Gathering of Cardinals does not produce Pope; voting continues stiffly
The process for the ascent of a new Holy Father for the Catholic Church continues as black smoke has risen from the conclave of cardinals in the Capitoline City State. While there is no information about the process in present time, several favourites had been considered, among them His Eminence, Paul Cardinal Mayer, Archbishop of Augsburg, Primate of Wieserreich, Metropolitan of the Kingdom of Swabia, Titular Church of Sancta Felicitas.
Paul Cardinal Mayer was considered a favourite in the previous papal election as well, with the Archbishop of Augsburg representing the conservative wing of the Catholic Church. Cardinal Mayer's positions on social issues are known to be relatively tough on certain 'neo-modernisms' including the 'extreme tolerance' of subjects such as abortion and premarital sex, and the Cardinal has been an active advocate for their reconsideration by the central government in Wieserreich.
Cardinal Mayer is also known for his negative outlook on homosexuality, which he has previously actively opposed, justifying his position by addressing concerns with quotations from the Bible. Cardinal Mayer, though he has never taken the same militant stance against homosexuality as he has done with premarital sex, abortion and an other number of pressing social issues, has previously justified his outlook by stating that the Bible considers sodomy a sin.
With his social conservatism in mind, Paul Cardinal Mayer has also been an active supporter of international and national charity, and an opponent of the unnecessary use of force in international diplomacy. Cardinal Mayer has also been critical of governments promoting the use of force and discouraging diplomacy between nations, and has established a special relationship between the Catholic Church in Swabia and the Knights Hospitaller, who control Ascheburg to this day.
Considering Paul Mayer's influence among cardinals and the size of his flock, it is considered that he will once again be a favourite among cardinals, and perhaps even the second-ever German pope.
Schwarzenberg praises Q2 financial report following business legislation
Prince Schwarzenberg, Imperial Chancellor has praised the state finances report for the second quarter of 2012, which is the first after the successful passing of his business reforms earlier this year. The business reforms, which simplified the process for domestic and international investment and eased the regime under which corporations may operate in Wieserreich, has reportedly contributed significantly to the increase in investments seen during the second part of Q2 2012.
Financial activity seems on the general increase, recovering from the earlier slump due to the major conflicts in Solaren and Montelimar and the unilateral exit of Danmark from the Germanian trade bloc. While this has contributed to price increases for Eiffellandic goods in Wieserreich, the state has also benefited from the re-entry of border tariffs and taxes on products to and from Danmark, which, while insignificant in terms of affecting a product's price, have helped further improve public finances.
"The second quarter report is very encouraging, and it shows a trend that will continue into the rest of 2012" stated Prince Schwarzenberg before the Reichsrat. "With Augsburg fully rebuilt and our economy on the recovery from the August and September Catastrophes growth slumps, the Reich can fully focus on continuing its independent and sovereign international policy, a war on all illegal arms trade, and an active conflict against state and interstate terrorism" he added, to be praised by his governing bloc's members of the Council.
In the meanwhile, the Reichsrat was also informed on the progress of the League integration of air defences and early warning systems with the EDF network, of which Wieserreich is an active part of. While a lot of 'strategic details' were withheld by the government, the progress is considered to have gone 'excellently' in the words of War Minister Maximilian von Bumgarner, who also stated that 'the Reichswehr is fully prepared to deliver war at the enemy's homeland, should the Reich ever be challenged or threatened accordingly.'
Schwarzenberg and Bumgarner will attend missile tests during September, with the Reichswehr having planned three such during the month.
In the other news:
- Society: Emperor prepares for 102nd birthday the coming week amidst 'false rumours' of bad health.
- Sports: Straussenburg found 'not guilty' for charged assault on animal rights activist in Mecklenburg.
- Culture: Catholic Church to hold major 'Faith, Nation and Reich' expo in Anhalt from September.
- Security: War Ministry introduces troop exchange bill; 'sets ground for foreign troops home' says DNF.
- Business: Positive Q2 2012 report sparks a rise in the Augsburg Stock Exchange.
- World: Prince Karl of Eiffelland leaves military service; gossip of Wieserreicher royal to visit him?