- ARCHIVE - Court of His Holiness in Rome

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Onto His Holiness Pius, second by this name, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Province of Rome, Sovereign of the States of the Church, Overseer and father of Bourbonaise and Provence, Protector of the Eastern Roman Empire, and Servant of the Servants of God


My Holy Father,

Your Holiness is right as ever, I am ready to reswear the vassal oath as soon as a proper Genoese government is found. To eliminate any misunderstanding, I will regard the said government proper, if it is proper both by religious and mundane terms, in other words, if it is recognized both by Your Holiness, and by His Most August Imperial Majesty – as I would never dare to defy Emperor Joachim.

I beg Your Holiness, absolve me: I cannot live with such a grave sin.


Written in Hannover, in A.D. 1440, by his own hand,

Antonio di Savoia
Duke of Piemonte, Prince of Savoy, Imperial Prince, appointed Protector of Modena and Ferrara

 

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Ortucchio could not fail to notice the Popes smile. Oh yes, this Pope and Doge spoke the same language, that was for certain.

The Doge would go to great lengths... great lengths indeed! Once this war is over the gold will start flowing into his Excellencys coffers again. He has said he would consider it a great honor if he were allowed to help in the funding of the new Basilica of St. Peter.

Ortucchio stopped for a moment and looked at the Holy Fathers exquisite clothing. He nodded and continued.

And off course, there are many items that is simply a nescessity for a man of your position and stature. Truly Gods chosen himself must have the very best. As I said earlier the Doge is willing to give a very profitable discount on all goods brought to Rome. Things Your Holiness and Your priests are sure to appreciate.

Once the matter of the Doges father is out of the way I do believe there are some other matters he wishes to bring up as well. Things that could be mutually beneficial...

 

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Pius smiled again.

"I am glad we understand each other. However, a serious matter is the one of the island of Rhodes. Has the Doge concidered what kind of arrangement will be made? It seems to me that it would be better for all, if the island returned to either the Knights of St. John..."

Now Pius really looked Ortucchio in the eyes, the candlelight reflecting in his eyes.

"... or handed over to proper clerical authority."

 

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In complete privacy and eyes for no other...

Franco Berlusconi pleased with the positive response

• "Your majesty this is excellent news, and in fact I do have such men in mind. There is an architesct bu the name of Donato Bramante, who is quickly finishing the construction of a palazzo in Venezia. I am sure that for such an important task that we should also have Leonardo da Vinci also to observe the progress and to aid if needed. Also i hear of a man by the name of Giuliano da Sangallo who has some very noval concepts of dome structures, and seems to be an expert. Combined I am sure they shall create a Basillica of such that God may be proud to enter.
  
  Clearly we must discuss the details of such rights to finance the church, for Venice feels that it shall show the world the pious nature of Venice, something that certain nations have questioned in the past."
  

 

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Ortucchio grinned as he looked at the Pope.

Ah yes, the island of Rhodes. I do know that his Excellency the Doge was hoping to use it as a trading center. As it is so near Genoas eastern trading partners it would be a most excellent choice for, what should we call it? A gateway between the east and the west. And also a supply base for all the merchant vessels in the area. And who knows? Perhaps some of the balkan merchants would see it as profitable to trade there as well.

As for the island itself the Doge is mostly interested in peaceful trade. He feels that a more peaceful clerical authority would be much preferable to that of an armed knightly order. I am sure a good agreement can be made between his Excellency and the Holy Church regarding the island of Rhodes. If the island was indeed used for trade in this way, it would be only natural that the proper church authorities would get its rightful due from it as well off course.

 

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His Holiness nods.

"If Rhodes is transferred to Papal authority, and we find an agreement about the distribution of trade, I am sure that Alessandro Doria will have the welfare of his soul restored in no time. I was thinking... the loyal lands of the church pays a certain percentage of their income to Rome. I think 10% of the Genoese trade would be sufficient. What say you, my good Ortucchio?"

 

[Fireblade]

Cardinal Law steps before the Pope and kisses his ring.

"Your Holiness, there is a certain matter in Sicily that requires your attention: the subject of who the rightful ruler of Sicily is. As you know, it is currently under Aragonese occupation, and the citizens pay taxes to the King of Aragon, Constantine I. However.. there is a problem, Your Holiness. I present this letter to the Papal Court, showing undeniable proof that Her Majesty, Queen Maria Palaeologus-Trastamara, is the true and rightful heir and ruler of Sicily and Malta, which has forever been a part of the Crown of Sicily.

Ahem.."

Dear Sister,

Know that if you are reading this letter I have fallen during the siege of Naples. I have come to peace with my life and asked forgiveness for my sins. I have renounced all claims upon Naples by myself and future monarchs of Aragon before my death, and commanded our brother Joan to do the first major act as King. I am hereby creating you a kingdom my favorite sister. The provinces of Messina and Sicily which make up the Island of Sicily shall be created into a Kingdom. This Kingdom of Sicily will be ruled by a Queen, you. I have not forgotten you my sister and send you the crown of Sicily. You are now Queen all you await is Joan to follow my commands and deliver these provinces unto you.

By his own hand in Naples,
Alfonso V

And, this, which is part of a letter from the late King Alfonso to King Joan.

The third and final command to you Joan upon my death is that I command you to give the two provinces of the Island of Sicily: Sicily and Messina shall be created into a new Kingdom free of any type of Vassalage to Aragon. The Queen of this new nation shall be our beloved sister Maria. She is currently on her way to marry the Emperor of the East, the ruler of Byzantium. I have sent her a letter along with a crown for her new Kingdom, but it is under my order that I command you to give the land to her. It is your duty to see that my final wish is done.

As you can quite clearly see, Your Holiness, the Last Will and Testament of King Alfonso V of Aragon quite clearly names Queen Maria to be the sole ruler of Sicily. I have taken the liberty of bringing the evidence here, straight from the archives in Mistra and Barcelona. Already, Queen Maria has landed in Sicily, and begun setting up her court. The peasantry and nobility of Sicily and Malta, who were on the edge of revolt against the corrupt Aragonese administrators, have been quieted by the wise policies of Queen Maria.

I ask, on behalf of the Queen, that you rule on this matter, and resolve this question, which is proving to be a thorn in the side of the Most Catholic King of Aragon and the Most Catholic Queen of Sicily."

Cardinal Law then slips a piece of paper to the Pope.

 

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Bishop spoke with Pope in private.

 

[Fireblade]

Cardinal Law looks at the Aragonese bishop in annoyance.

"Certainly, your Holiness, this.. embarrassing silence from his part shows that the Kingdom of Aragon indeed has no claim on Sicily.

I'm sure that since Aragon obviously has no claim, a recognition of Queen Maria's rights in Sicily and a Papal crowning of her would prove very.. fortunate indeed."

Cardinal Law then kisses the Pope's ring, and as he comes up, whispers something into the Pope's ear.

 

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Ortucchio smiled and looked at the Holy Father.

Despite some people in evil manners claiming the opposite, The Doge Andrea Doria is a most devout catholic Your Holiness. I am confident, nay, I can guarantee that he is willing to give 10% of his trade as a tribute to Rome. Then everyone would also see for themselves Genoas good intentions.

There is however the matter of the piemontese. Those that has turned their backs on their overlord. Why, I hear that they even have vassals of their own now. A most troubling development, most troubling indeed. Will the Holy Father support the Doges claim to the area? It would be invaluable for the Doge if it was so.

 

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Pius answered.

"The Piemontese have promised to return under Genoese overlordship when this whole sorry matter is over and done with. With such a promise I think that all is in order, for though the Piemontese have rebelled, I doubt they will breake an oath."

 

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Ortucchio answered.

It should all be in order then. Genoa will have to hold on to Rhodes for the remainder of the war though. Now, I have been authorized by the Doge to offer everything that I have done so far. So perhaps a treaty would be in order? Nothing would make me happier than getting this unfortunate business over with once and for all.

Ortucchio grinned and awaited the Holy Fathers response.

 

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From across the hills of Rome a large procession could be seen and heard comming toward the Lateran. In the front of this large baggage claim rode three donkeys. Two held the flag of Castile-Leon and the middle held the Cross of salvation.


The people on the streets of Rome did not see soldiers or kings with this baggage train, but only a single figure riding in the front dressed in the garb of a country priest. Up to the food of the papal residence did these trains come, and with that the priest entered before the papal secretary and spoke:


Good Papal Secretary I am Father Alfonso Elizondo sent by Bishop Fernando Ortega of Castile-Leon with over 100 carts of fine wealth taken from heretics. The good bishop has taken it upon himself to start a new and wonderous Inquisition against the foes of the church, and this is but a taste of the wealth he has brought. I do hope that I am allowed to deliver this letter personally to the Holy Father for I am sure Bishop Ortega would be furious if I was unable too.


With that Father Elizondo pushed back the covering of one blanket to reveal a sea of gold and jewels. Taking a rather large decorated goblet he handed it to the Papal secretary with a smile and these words:

Your hard work against gaurding the Holy Father must be thristy work. I present you this goblet taken from Abraham Cortez a leading jew in the community. I am sure that after you lead me to his Holiness you wouldn't mind to take a drink from it..........


And with that Father Elizondo awaited for response.

 

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Pablo, the Papal secretary couldn't believe his eyes. As he carefully polished the golden goblet with his sleeve, and without even looking at the Castillan for a moment, he mumbled.

"Mmm... yes... father Elizondo... His Holiness will see you right away... beautiful... just... beautiful... yes, right away. Please follow me."

Hen then lead Elizondo to the office of His Holiness.

 

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Father Elizondo smiled as the Papal Secretary took him to the Papal quarters. Careful to take the crate which contained the finest treasure and the letter from Bishop Ortega he walked into the Papal quarter and bowed beofre the Holy Father. Kissing the holy ring he carefully placed a rather larged diamond ring upon the hand of the pope. Standing and smiling he opened the chest to reveal 50 golden menorahs and the letter from Bishop Ortega.


Your Holiness I bring you gifts to the church from Bishop Fernando Ortega. Recently he has started a Holy Inquisition against the hertic Jews of Castile-Leon. I present you his letter.


Holy Father,


I present to you the deeds of my Holy Inquisition. Over 100 of Castile-Leon's most wealthiest Jews were brought before the word of God and accepted Christ as their savior, of course with a little help and prodding from myself and others. These wealthy men have acted as leeches upon the community and have sucked the blood and goods of Christians for too long. Their properties have been taken and you will find 10 large baggage carts loaded to the brim with treasures.

Here is the symbol of my loyalty Holy Father for I have one mission in mind to cleanse the earth of heretics and confunscate their fortunes. Truly the treasury of the Holy See will fill to the brim if I were given the ultimate power of Inquisition. I give these as a gift to you and hope that my deeds will persuade you upon my god given gift and divine intuition that my services will best serve the church in some important Inquisition role. I hope you enjoy these gifts and will prosper tremendously from them.


By his own hand,
Bishop Fernando Ortega
Your loyal, giving servant.




Have you a letter or command for me to take back to Castile Holy Father?
Father Elizondo asked

 

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Pius was absolutely stunned and did not speak for several minutes. He just had to sit back and enjoy the view of the treasures. Pablo coughed slightly and Pius woke up from his daze.

"Oh! Yes! Ahem... thank you, Elizondo. Thank you very much for bringing me all of these... confiscated goods... *cough* Uhm... a letter. Oh, I indeed have a letter for you to bring back to the good bishop. Pablo, write this down:

To bishop Fernando Ortega

The church deeply appreciates the great efforts you have taken to purify the lands of Castille. Your have displayed great zeal and commitment, and you are truely a man blessed by the good grace. Your campaign shall forever more be seen as a worthy deed to follow. Any true child of the church will follow the road that you have taken.
The church needs a man of your character to lead its struggle against the heretics that plague us. I invite you to come to Rome, where we can discuss your future role in the very top of the Inquisition. I think I know what to do with your talents, which must not only be put to good use in Castille, but all over Christianity.
Once more the church thanks you for your great service in the fight against the un-pure ones, and I know just how to spend the fruits of your campaign for the greater glory of the church.

Signed His Holiness Pius II,
Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the
Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church Etc. Etc.

This is my message to the good bishop, my good Elizondo.

 

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Rome, an ordinary morning...

A rumour spreads quickly through Rome. It seems the Pope's brother has found a certain document in the great Papal archive. It apparantly involves an extremely strong Papal claim on Naples. No further information is available, but the Pope quickly gathers his most important advisors around him in the Papal palazzo for a night long meeting.

 

[Mettermrck]

Well, he was back. Back at the Papacy. He waited for the Cardinal Secretary to instruct him to enter, and then he did so, King Reginald trailing behind him. As this was the Pope's domain, it was for Cardinal Montais to take the lead.

Approaching the Pope, Montais hurried forward, beaming excitedly at the presence of Pius, breathing a little heavily at the heavy cloth package in his hands.

"Your Holiness, thank you for seeing me on such short notice. Umm...His Majesty, King Reginald, as asked me to pass this on to you. He should he hoped it was a plentiful enough token for His Holiness and that another twenty of its kind awaited outdoors" He frowned, wondering what the King meant.

"Uh, he said you would understand? I'm not sure what he meant. Perhaps this belongs to you?"

 

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Pius looks pleased.

"Well, my good Montais, it seems you and I communicate perfectly. You read my mind splendidly. I just love ivory. There is something... erotic about it. Hmm... yes."

Pius begins moving his fingers over the tusks. He clearly enjoys this gift very much.

"Well, tell the king that I have taken great pleasure in his gift to the church and that I shall see him now."

 

[cccino]

• The Albanian Expedition
  
  For over a year the Albanian rebels had gone unopposed; their heresy marking the shameful antipathy demonstrated by the monarchs of the Christian world. Frustrated by politics and earthly greed, the holy Kingdom of Hungary had been unable to gain access for their armies to persue God's work. Finally, in the Spring of 1440, right of passage was negotiated through the Dalmatian states and Prince Ugo was able to lead a depleted contingent of his knights to the Papal lands of Albania. This small party, frustrated by delay and anxious for righteous battle found the rebellious sloths prepared for their coming: forwarned by their spies in the lands north.
  
  This was a blessing from God himself. Gathered all in one place, the rabble were completely destroyed by Ugo. Those few who escaped were cut down by their bretheren still loyal to his Holiness. The need for a long and tedious campaign to root out a dispersed enemy was averted. With the rebellion crushed, the region is now clear for Inquisition.

The Cardinal Archbishop of Esztergom, still in Rome after the elections, congratulates the former Bishop of Lucca.

Placing his weight on aged knee, Cardinal Benedek kisses the Papal Ring. "Most holy father, Pius." acknowledges the kneeling man, softly.

"God has truly blessed us with a man of your obvious piety and dedicated nature," he began, entirely innocently. "I have no doubts in my mind that Christianity will prosper under your guidance.

"Father, my lord Prince Ugo has crushed the rebels against you in Albania where the Princes of the 'Holy Roman Empire' were more interested in civil war. Hungary, the most holy nation, the land of two sainted Kings and the bulwark of Christendom against the hordes of Satan, brings you that which is rightfully yours..." Instead of going into more detail, he pauses, checking that he has caught the Pope's curiosity. Ignoring convention, he stands and moves towards the window.

"Look, your holiness, they are arriving."

Out on the river, a fleet of barges can be seen, bearing the standard of King Matthias, and sailing low in the water.

"Your holiness, a gift from King Matthias and Prince Ugo; the spoils of war."

He invites the Pope to come down to the dock and inspect the treasure. Within an hour men are hard at work unloading the chests of precious items stolen from the nobility of Albania.