- ARCHIVE - Papal Elections

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Papal Elections

PAPAL ELECTIONS

Joseph slumps exhaustedly at his ornate desk. Weakly, he massages the wrist of his right hand and his mind is a mess of sentences and words after having composed letter after letter. Even now, there is more to do; the Papal Court is amass with various petitioners and emissaries, their pleas pressed initially with indulgent patience, but now with increasing urgency.

And the old man cannot face them. He’s worked hard for the Catholic Church, but this has simply made too many people and places dependent on the Catholic Church to solve more and more everyday problems.

Holy Father, why do you forsake me? The Pontiff offers the self-pitying question to the heavens. But he knows the answer already and he knows that wallowing in the prison of his own making is not going to make matters any the easier.

He sees the way out; he has been able to see it for the past few weeks,

I hear the Orkney Islands are quite beautiful, at this time of year… his mind wanders into the tranquility of escapism as he begins to draft his abdication speech…

THE LATERAN, ROME

Distribution of Cardinals:
The following nations have the following number of votes. Only these nations may vote.

COLLEGE OF CARDINALS

_________________​

Diocese of Italia

Primate: His Holiness Joseph I, Servant of God's Servants, Vicar of Christ on Earth, Successor to St. Peter, Bishop of Rome and Pontifex Maximus
Area: The Papal States; the Kingdoms of Cyprus and Naples; Marquis of Mantua; Duchies of Milan, Tuscany, Modena; Republics of Venice, Sienna and Genoa; Protectorates of the Knights of St. John
Number of Cardinals: 9

Cardinal Alesci, Archbishop of Ancona, Secretary of the Papal Curia, Metropolitan of the Papal States

Cardinal Soprano, Archbishop of Bologna, Head of the Congregation of the Holy Faith, Metropolitan of the Papal States

Cardinal de Montpetit, Archbishop of Bijoix, Head of the Holy Officium of Inquisition, Metropolitan of Burgundy

Cardinal Corleone, Archbishop of Ostia, Papal Nuncio, Metropolitan of the Papal States

Cardinal Bernardi, Archbishop of Anagni, Papal Nuncio, Metropolitan of the Papal States

Cardinal Casadonte, Archbishop of Tusculum, Papal Nuncio, Metropolitan of the Papal States

Cardinal Archbishop Guisseppe Raponi of Venèzia, Metropolitan of Venice

Cardinal Archbishop of Nàpoli, Metropolitan of Naples

Cardinal Archbishop Ortucchio of Genoa, Metropolitan of Genoa

Diocese of Britannia

Primate: Cardinal Archbishop Richard Bouchier of Canterbury, Metropolitan of England
Area: the British Isles
Papal nuncio: Cardinal Bernardi, Archbishop of Anagni
Number of Cardinals: 2

Cardinal Archbishop Richard Bouchier of Canterbury, Metropolitan of England

Cardinal Archbishop Peter McMichael of Belfast, Metropolitan of Ireland

Diocese of Gallia

Primate: Cardinal Archbishop Frontenac of Paris, Metropolitan of France
Area: the Kingdom of France; the Duchies of Aquitaine, Bourbonnais, Brabant, Brittany, Burgundy, Gelre, Orleans, Normandy, Provence and Savoy; Count of Auvergne, Stadholder of Friesland
Papal nuncio: Cardinal Bernardi, Archbishop of Anagni
Number of Cardinals: 4

Cardinal Archbishop de Granson of Clermont, Metropolitan of Auvergne

Cardinal Archbishop Charles de Frontenac of Paris, Metropolitan of France

Cardinal Archbishop Lenar Hoyt of Nantes, Metropolitan of Brittany

Cardinal Archbishop Jean-Claude Turcotte of Tours, Metropolitan of Bourbonnais

Diocese of Germania

Primate: Cardinal Archbishop Stephen Bodeker of Berlin, Metropolitan of Brandenburg
Area: the Kingdom of Bohemia; the Archduchy of Austria; the Duchies of Bavaria, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hannover, Hessen, Holstein, Kleves, Lorraine, Luxembourg, Mecklemburg, Pommern, Saxony and Wurtemburg; the Archbishoprics of Cologne, Mainz, Magdeburg and Wurzburg; the Prince-Bishopric of Munster; the Palatinate; the Margravate of Baden; the Count of Oldenburg; and the Helvetian Confederation
Papal nuncio: Cardinal Corleone, Archbishop of Ostia
Number of Cardinals: 8

Cardinal Archbishop Stephen Bodeker of Berlin, Metropolitan of Brandenburg

Cardinal Archbishop Adolph Dietmar of Köln, Metropolitan of Cologne

Cardinal Archbishop of Prague, Metropolitan of Bohemia

Cardinal Archbishop of Mainz, Metropolitan of Mainz

Cardinal Archbishop of Munich, Metropolitan of Bavaria

Cardinal Archbishop von Webber of Vienna, Metropolitan of Austria

Cardinal Archbishop of Dresden, Metropolitan of Saxony

Cardinal Archbishop of Luxembourg, Metropolitan of Luxembourg

Diocese of Hispania

Primate: Cardinal Archbishop Manrique de Lara of Madrid, Metropolitan of Castille
Area: the Kingdoms of Aragon, Castille, Navarre and Portugal
Papal nuncio: Cardinal Casadonte, Archbishop of Tusculum
Number of Cardinals: 5

Cardinal Archbishop D'Borja of Saragosa, Metropolitan of Aragon

Cardinal Archbishop of Barcelona, Metropolitan of Aragon

Cardinal Archbishop Manrique de Lara of Madrid, Metropolitan of Castille

Cardinal Archbishop of Salamanca, Metropolitan of Castille

Cardinal Archbishop of Lisbon, Metropolitan of Portugal

Diocese of Scandinavia

Primate: Cardinal Archbishop Flemming Hansen of Copenhagen, Metropolitan of Denmark
Area: Kingdoms of Denmark-Norway, Livonia and Sweden
Papal nuncio: Cardinal Corleone, Archbishop of Ostia
Number of Cardinals: 3

Cardinal Archbishop Flemming Hansen of Copenhagen, Metropolitan of Denmark

Cardinal Archbishop of Riga, Metropolitan of Livonia

Cardinal Archbishop Tobias Oxenstierna of Stockholm, Metropolitan of Sweden

Diocese of Sclavia

Primate: Cardinal Archbishop of Krakow, Metropolitan of Poland
Area: Kingdoms of Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Poland and Hungary; Grand Duchy of Lithuania; Duchies of Prussia and Ragusa, Voivode of Transylvania
Papal nuncio: Cardinal Corleone, Archbishop of Ostia
Number of Cardinals: 3

Cardinal Archbishop of Budapest, Metropolitan of Hungary

Cardinal Archbishop of Krakow, Metropolitan of Poland

Cardinal Archbishop of Vilnius, Metropolitan of Lithuania

Powers of the Primates

· In the event of a Papal Conclave, the Primate of a Diocese may cast the votes of all Cardinals not present (NPC) within his Diocese.

Elections will end in three months' time.

CANDIDATES AND VOTES CAST
Horst Töllnich (Bre) 2 (2 Pap)
Archbishop Kirk Picard (Eng) 16 (2 Pap, 1 Bur, 1 Eir, 1 Eng, 2 Cas, 1 Fra, 1 Auv, 1 Bou, 1 Bri, 1 Gen, 1 Aus, 1 Lux, 2 Ara)
Archbishop Alessandro de Medici (Tus) (0)
Cardinal Alvaro (Por) 2 (1 Pap, 1 Por)
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The Election will end at 10 o'clock PM, GMT on Wednesday, the 4th of September.

A vote may only be changed if the candidate upon whom it was placed steps down from the elections.

Any Catholic nation may put forward a candidate for the Papacy, but only nations with Cardinals (see above) may vote.

If some Cardinals have not voted at the time of the deadline, the new Pope will be the candidate with a simple majority of the votes cast.

 

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In the Baptisterium in Florence, a man, wearing an Archbishop's cloths is praying, deeply into the night, suddenly a young munk in black robes, probablly a Benedictine, enters the room, he whispers something in the ears of the praying man:"Hmmm, what is this you tell me, Fra Bartolomeo? The Holy See empty? No candidates yet? It seems like God wants it to be this way... Servants, equip a pair of horses for me and Fra Bartolomeo and inform the Senate I'm off to Rome... to propose my candidature for the Holy See." the next evening, after a trip trough the Tuscan hills and fields they arrive at the town of Orvieto, in Papal territory, where they decide to spend their night in a local monastery and where they receive a military platoon to safely escort them to Rome as the route is dangerous, and many unsuspecting pilgrims were robbed by local bandits, let alone a wealthy dressed archbishop. The next morning they leave very early and around 4 o'clock in the afternoon they see a magnificent sight: Rome!!! The eternal city!
"Oh, my, it sure has changed since I've been here the last time, I wonder if I can restore it in it's ancient glory..." the Archbishop tells the young Benedictine. Walking trough the streets the exhausted men see hundreds of bars, taverns and restaurants and thousands of pelgrims emptying their pockets for the Greater Glory of Christ. "Well, no time for that now, let's hurry to the Lateran Council!" the Archbshop answers the staring faces of the soldiers. Soon they enter the magnificent Lateran Palace where all the Cardinals will soon elect a new Holy Father. "Gentlemen",
he speaks in front of the amassed cardinals"I, Alessandro de Medici, Archbishop of Florence come here to officialy propose my candidature for the Holy See!"' murmuring starts between the various Cardinals "Gentlemen!" the room is immediately silenced by the Archbishop's words. "It are difficult times for catholiscism, in the East the Mongol Hordes and the Heathen Turks have capured Byzantium, their next goal will definetly be the west, and wich city represents the catholic west more then Rome?" this said he sits down while the murmuring starts once again.

 

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As Cardinal Alvaro de Portugal is present at the Vicar of Christ's abicdtion, he is both saddened and moved. He looks to the Holy See and bows humbly before the many congressing Cardnals, Bishops and Priests. He then begins to speak as the room calms.

My brothers, it breaks my heart to see our most Holy Pontiff to step down, however it is recognizable and honorable at best. Most importantly, if it is God's will that he may step down, then let it be so. We shall all remember of his great deeds here. How he moved God's words here in the Holy See before us.

An election for a new Pontiff lies before us and it is up to all of us here to vote on the most pious and trustworthy canadate. Please I beg of all my fellow brethren to vote wisely and according to God's will. I will be nominating myself for the run of Holy Pontiff, as is the will of the pious brothers in Iberia. If you think of me as God's worthy servent, and Vicar of Christ, please vote for me o most pious brethren. I shall follow in our previous Pope's footsteps, and make sure that God's word is heard. Remember, let Christ's good fortune and way shine upon us all here today.

As Cardinal Alvaro stops, he bows humbly again before the masses of clergy gathered and steps back.

 

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"Ohhhh.... nooooo" thinks Carninal Bouchier."I wonder if that Kirk Picard will stand in this election? He has been pontiff before after all...."

He steps forward and decides to speak.

"Bretheren. We are put in an unstable position again."

"I suggest before any vote is cast we review who wishes to be proposed as papal candidate"

"So. Cast not your vote now. Let us hear from those wishing the highest position as the vicar of christ"

He steps back to await the candidates to declare themselves.

 

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A very familiar face walks in. It's the Arch Bishop of Canterbury. One time Pope Jean-Luke the first. He goes before his superior Cardinal Richard Bouchier and kisses his ring as he passes a note bearing the royal seal of England.

He reads it and gestures for the Arch Bishop to speak.

Kirk steps forward. His balding pate glistening with sweat. It had been years previous that he had been pushed into becoming pope, and his "Peace mongering" had caused his fall. The power mongers of the time de throned him, rigged an election and won the day. Now the best pope they had seen for a long time had to step down from taking over after the reign of the usurper before him. The catholic world stood at the edge of a presapise and he had a calling to save it. The dreams and visions, he had not experienced before, had come to him as he had saved a woman in child birth and every evening since.

What good was it to be considered a "Miracle" healer if he could not heal the woes of the world?

"Holy eminencies. Brothers of Christ."

"I come before you as a supplicant."

"Many of you have known me in the high position of the Vicar of Christ and know that not one petition goes unheard or unanswered."

"You also know of my policies when answering my calling. Those of peace unbound by political ties or bribery."

"Already money passes hands to elect a pope, and I say it's wrong! I accuse no one person, but demand that repentance should be found in prayer for the immortal souls of those doing it."

He peers around the room

"I am put forward by the Diocese of Britannia as Papal candidate and willingly step unto the hole that is left in holy mother church"

"My ONLY allegiance is to god. As it should be. Can you say the same?"

"I fell from office because of my honesty, piety and dislike of war. Let those things be the same reasons I am returned to the crown of St, Peter."

"In Nominie partrie, et filli, et spirtu sancti, Amen"

 

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Horst Töllnich got up from his praying position. He had been kneeling in front of the altar for hours and hours, and his knees hurt, but his head was clear, and his mind was set.

It could not be coincidence that he decided to go to Rome on pilrimage few days before Joseph I stepped down from the Holy See.
No, God must have wanted him to be here, and he had prayed to find out why.
Now he knew!
God was satisfied with his struggle to save the souls of Bremen, and had decided to give him the means to do so. As the Vicar of Christ, he could make sure Johann III got his deserved punishment on Earth as well as Above, and surely God would make the cardinals see this as well.

Horst Töllnich dressed in his finest ceremonal robes, and walked to the chamber where the cardinals were gathered. He knocked hard on the door, and the swiss guards opened it, and allowed him to enter, as he saw that is a man of the Church who sought admittance.

Horst Töllnich, an aging man, walked slowly to the center of the room, and bowed respectfully for the gathered cardinals, who were all his superiors in the chruch hierachy.

"Your Excellencies.
A month ago, I left Bremen on a pilgrimage to the Holy See, and when I arrived, I only just kissed the Papal Ring, before said ring was without an owner.
This is no coincidence.
I have prayed night and day to find the meaning of this sign, and now I understand. God wishes me to be the next Pope. Your Excellencies, I will use the power you, and God, grants me, to punish the wicked, those who disobey the Holy Mother Church, and I will start in Bremen.
Your excellencies, I will call for a crusade against the heathens who threathens us, and I will spread the faith to areas whose inhabitans still follow false teachings.
Your Excellencies, I run for Pope."

 

[Gabriel Anthony]

In enters the Cardinal

In enters a distinguished older man in red.

Long has it been since I have been in the Holy City, it does me good to be here.

Your Excellencies, for those I have not had the priviledge of meeting in person.

I am ,Tobias Oxenstierna Cardinal Archbishop of Stockholm, Metropolitan of Sweden. I have came as called to Rome to vote on the matter of a new pontiff.

I must say that I am greatly saddened and disapointed at the current events which have led to this present situation, however it is for the good of the Church I suppose.

Therefore I shall observe the proceddings and the various candidates and vote accordingly.

The Cardinal withdraws from the center of attention, making his way over to speak to Cardinal Bouchier in private.

 

[LUDWIG]

The stout figure of Cardinal von Webber enters the chamber, leaning heavily on his cane as he walks proudly to his seat.
After carefuly scanning the room and noticing no-one seems to want the floor he rises to his feet.
Striking the floor twice with his cane to ensure the volume of noise drops enough for his voice to be heard before speaking.

"Brothers in Christ, today we come together to elect a new hand to guide the church through the comming years.
I have heard the fine speeches and Austria currently feels there are but two candidates for the role of Pontiff.

That is not to say that the fine men proposed are not worthy but after 2 German popes I believe the church is seeking new leadership. The Empire of Charlemagne seems to be returning to its former master and therefore perhaps the church should follow suit. For surely the good Archbishop Kirk knows the pressures of the job well and has shown he can lead us when his voice is heard.

The only real rival to this candidate I can see if the good Cardinal Alvaro. Who though untested in the role of pontiff is reputed to have an immense wealth of knowledge, a fine noble heart and a gentle spirit.

Though many of you would like to see me stand here and make a declaration of my vote. I shall content myself with informing the chamber of the most likely winners in this contest.

Austria shall be placing her vote shortly, I need only to have a question answered to chose the candidate I shall support.
I will however spare the house from enduring my prattling voice until I am ready to cast my vote.

Austria recommends the English and Portugese candidates. No vote

 

[Bagricula]

Bishop Albert Arzt breathes in deeply as the Papal elections begin, kneeling in a small chapel off the Lateran. He prays his eyes closed, his hands clasped, not fervently but like one coming to a comfortable and familiar position, and submerges himself in the prayer.

"Pater noster qui caeleste est sacrus nomen est..."

The Bishop's murmuring orisons reached the ears of a few passing acolytes but no more. None saw the small tears falling down the elderly man's face.

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Later that day, Albert was walking outside the main chambers where the Princes of the Church met and debated who would be next appointed by God, Vicar of Christ. He clasped his hands, smiling beatifically as he spoke with an Italian monsignor,

"Why yes, I thought it odd that Cardinal Webber didn't mention his eminence the Archbishop of Florence; though you must understand that the Cardinal has for many years been a representative of Austria, and perhaps his long tenure of secular work has shifted his viewpoint. As to his recommendations, I have to say I would agree that his eminence the Archbishop of Canterbury would make an excellent Pontiff should the Holy Ghost so inspire him."

The two spoke for a few more minutes, before parting for vespers which the Rhenish Bishop celebrated with an order of Italian Benedictine's, seeking perhaps the quiet solace of spiritual contemplation.

 

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An aging churchman walks into the room at this point. Nearing the end of his sixth decade in the temporal world, Cardinal Soprano's role as Head of the Congregation of the Holy Faith has been all but ceremonial in recent years. During Joseph's time upon the Papal Throne, the elderly churchman has retired from the fevered sermonising of the Papal Court and shied away from the young and threatening Cardinal Corleone and his frightening games.

"Your... ahh, Eminences... Graces..." Cardinal Soprano's voice is quiet and slow with the patience of advanced age. Ever so carefully he brings up a piece of paper and squints at his own, spidery hand-writing.

"These are the votes of the Cardinal Archbishops of the Holy Papal States... ehh, as follows..." he lifts one hand to his mouth as he clears his throat with a dry cough.

"Cardinal Alesci sadly cannot be with us today, as he is currently representing Our Holy Mother Church in the East. However, we have been able to communicate with His Eminence and it is his wish that his vote be placed on Horst Töllnich."

“Cardinal Soprano…” he looks up with an avuncular smile and a benign twinkle in his eye, “that is to say… heh… I will be placing my vote on… ahh… Archbishop Picard.”

“Cardinal Corleone…” the wizened ecclesiast’s hands shake at his own mention of his peer. The fog of old age surrounding Cardinal Soprano temporarily lifts, and he appears genuinely nervous, “has… uhm… placed his vote for Cardinal Alvaro”

Cardinal Soprano pauses briefly to mop at his brow with a dainty handkerchief before continuing. He does so, clearly relieved not to have to mention the name of that awful man again.

“Cardinal Bernardi wishes that I express how he has experienced the good works of Archbishop Picard at first hand during his many travels as Papal Nuncio to the British Isles and places his vote upon His Grace.”

“And finally, Cardinal Casadonte places his vote on Horst Töllnich.”

Cardinal Soprano lowers his notes, and for all his great, red robes, he looks very old and tired. Two junior churchmen discreetly approach him, and as they lead him gently out of the room, he does not complain.

 

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Horst Töllnich had looked very tense as the first votes were cast, but seeing that he came out with 2 of the Papacys 5 cardinals supporting him lifted his mood.

He smiled at the gathered cardinals, and spoke again:

"Your Excellencies.

I thank God for showing Cardinal Alesci and Cardinal Casadonte his will, and I pray that more of you will see the light that he guides you with.
Why so hesitant? I have the utmost respect for the other candidates, but surely God wishes us to punish the heathen in Bremen. Why else should he move two soo wise cardinals to place their votes on me?
Your Excellencies. Allow Gods voice to guide you in this choice. Don't let an Imperial Duke escape unpunished for defying His Will."

 

[Schlieffen]

Cardinal Dietmar, often silent since the last election, lets out a small laugh at Töllnich's comment. He has noticed a change in Augustus' attitude since his brother became Emperor, and certainly favors the Church significantly more than the Empire.

 

[BusterBunny]

Cardinal Jean de Montpetit (with his Papal medal around his neck), head of the Officium of Papal Inquisition, appears in the room. After a few years at the head of the Officium, the man had become more feared than ever.

People fell silent as he walked quickly to the stand to speak up.

"The reign of his Holiness Josef was too short and we need someone with experience and dedication. We need someone independant, someone untouched by the Empire, going into war right now. Someone who will be able to actually SOLVE the problems presented in front of him, like His Holiness Josef was able to do.

Dear collegues, we need EXPERIENCE, not glamour, not polically influcencial, not necesseraly noble.... but EXPERIENCED Pope. The Church doesn't have the time to allow for a new Pope to "learn the ropes" in this time of instability at the doors of Rome.

For this, I have no choice but to case my vote of Burgundy in favor of Archbishop Picard.

Though I am no longer in charge of the Holy Church in Auvergne, I strongly advise my friend Cardinal Archbishop de Granson of Clermont, Metropolitan of Auvergne, to vote for Archbishop Picard. Of course, his vote is his only, not mine."

 

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The good Cardinal rises and bows in the sign of the cross in front of the Lateran. He begins to speak assertively and elegantly.

My brothers, I know that we run for the place of his holiness today. Forgive me, however, I must state, that let this all be in good faith. We are all brothers. I wish to congratulate the others in thier early votes. Please, accept my congratulations. I hope that the man in whom by the whim of Christ, is choosen attains the position. For my fellow brothers are wise indeed, and learned in the ways of Christ as I am. I wish for the best of all the canadates present including myself. May God be with us forever. Amen.

Cardinal Alvaro bows again, and displays the sign of the cross once more, kissing his rosary. He takes his seat in the far right, with some other Portuguese clergy.

 

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Cardinal Bouchier stands forward.

"Bretheren. My personal feelings aside, i must now cast my vote."

"Arch Bishop Kirk Picard assures me that he has a better understanding for the need for the evil of war to exist; and that has ever been a point of contention between us. It seems he has learnt through his experiances."

"As Primate i cast both Eires' and Englands vote for Kirk Pickard. Once known as Pope Jean- Luke the first."

"I would ask that all seeking an unbias and attentive Holy father seek the guidance of your prayers and do likewise."

"In nomine Patri, et filii, et spiritus sancti..Amen"

 

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Two Cardinals step forward together, having been closeted in prayer for quite some time.

The Cardinal Archbishop of Toledo and Madrid, Primate of Hispania, speaks first. "My brothers, long have I prayed with my companion, Alfonso de Nara of Salamanca, and much have we discussed together. My mind would lead me to vote another way, but my heart is strangely moved by the Spirit. I cast my vote for the Archbishop of Canterbury."

The Cardinal Archbishop of Salamanca and Santiago de Compostela steps forward. "Like my brother, I have been torn in my heart. My I am undoubted in my vote. I cast my ballot as well for the Archbishop of Canterbury."

 

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Cardinal Frontenac sits in the conclave in deep thought.

This is a most precarious election. I do not see a clear answer from above, so I must decide with politics. Kirk is French-born, so perhaps he will be more leniant to France. However, his service in England may have turned him anti-France. At the same time, the rivalry between him and the other English Cardinal may in time push him to support France.

Hmm, the cardinal from Bremen, well another German, one who is against France's ally. I surely don't desire to condemn Austria by putting the cardinal of his enemy on the Papal throne. His mind may be clouded by his own personnal feelings.

The Cardinal from Tuscany. I have heard nothing about him and everything I hear from Tuscany is about greed. Last thing France needs is an increase in tithes to go to the coffers of a merchant Pope.

Lastly, the Cardinal from Portugal. Portugal was at war with France and has shown much aggression towards Castille. They are slowly changing, but I still see no benefit in putting him on the throne.

I know my colleagues will vote as I do. Kirk claims the need for war, so perhaps he will allow us to fight the infidel. Perhaps now is the time for France to take her place as the Sole Defender of the Catholic Church. Hmm, a French Pope....

Cardinal Frontenac rises and behind him rise Cardinal Archbishop Clermont of Auvergne, Cardinal Archbishop Hoyt of Brittany and Cardinal Archbishop Turcotte of Bourbonnais. He speaks with each one for a few seconds then turns to the conclave.

"The Metropolitan of France places her vote on Archbishop Kirk Picard.

The Metropolitan of Auvergne places her vote on Archbishop Kirk Picard.

The Metropolitan of Bourbonnais places her vote on Archbishop Kirk Picard.

And finally, the Metropolitan of Brittany places her vote on Archbishop Kirk Picard.

May God bless his reign."

The four cardinals then return to their seats.

I sure hope I made the right decision and that this doesn't blow up in my face.

 

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Cardinal Archbishop Ortucchio of Genoa steps forward to speak;

"I know Genoa in the past has been a little at odds with the Popes. However, we wish to start a new. And from what we have heard of Archbishop Kirk Picard I believe he presents the most stable and forceful canadite to preserve the Roman Catholic Church.

The Metropolitan of Genoa places his vote on Archbishop Kirk Picard ."

The Cardinal then returns to his seat.

 

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The Metropolitan of Lisboa elects Cardinal Alvaro for Pontiff.

 

[LUDWIG]

Cardinal von Webber rises to his feet and looks around the chamber.

"My friends it seems the friends of Austria have chosen the English man to lead the church. Therefore to support those who stand with Austria I shall cast my vote for a man I have served under before. Experience triumphs before the untested, should Picard be victorious in this vote I would expect all sides to co-operate with our new leader.
However I would like to offer my apologies to the Portuguese candidate. It is a shame Austria cannot have 2 votes but alas she has only one. The good heart of Portugal is akin to Austria in many ways, both stubbornly endure where others would shrink.
Therefore Austria comprimises.
Austria casts her vote for Kirk Picard but exhorts others not to forget the fine quality of the Purtugese Cardinal.
"
von Webber then moves towards the Purtuguese delegations and embraces them warmly. The Austrian is clearly torn by his inability to reward the Portuguese.

After showing support for the Portuguese the Austrian returns to his seat and bows slightly before the English Archbishop.
"It seems the experience and tenacity of us old men is too much for the younger generation. Perhaps the old days will return and the Empire shall know peace oncemore."
Chuckling as he returns to his seat, Cardinal von Webber prays that Albert will survive until the new pontiff is appointed.