreciate the gravity of not reaching out to the Heretics and find such an effort to great.

He paused again before declaring the need for wisdom within the next Pope to recognise the truth of political Europe, for the Church can achieve much in doing so.

The matter had been established now before them all, and he hoped his words would do much to safeguard the interests of the Church in particular Realms. As Manning sat down he locked eyes with Cardinal Rochambeau, who knew precisely what Manning wanted, no, needed.

 

[Danmark]

"Gloria Deo! Det er storslået!" ("Glory be to God! It is magnificent!"), Cardinal Bisgaard exclaimed openly as he entered the Chapel. Although he had been here many times previously, every visit to the Sistine was a new revelation to him, a wonderous delight, as appreciation and perspective of this hallowed architectural masterpiece was rediscovered anewed as if it was his virgin visit. Being here, the epicentre of the Tiburan Catholic church, gave him a zest for life and a renewed vigourous sense of mission. In short, he was overawed by the magnificent splendour of this dedication to God.

The Great Danes buckled up for the impending ballot to select the new Holy Father, the venerated master of their church, the direct earthly link to the Saviour, the much loved Saviour, the Son of God. However, the two did not come here to play politics unlike some, it appeared, who angled for their own selfish national ends - this had to be for the future of the Church.

The two cardinals looked on at their counterparts with a look of respect and astonishment. Cardinal Hemmingsen, in particular, was slightly unnerved by the obtuse and earthly politicking unfolding before him. The Nicosians seemed, it was revealed to him, to be possessed by a certain clandestine manner that unnerved him. They seemed to have a dagger neatly concealed in a sheath, or so it seemed to him. Most unbecoming. At least the Engellexians were open about their views and communicated them with no shenanigans. He was reassured by that and he shared the sentiments they expressed. Solaren, that godless abode, must be returned to the fold, but he cared not a jot for their nationalistic strain to prop up the legitimacy of the Engellexic engulfing of that venerable Catholic nation, Montelimar. Had they forgotten their base teachings, taken leave of their senses in an attempt to hijack and abuse the Church for their own ends? Were they here to do the bidding of the Queen Empress? Unseemly.

However, a pressing thought had been eagerly awaiting its expression - how to battle, or deal with, increased secularism in his own homelands. Danmark had no official religion even though the King was nominally the head of the Danish Protestant church and the Crown Prince indicated a desire to be 'Defender of Faith' upon his imminent coronation. It was just a matter of time before that magnificent and dazzling ceremony took place. Hemmingsen in particular, had a great devotion and belief in the righteous course of the Tiburan Church and its teachings, philosophy and practice. He would dearly love to see the Church take a greater stand in Danmark, to become THE church. But, he was a realist and knew that there was a cat in hell's chance that that would happen anytime soon. So the next best thing, at the risk of appearing a compromiser of the beliefs of his core, was how to tackle and deal with rampant secularism and the challenge presented to the Church. Intelligent pragmatism, perhaps.

"Whoever God, in his omnipotent and omnipresent grace strikes to be His earthly Shepherd, I hope that the cancerous erosion upon His Plan can be sought out and cauterised in a sensible fashion. The time is upon us and, post haste, it is imperative".

Cardinal Bisgaard nodded in agreement, head hung low. The two were of common mind. Amongst a sea of cardinal red and in unconscious unison, they looked to Cardinal Accolti in expectation of deliverance.

 

[Holy See]

Accolti remained quiet as the various parties speak. When the Danish members had finished speaking, Accolti now spoke again:

"I agree with our Eiffelandian brothers that this is too serious a matter to simply shrug off. The statements made thus far have been appreciated, and I know that the Lord will not permit his church to fall into chaos after this day. For the sake of the sentiment of our Eiffelandian brothers, I will once again ask if there are any comments, concerns or questions among the brethren here? If not, then we will move on to voting, but for now, I open the floor again."

 

[Natal]

Cardinal Dariusz Kaminski stood up after the Danes and said:

"Your eminences, I am not here to be elected or try to manipulate others. I am here ask for your help. Since the arrival of the Sarmatians here in Altai, Catholicism was seen as a fad of the boyars. Since then our numbers in Altai dwindle. I am here to ask you, and subsequently the future Holy Father, what is to be done. If one would enter a Catholic church, they will see that only wealthy people are there. It was seen as a fad in those days and the main problem is that it continues to be seen this way even now. If nothing is done, Tiburan Catholicism will disappear in Altai."

 

[Holy See]

Accolti seemed genuinely concerned as Cardinal Kaminski spoke, and when the Altaic churchman had finished, Accolti replied:

"What you have told the conclave is unfortunate, Cardinal Kaminski. While we cannot go into detail for now, might I ask what the church is doing for the poor in Altai? For the lesser ones? For those whom Christ loves the most? We can continue this afterward, when I am certain you will be able to speak with this matter in person with the new holy father."

 

[Natal]

"By now we only offer food for the hungry ones. But all I have now is a just a church in Dara that preaches the teachings of the true belief. The Churches we had in Zamosk are now under the jurisdiction of the Talemantine Tiburan Catholic Church. The main problem is the presence of the Potenzan Reformed Missionaries. They not only offer food, by also beds for the homeless and even schooling for the illiterate. With the money I have, I cannot compete with that."

 

[Holy See]

At the mention of "Potenzan Reformed," all the Potenzan cardinals let out a collective grumble. Potenzan Tiburan Catholic officials knew full well the Reformed Potenzan Church and its missionary efforts, which even went on within the Grand Duchy, where the Protestant Potenzans sought to evangelize and draw people away from the Tiburan Catholic Church. Only too recently had the Tiburan Catholic church in Potenza attempted to subtly introduce a motion through the Chamber of Ministers that would effectively cut off all missionary efforts against Catholics in the country.

"You are indeed having an issue of logistics against the Calvinists there," Accolti said to Kamisnki, "and all of us here - especially us Potenzan Catholics - feel sympathy towards you. For now, however, we must forgo these matters for just a moment. This conclave met to discuss who will take the seat of the Big Fisherman, and who will rule the church as the Vicar of Christ. As such...we shall pass out the ballots, and the voting will commence."

OOC: The secret ballot of the RL papal conclaves will be simulated via PM. I will message all voter players and request for their votes. In the end they will be tallied up and shared in this forum. If you don't want to RP your voting, that's absolutely fine. If you do, feel free to do so. There's no pressure either way. The goal will be for a candidate to have 2/3 of all total votes (taking into account players who just aren't active).

 

[Holy See]

OOC NOTE

It's been brought to my attention that there's been some wheeling and dealing behind the scenes, with some promises made in return for votes. In other words, "Vote for me, I promise to make your cardinal in this position, etc." Any wheeling and dealing should have been done in this thread, and IC. That was the purpose of this thread, for the world's various cardinals to interact and discuss. This has been said since before this thread started, so anyone who has missed out on this chance, I feel little to no sympathy. Personally I feel a bit disgusted that the purpose of all this was to improve RP and interaction, and people aren't even bothering with that. I think I gave ample time for people to RP, and I only moved things along when it seemed like things were lagging. I welcome any admin criticism regarding this, but I think people would agree I've been pretty fair in regards to time.

Keep in mind that whoever wins, I still get to play the Holy See, and I refuse to cooperate with any agreements made OOC, behind the scenes. As those of you who have spoken to me privately know, I hate being the bad guy in times like this, but this is where I feel I should be one. If you aren't willing to do the RP work to get a position, don't bother getting involved in the RP at all.