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Oooh I have visitors for a weekend and all sorts of fun happens when I am gone. 
There should be an update tonight provided I can finish cleaning up my place. Now for some responses!
comagoosie: You're making me afraid of IN with all this sea invasion stuff.
Lord Valentine: I hope we have peace and prosperity and unlimited pudding! But knowing this AAR, that's not going to happen. LOL!
Miscreant: Thanks so much for the kind words and I'm glad you are enjoying reading! I need to get over and continue reading your AAR as well since it looks like you have a update.
phargle: Just like Enewald alluded to, I'm adding that I was "phargled" to my signature line. And trust me, it's been a while since I "phargled" or something like that. :wacko:
There should be an update tonight provided I can finish cleaning up my place. Now for some responses!comagoosie: You're making me afraid of IN with all this sea invasion stuff.
Lord Valentine: I hope we have peace and prosperity and unlimited pudding! But knowing this AAR, that's not going to happen. LOL!
Miscreant: Thanks so much for the kind words and I'm glad you are enjoying reading! I need to get over and continue reading your AAR as well since it looks like you have a update.
phargle: Just like Enewald alluded to, I'm adding that I was "phargled" to my signature line. And trust me, it's been a while since I "phargled" or something like that. :wacko:
I didn't realize this would be so big...
Interlude 10: Dawn of the Seventeenth Century
December 31, 1599
The Political Map of Europe 12-31-1599
Deacon Andrea Baroni waited on the steps of Saint Maria in Domnica in the early winter morning chill for his carriage. The night before the diocese bishop, Cardinal Piatti, came to his room unannounced after returning from meetings with other Cardinals. His eminence told him to report to today to the Palace of the Holy Office where he would receive further instructions. Deacon Baroni wondered if he had displeased the Cardinal in some way, but perhaps God had some plan for him that would only reveal itself over time.
The carriage, if one could call it that, was simply a cart that had previously carried hay and/or manure led by a nag whose best days were long ago. After saying a short prayer, Deacon Baroni climbed into the cart bed and the journey began. A short time later he arrived at his destination and entered the Palace of the Holy Office. He was greeted, if one could call it that, by a stern severe looking religious sister.
The Religious Map of Europe 12-31-1599
The nun led Deacon Baroni through the Holy Office with a dismissive wave to follow her deeper into the Palace.
“I am Sister Mary Lazarus and you are late.” Sister Mary Lazarus said tersely with a thick Germanic accent. As she spoke, the sound of the nag whinnying could be heard from the courtyard through the un-shuttered window.
“I am sorry Sister. The carriage did not arrive on time.”
“Hmmmrfff. Follow me.” was the reply.
“May I ask you something?” Deacon Baroni inquired.
“Yes.”
“Do you know why I have been summoned here on this day?”
“Yes.”
“Perhaps you could tell me who I am supposed to be meeting?”
“Perhaps.”
Deacon Baroni realized Sister Mary Lazarus would not be forthcoming with any information. Rather than continue to question her, they walked on in silence through the remainder of the Holy Office, the Meeting Hall, and through St. Martha’s Palace to the main courtyard behind the still unfinished St. Peter’s. As they approached the Chapel of St. Stephen, Sister Mary Lazarus turned left and spoke,
“Follow that path to the garden and you will find he who will speak with you. Good day and God bless you Deacon Baroni.”
Deacon Baroni replied, “Grazie and God bless you too, Sister Mary Lazarus.” The whinnying sound returned clearly even this far away from the streets.
Without further comment, Sister Mary Lazarus nodded and turned back the way they came. Deacon Baroni was a bit befuddled by the exchange. Perhaps something was lost in translation. He took two steps forward and said, “Lazarus!“ only to hear the whinnying once more. Chuckling quietly to himself, Deacon Baroni followed the sister’s instructions, passing only two Scottish Guards faithfully on duty in their kilts as a fresh breeze chilled the air momentarily.
Several paces later, the Deacon noticed an area where several smaller paths converged with the one he walked down. A table and benches had been set up. His Holiness Gregory XIV, wearing his unmistakable fur trimmed camauro and mozzetta, sat on one of the benches waving Deacon Baroni over. The Deacon picked up his pace so as to not keep the Pope waiting any longer.
“Your Holiness!” Deacon Baroni nearly shouted as he bent down to kiss the Pope’s ring. “I was unaware that you would be expecting me. How may I assist you in serving the Lord?”
Pope Gregory nodded, “Yes, please sit down next to me. Would you like to try some of this coffee beverage?”
“No, no thank you, Your Holiness.”
“It comes from the Turks through the Venetians. Cardinal Bellermino wants me to condemn people from drinking it. But this devil’s drink is so good I think I just might baptize it instead!”* The Pope laughed as he took a drink from his mug. “Now Deacon, I have called you here to attend me as my main notary.”
“I am shocked and honored. Though Holy Father, why have you asked me?” Deacon Baroni inquired. “Surely there are more experienced men you could have asked.”
“True,” Pope Gregory replied, “but they were not recommended by Cardinal Piatti.”
“His eminence’s faith in me is humbling,” Baroni replied.
“Actually, it’s not his faith that moved him. He wants to be rid of you.” The Pope bluntly corrected.
“I do not understand.” Deacon Baroni was now more confused than ever.
“Cardinal Piatti believes you are a spy sent by me or his rivals from the French faction to hinder his plans to succeed me whenever that time does come.”
The Deacon’s jaw nearly dropped, and he jumped to his feet. “Holy Father, please believe me, I have no idea of what Cardinal Piatti could be referring to. I pray every day for your continued health!”
“I know what you say is truth, and I thank you for your prayers.” Pope Gregory waved for Deacon Baroni to be seated once more. “My body may be wearing a bit thin Andrea, but my mind is still sharp. Piatti is just a paranoid old woman from the ghettos. Pay him no mind!”
“Yes, your Holiness. Please forgive my outburst.”
Pope Gregory laughed heartily, “You have not yet seen me angered. When that time does come to pass, it will make your exclamation sound like a mouse squeak. Your late cousin, Cardinal Montalto**, and I had many an argument over the years, God bless him. I am surprised you never heard our debates here in Rome while you studied in Bologna.”
“I am sure my cousin would smile at the thought of being here with you, your Holiness.”
“Now tomorrow is the first day of the New Year… new century in fact, and you will attend to me at the Papal apartment in the morning. Then we will meet with the Cardinal Secretary of State and some of the Curia in the main meeting hall. At this meeting I will need to you to take notes of the political and religious updates from abroad for me. Time permitting we may need to draft letters to the nuncios in response.”
“Of course, I will prepare for the meeting right away.” Deacon Baroni rose and bowed towards the Pope assuming the audience was over.
“And one more thing,” Pope Gregory called out, “Do not be late… Cardinal-Deacon Baroni.”
“No sir! Of course not! I will be early in fact! Thank you your Holiness!”
Deacon Baroni could have sworn he heard Pope Gregory laugh faintly as he nearly ran down the path back to the Palace of Holy Office.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 1, 1600
Cardinal Andrea Baroni's official 1604 portrait
For Andrea Baroni, today everything was new: the itchiness of the black woolen Cossack with it‘s red trim, the spacious room, and even his title was new, Cardinal-Deacon. Though he looked all of his twenty-seven years, the new Cardinal felt as though he was freshly born from the womb.
The Sun had barely risen when Cardinal Baroni appeared at Pope Gregory’s door, only to be turned away for his Holiness was still sleeping. The guards would send for him when the Pope was awake and ready to receive him. Still Cardinal Baroni paced close by like one of the caged African lions he once saw at an exotic beast show. Hic sunt leones indeed! An hour later Pope Gregory was ready and he joined the Pope.
Unlike the day before, the Pope seemed in ill-spirits. Perhaps the upcoming events of the day weighed heavily on his mind. Or perhaps it was the strained effort in which Pope Gregory walked towards the reception hall with his cane where they were to meet with the Curial Cardinals. Upon entering, the assembled men rose, bowed, and kissed the Pontiff’s ring after he quickly sat down. Then all the eyes in the room turned to stare at this new young interloper and the question was soon asked: who is this man?
“Before we begin,” Pope Gregory started, “I have recently named Andrea Baroni over there a Cardinal Deacon replacing the late Cardinal Pepoli as my notary and assistant. In addition I will be elevating Alessandro d’Este and the Archbishop of Pamplona to Cardinal. The ceremony will take place three weeks from today. I think the latter may please some of your masters.” The last words were said derisively and were met with silence.
As the Secretary of State Cardinal Pinelli began to speak, Cardinal Baroni began to scribble notes in earnest, “My Pope, I have been in correspondence with Cardinal Belfuno at the Imperial Court. The Emperor-Elect will most likely not intervene for either side in the Baltic War and he warns us not to do so as well.”
Pope Gregory interrupted, “I will do as I see fit as ordained by the Holy Spirit, not by a heretic but go on…”
“Much of the fighting centers near the ports of Riga and Memel. The Swedes have swept the Baltic of Lithuanian ships with English assistance. King Alexander and King Stephan are calling for a Holy Alliance against the combined Protestant forces. They will most likely begin an overland campaign once the spring thaw reaches the Finnish lands. I recommend we offer them a loan of funds to support their troops as we did when Poland and Lithuania fought the Turks some years ago.”
“Yes I agree. Cardinal Giustiniani, make note for the Auditors that we will be loaning 100 ducats to both kingdoms next year at the usurious rate of 1% interest.”
“Of course, your Holiness. But that will drain nearly half the treasury.”
The situation in North America 1600#
Ignoring the Treasurer’s comments, the Pope turned to the French Ambassador, “And Ossat how is the Kingdom of France these days?”
“The health of his majesty Henri III is precarious your Holiness. I pray daily for the recovery of his vitality. The Kingdom of France is at peace, prosperous and…”
“Despised by the rest of the world,” Cardinal Avila the Castilian Ambassador interjected.
Ossat glared at the interrupter “as I was about to say, France is finally free of heresy and assassins while we continue, as always, to bring the whole of Greater France back into the bosom of the Church.”
“Does this include the lands France captured from the English?” Pope Gregory inquired.
“Oui, naturellement!” the Cardinal slipped back into his native tongue, “The young boy Edward on the English throne is completely unready and incompetent to be on the world stage. We merely relieved them of the responsibility of maintaining certain northern trading posts. Both the natives and the few English who live there will soon convert as the settlements grow with Frenchmen.”
“I must object to that once again your Holiness.” Cardinal Avila all but shouted, “The Bull promulgated by Pope Paul III and as amended by your predecessor…”
“Is completely worthless to the de facto situation,” Cardinal Ossat finished.
“Enough! You both disrespect your office and His Holiness.” Cardinal Pinelli chided the men. “Do us all a favor and desist from this incessant squabble.”
Pope Gregory nodded in agreement, “Yes I grow weary of fighting between our Catholic brothers. France and Castile, always like Cain and Abel. Tsk. Tsk. Now Avila, what news is there from Toledo hmmm?”
Cardinal Avila nodded before speaking, “The King and Queen have welcomed a fifth child, Prince Sancho to their family last month. Cardinal Serra has baptized the Infante and he has been given the title of Prince of Madrid. The succession in Castile is secure for the foreseeable future.
Status of the Castilian overseas empire c. 1600
Unlike France, Castile is free of heresy throughout her Empire, and now moves to spread the faith throughout the Americas. The natives may be restless, but they will be dealt with in due course…“
Pope Gregory interrupted, “Please convey my wishes to the King that he should try to convert the unbelievers before he enslaves them.”
“As always, your Holiness,“ Avila sweetly nodded. “Also Castile will move against the Swedes who have settled the southernmost tip of the continent and harangue Castilian shipping with their demands for payment to use the Magellan Strait.”
“Very well what else is there to discuss?” The Pope requested.
Cardinal Salvian spoke, “There is the small matter of Savoyan insurrection Holiness. Turin has fallen to rebels as the King of Savoy fights heretics in Cologne. If King Pietro were to be overthrown, our overland routes with Avignon would be severed. This could be a strategic disadvantage.”
“France will intervene in due time,” said Cardinal Ossat.
“France is paralyzed with inaction due the King’s health as you just said,” replied Salvian.
Avila piped in, “Your motives are perfectly clear to me my dear Cardinal Salvian. The De Medici’s don’t want to lose the trade with Savoy to the heretics ruling Genoa. I can respect that although I am not wedded to their interests.”
Cardinals Ossat and Pinelli nodded slowly in agreement to the last remark.
Salvian turned to Pope Gregory. “Then your Holiness will you support some intervention?”
A long pause ensued and Gregory XIV stroked his beard in thought. “Yes I think we can spare some troops to assist King Pietro and our allies interests. Cardinal Baroni, please make note that we need to issue orders to the 2nd Army in Mantua to assist Savoy in retaking Turin. Now what else is there?”
Colonial affairs in southern Africa c. 1600
At first no one spoke. Pope Gregory began to rise when the only man in the room who had yet to speak did so: “Forgive me your Holiness, I was deep in thought and wish to bring you some news.”
“Yes, Patriarch, what is it?”
Cardinal Andreas von Austria, the titular Patriarch of Jerusalem, snapped his fingers and a priest ran over with several rolled up maps. “As I am sure most in this room know, the Church maintains a network of silent supporters among the Mohammedans and others throughout the Holy Land.” There are nods around the room. “One of our friends was able to secure the rutters from a Swedish merchant ship docked in Alexandretta.” Pope Gregory’s eyes arched at the sound of this news. “We have translated the log,” continued the Patriarch, and constructed this rough map of the lands to the farthest east.”
The Far East c. 1600 and the stolen Swedish rutters
“Interesting.” Said Cardinal Pinelli
“Indeed Eminence, it is. The Japanese warlords of the Satomi family have nearly consolidated their power throughout the main island as you see in the rose color on the map. It appears our support for the Shimazu faction has not been beneficial as they are reduced to the southern island. The other main faction who is outwardly hostile to the true word of the Lord the Hosokawa (Green) have cut a swath of territory from the Ming and Qing Chinese cliques.”
“This does not affect us in any way.” Cardinal Ossat said dismissively.
“Au Contraire,” replied the Austrian, “the transfer of trade has dried up the riches of the overland route originally discovered by the Venetians. Rather than grow rich by taxing that trade, the Mohammedans grow rich by war over what is left. That war may soon reach the Holy Land. How could this not be our concern?”
“Very true, Patriarch, very true,” Pope Gregory said solemnly. “Yet I must agree in the near term with Cardinal Ossat. There is nothing we can do immediately as we have barely survived the recent hostilities with Portugal. Patriarch, please keep me informed as best you can. Now gentlemen I am tired, until next time we meet.”
One by one the Cardinals seated at the table rose, kissed the Pope’s ring and left. Only Cardinal Baroni remained scribbling down the last notes of the meeting as the words raced through his mind and onto the paper.
“Cardinal Baroni,” said the Pope as he strained to rise from his seat, “I trust you will be able to complete your notes and the orders for the army by sunset. And Andrea, be sure not to include the last part. I would rather no one outside this room know of the world explorations. Spies are everywhere, even here in Rome.”
Somewhat startled by the exchange, the only thing Cardinal Baroni could reply with was, “Of course your Holiness,” As Pope Gregory XIV left the room and the Cardinal to his work.
* Quote attributed to OTL Clement VIII, but of questionable validity
** OTL Pope Xystus V (1585-1590)
#Maps were taken from other countries to show the extent of colonization
Interlude 10: Dawn of the Seventeenth Century
December 31, 1599
The Political Map of Europe 12-31-1599
Deacon Andrea Baroni waited on the steps of Saint Maria in Domnica in the early winter morning chill for his carriage. The night before the diocese bishop, Cardinal Piatti, came to his room unannounced after returning from meetings with other Cardinals. His eminence told him to report to today to the Palace of the Holy Office where he would receive further instructions. Deacon Baroni wondered if he had displeased the Cardinal in some way, but perhaps God had some plan for him that would only reveal itself over time.
The carriage, if one could call it that, was simply a cart that had previously carried hay and/or manure led by a nag whose best days were long ago. After saying a short prayer, Deacon Baroni climbed into the cart bed and the journey began. A short time later he arrived at his destination and entered the Palace of the Holy Office. He was greeted, if one could call it that, by a stern severe looking religious sister.
The Religious Map of Europe 12-31-1599
The nun led Deacon Baroni through the Holy Office with a dismissive wave to follow her deeper into the Palace.
“I am Sister Mary Lazarus and you are late.” Sister Mary Lazarus said tersely with a thick Germanic accent. As she spoke, the sound of the nag whinnying could be heard from the courtyard through the un-shuttered window.
“I am sorry Sister. The carriage did not arrive on time.”
“Hmmmrfff. Follow me.” was the reply.
“May I ask you something?” Deacon Baroni inquired.
“Yes.”
“Do you know why I have been summoned here on this day?”
“Yes.”
“Perhaps you could tell me who I am supposed to be meeting?”
“Perhaps.”
Deacon Baroni realized Sister Mary Lazarus would not be forthcoming with any information. Rather than continue to question her, they walked on in silence through the remainder of the Holy Office, the Meeting Hall, and through St. Martha’s Palace to the main courtyard behind the still unfinished St. Peter’s. As they approached the Chapel of St. Stephen, Sister Mary Lazarus turned left and spoke,
“Follow that path to the garden and you will find he who will speak with you. Good day and God bless you Deacon Baroni.”
Deacon Baroni replied, “Grazie and God bless you too, Sister Mary Lazarus.” The whinnying sound returned clearly even this far away from the streets.
Without further comment, Sister Mary Lazarus nodded and turned back the way they came. Deacon Baroni was a bit befuddled by the exchange. Perhaps something was lost in translation. He took two steps forward and said, “Lazarus!“ only to hear the whinnying once more. Chuckling quietly to himself, Deacon Baroni followed the sister’s instructions, passing only two Scottish Guards faithfully on duty in their kilts as a fresh breeze chilled the air momentarily.
Several paces later, the Deacon noticed an area where several smaller paths converged with the one he walked down. A table and benches had been set up. His Holiness Gregory XIV, wearing his unmistakable fur trimmed camauro and mozzetta, sat on one of the benches waving Deacon Baroni over. The Deacon picked up his pace so as to not keep the Pope waiting any longer.
“Your Holiness!” Deacon Baroni nearly shouted as he bent down to kiss the Pope’s ring. “I was unaware that you would be expecting me. How may I assist you in serving the Lord?”
Pope Gregory nodded, “Yes, please sit down next to me. Would you like to try some of this coffee beverage?”
“No, no thank you, Your Holiness.”
“It comes from the Turks through the Venetians. Cardinal Bellermino wants me to condemn people from drinking it. But this devil’s drink is so good I think I just might baptize it instead!”* The Pope laughed as he took a drink from his mug. “Now Deacon, I have called you here to attend me as my main notary.”
“I am shocked and honored. Though Holy Father, why have you asked me?” Deacon Baroni inquired. “Surely there are more experienced men you could have asked.”
“True,” Pope Gregory replied, “but they were not recommended by Cardinal Piatti.”
“His eminence’s faith in me is humbling,” Baroni replied.
“Actually, it’s not his faith that moved him. He wants to be rid of you.” The Pope bluntly corrected.
“I do not understand.” Deacon Baroni was now more confused than ever.
“Cardinal Piatti believes you are a spy sent by me or his rivals from the French faction to hinder his plans to succeed me whenever that time does come.”
The Deacon’s jaw nearly dropped, and he jumped to his feet. “Holy Father, please believe me, I have no idea of what Cardinal Piatti could be referring to. I pray every day for your continued health!”
“I know what you say is truth, and I thank you for your prayers.” Pope Gregory waved for Deacon Baroni to be seated once more. “My body may be wearing a bit thin Andrea, but my mind is still sharp. Piatti is just a paranoid old woman from the ghettos. Pay him no mind!”
“Yes, your Holiness. Please forgive my outburst.”
Pope Gregory laughed heartily, “You have not yet seen me angered. When that time does come to pass, it will make your exclamation sound like a mouse squeak. Your late cousin, Cardinal Montalto**, and I had many an argument over the years, God bless him. I am surprised you never heard our debates here in Rome while you studied in Bologna.”
“I am sure my cousin would smile at the thought of being here with you, your Holiness.”
“Now tomorrow is the first day of the New Year… new century in fact, and you will attend to me at the Papal apartment in the morning. Then we will meet with the Cardinal Secretary of State and some of the Curia in the main meeting hall. At this meeting I will need to you to take notes of the political and religious updates from abroad for me. Time permitting we may need to draft letters to the nuncios in response.”
“Of course, I will prepare for the meeting right away.” Deacon Baroni rose and bowed towards the Pope assuming the audience was over.
“And one more thing,” Pope Gregory called out, “Do not be late… Cardinal-Deacon Baroni.”
“No sir! Of course not! I will be early in fact! Thank you your Holiness!”
Deacon Baroni could have sworn he heard Pope Gregory laugh faintly as he nearly ran down the path back to the Palace of Holy Office.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 1, 1600
Cardinal Andrea Baroni's official 1604 portrait
For Andrea Baroni, today everything was new: the itchiness of the black woolen Cossack with it‘s red trim, the spacious room, and even his title was new, Cardinal-Deacon. Though he looked all of his twenty-seven years, the new Cardinal felt as though he was freshly born from the womb.
The Sun had barely risen when Cardinal Baroni appeared at Pope Gregory’s door, only to be turned away for his Holiness was still sleeping. The guards would send for him when the Pope was awake and ready to receive him. Still Cardinal Baroni paced close by like one of the caged African lions he once saw at an exotic beast show. Hic sunt leones indeed! An hour later Pope Gregory was ready and he joined the Pope.
Unlike the day before, the Pope seemed in ill-spirits. Perhaps the upcoming events of the day weighed heavily on his mind. Or perhaps it was the strained effort in which Pope Gregory walked towards the reception hall with his cane where they were to meet with the Curial Cardinals. Upon entering, the assembled men rose, bowed, and kissed the Pontiff’s ring after he quickly sat down. Then all the eyes in the room turned to stare at this new young interloper and the question was soon asked: who is this man?
“Before we begin,” Pope Gregory started, “I have recently named Andrea Baroni over there a Cardinal Deacon replacing the late Cardinal Pepoli as my notary and assistant. In addition I will be elevating Alessandro d’Este and the Archbishop of Pamplona to Cardinal. The ceremony will take place three weeks from today. I think the latter may please some of your masters.” The last words were said derisively and were met with silence.
As the Secretary of State Cardinal Pinelli began to speak, Cardinal Baroni began to scribble notes in earnest, “My Pope, I have been in correspondence with Cardinal Belfuno at the Imperial Court. The Emperor-Elect will most likely not intervene for either side in the Baltic War and he warns us not to do so as well.”
Pope Gregory interrupted, “I will do as I see fit as ordained by the Holy Spirit, not by a heretic but go on…”
“Much of the fighting centers near the ports of Riga and Memel. The Swedes have swept the Baltic of Lithuanian ships with English assistance. King Alexander and King Stephan are calling for a Holy Alliance against the combined Protestant forces. They will most likely begin an overland campaign once the spring thaw reaches the Finnish lands. I recommend we offer them a loan of funds to support their troops as we did when Poland and Lithuania fought the Turks some years ago.”
“Yes I agree. Cardinal Giustiniani, make note for the Auditors that we will be loaning 100 ducats to both kingdoms next year at the usurious rate of 1% interest.”
“Of course, your Holiness. But that will drain nearly half the treasury.”
The situation in North America 1600#
Ignoring the Treasurer’s comments, the Pope turned to the French Ambassador, “And Ossat how is the Kingdom of France these days?”
“The health of his majesty Henri III is precarious your Holiness. I pray daily for the recovery of his vitality. The Kingdom of France is at peace, prosperous and…”
“Despised by the rest of the world,” Cardinal Avila the Castilian Ambassador interjected.
Ossat glared at the interrupter “as I was about to say, France is finally free of heresy and assassins while we continue, as always, to bring the whole of Greater France back into the bosom of the Church.”
“Does this include the lands France captured from the English?” Pope Gregory inquired.
“Oui, naturellement!” the Cardinal slipped back into his native tongue, “The young boy Edward on the English throne is completely unready and incompetent to be on the world stage. We merely relieved them of the responsibility of maintaining certain northern trading posts. Both the natives and the few English who live there will soon convert as the settlements grow with Frenchmen.”
“I must object to that once again your Holiness.” Cardinal Avila all but shouted, “The Bull promulgated by Pope Paul III and as amended by your predecessor…”
“Is completely worthless to the de facto situation,” Cardinal Ossat finished.
“Enough! You both disrespect your office and His Holiness.” Cardinal Pinelli chided the men. “Do us all a favor and desist from this incessant squabble.”
Pope Gregory nodded in agreement, “Yes I grow weary of fighting between our Catholic brothers. France and Castile, always like Cain and Abel. Tsk. Tsk. Now Avila, what news is there from Toledo hmmm?”
Cardinal Avila nodded before speaking, “The King and Queen have welcomed a fifth child, Prince Sancho to their family last month. Cardinal Serra has baptized the Infante and he has been given the title of Prince of Madrid. The succession in Castile is secure for the foreseeable future.
Status of the Castilian overseas empire c. 1600
Unlike France, Castile is free of heresy throughout her Empire, and now moves to spread the faith throughout the Americas. The natives may be restless, but they will be dealt with in due course…“
Pope Gregory interrupted, “Please convey my wishes to the King that he should try to convert the unbelievers before he enslaves them.”
“As always, your Holiness,“ Avila sweetly nodded. “Also Castile will move against the Swedes who have settled the southernmost tip of the continent and harangue Castilian shipping with their demands for payment to use the Magellan Strait.”
“Very well what else is there to discuss?” The Pope requested.
Cardinal Salvian spoke, “There is the small matter of Savoyan insurrection Holiness. Turin has fallen to rebels as the King of Savoy fights heretics in Cologne. If King Pietro were to be overthrown, our overland routes with Avignon would be severed. This could be a strategic disadvantage.”
“France will intervene in due time,” said Cardinal Ossat.
“France is paralyzed with inaction due the King’s health as you just said,” replied Salvian.
Avila piped in, “Your motives are perfectly clear to me my dear Cardinal Salvian. The De Medici’s don’t want to lose the trade with Savoy to the heretics ruling Genoa. I can respect that although I am not wedded to their interests.”
Cardinals Ossat and Pinelli nodded slowly in agreement to the last remark.
Salvian turned to Pope Gregory. “Then your Holiness will you support some intervention?”
A long pause ensued and Gregory XIV stroked his beard in thought. “Yes I think we can spare some troops to assist King Pietro and our allies interests. Cardinal Baroni, please make note that we need to issue orders to the 2nd Army in Mantua to assist Savoy in retaking Turin. Now what else is there?”
Colonial affairs in southern Africa c. 1600
At first no one spoke. Pope Gregory began to rise when the only man in the room who had yet to speak did so: “Forgive me your Holiness, I was deep in thought and wish to bring you some news.”
“Yes, Patriarch, what is it?”
Cardinal Andreas von Austria, the titular Patriarch of Jerusalem, snapped his fingers and a priest ran over with several rolled up maps. “As I am sure most in this room know, the Church maintains a network of silent supporters among the Mohammedans and others throughout the Holy Land.” There are nods around the room. “One of our friends was able to secure the rutters from a Swedish merchant ship docked in Alexandretta.” Pope Gregory’s eyes arched at the sound of this news. “We have translated the log,” continued the Patriarch, and constructed this rough map of the lands to the farthest east.”
The Far East c. 1600 and the stolen Swedish rutters
“Interesting.” Said Cardinal Pinelli
“Indeed Eminence, it is. The Japanese warlords of the Satomi family have nearly consolidated their power throughout the main island as you see in the rose color on the map. It appears our support for the Shimazu faction has not been beneficial as they are reduced to the southern island. The other main faction who is outwardly hostile to the true word of the Lord the Hosokawa (Green) have cut a swath of territory from the Ming and Qing Chinese cliques.”
“This does not affect us in any way.” Cardinal Ossat said dismissively.
“Au Contraire,” replied the Austrian, “the transfer of trade has dried up the riches of the overland route originally discovered by the Venetians. Rather than grow rich by taxing that trade, the Mohammedans grow rich by war over what is left. That war may soon reach the Holy Land. How could this not be our concern?”
“Very true, Patriarch, very true,” Pope Gregory said solemnly. “Yet I must agree in the near term with Cardinal Ossat. There is nothing we can do immediately as we have barely survived the recent hostilities with Portugal. Patriarch, please keep me informed as best you can. Now gentlemen I am tired, until next time we meet.”
One by one the Cardinals seated at the table rose, kissed the Pope’s ring and left. Only Cardinal Baroni remained scribbling down the last notes of the meeting as the words raced through his mind and onto the paper.
“Cardinal Baroni,” said the Pope as he strained to rise from his seat, “I trust you will be able to complete your notes and the orders for the army by sunset. And Andrea, be sure not to include the last part. I would rather no one outside this room know of the world explorations. Spies are everywhere, even here in Rome.”
Somewhat startled by the exchange, the only thing Cardinal Baroni could reply with was, “Of course your Holiness,” As Pope Gregory XIV left the room and the Cardinal to his work.
* Quote attributed to OTL Clement VIII, but of questionable validity
** OTL Pope Xystus V (1585-1590)
#Maps were taken from other countries to show the extent of colonization
Lol!Enewald said:Holy Land, bah bah.
Attack Japan and convert 'em all!
Why not first take the holy land and then go rampaging through Asia on the land route "Mongol-Style".
But seriously, a interesting world setting not unlike real history. If Spain and France stand united the protestants of Europe are probably doomed. Yet if their rivalry develops like in reality...
~Lord Valentine~
What's the relationship between France and Castille? Any chance of them going to war against each other?
Interesting, it seems the pope has some spies, not that that is weird, but for him to admit and use it, that is certainly interesting.
Anyways, who is in ireland?
Anyways, who is in ireland?
Enewald: LOL methinks you discovered one of the red herrings! But people did say they wanted some updates on the world situation from time to time.
Lord Valentine: Another Crusade perhaps? Brilliant! I think France has too much bad boy to unite with others though.
Qorten: France and Castile have been at war a number of times. During the War of the Three Queens, France captured Iberian provinces from both Castile and Aragon. I'm sure Castile will try to get them back.
comagoosie: Pope Gregory XIV is first and foremost an Italian prince! Spying is a must!! Or maybe it's just another red herring. The purple thing in Ireland is Connaught I think. It becomes Ireland (Protestant Ireland too) very soon after 1600.
Lord Valentine: Another Crusade perhaps? Brilliant!
I think France has too much bad boy to unite with others though. Qorten: France and Castile have been at war a number of times. During the War of the Three Queens, France captured Iberian provinces from both Castile and Aragon. I'm sure Castile will try to get them back.
comagoosie: Pope Gregory XIV is first and foremost an Italian prince! Spying is a must!! Or maybe it's just another red herring.
The purple thing in Ireland is Connaught I think. It becomes Ireland (Protestant Ireland too) very soon after 1600.
Chapter 47: Plans Gone Awry (1600-1606)
For all the planning that Pope Gregory XIV completed in his quest to be the friend to all of Catholic Europe, events would conspire to deny him success. As he wished approximately 100 ducats were transported to both the Lithuanian and Polish kings so they could prosecute their war against Lutheran Sweden. Their spring offensive was successful in capturing a significant portion of Swedish controlled Finland, but ended by the early summer. This gave the Swedes time to prepare their counterattack.
Extent of Polish-Lithuanian advances into Sweden 1601
That fall, the Swedes outmaneuvered the Lithuanian armies and cut off their supply routes to occupied Helsinki. There they would be besieged throughout a long cold winter. As a result, the Lithuanian King knew full well that he would not be able to repay Pope Gregory’s loan and defaulted. Seeing no reason not to do the same, Stephan of Poland did the same. Though he had been warned of the possibility, half of the anticipated Papal treasury for 1601 dissolved overnight. Poland and Lithuania would rally the next year and begin an inexorable push westward.
Papal intervention in Savoy did not fare much better. In a rare trip out of Rome, Pope Gregory personally traveled to Mantua to deliver orders for the Second Army to help liberate Torino. Six weeks later, they joined with Pietro III’s forces in a siege of the city. But a new wave of anti royalist sentiment reared as the Papal army began to set up camp. Outnumbered by the rebels five to three, a long series of battles in and around the city, which saw the death of the Savoy King in battle. Eventually, the sly rebel commander flanked the Papal army into an untenable position causing numerous causalities. After losing over half the men, the Second Army withdrew to Milan.
All of this led to a whispering campaign against Pope Gregory’s policies, and the direction he following. Poor government policies, usually meant less stability, and eventually that drop occurred. This was soon followed by another Mantuan independence movement gaining traction and beginning insurrection. The Second army was merged with the first to defeat these rebels in May 1602, but Papal intervention in Savoy had ended.
France continued to suffer from the upheavals of poverty and unrest. Henry III’s son Henry finally succeeded to the French throne in 1602, and instead of seeking a peaceful resolution as Pope Gregory had advised, launched into a succession war over his wife and sons potential inheritance of Dutch lands. The Dutch nobles had passed over Queen Sophia for her Catholicism in favor of her younger sister, the Lutheran Duchess of Leipzig and daughter-in-law of the Bohemian King. The declaration of war was immediately followed by a Bohemian supported revolution of the remaining Protestant Frenchmen in Antwerp and Venice.
Henry focused on the battles along the Dutch-French border and retaking the port of Venice rather than facing the Bohemians. This allowed Bohemia and her Austrian allies to occupy several provinces long held in Southern Germany. The Emperor in Regensberg threw his support with the Bohemians, but that support was more diplomatic than military. Quietly, Pope Gregory used the Bohemian occupation to try to stir up a popular revolt in Bavaria. He hoped to create another Papal satellite Germanic elector like the Archbishopric of Salzburg. The results were total failure and strained ties greatly when discovered.
The Incas surrender as Poland and Lithuania rampage through Sweden 1604
Away from Europe another outbreak of smallpox ravaged the Americas. Even though many of the natives had built up some resistance to the disease, it still killed half of all afflicted. From 1603-1605 Castile followed up the pandemic by invading the Chimu and Inca empires at the time of their least resistance. Chimu ceased to exist and the Inca Empire was forced to cede rich tracts of their territory to the ever hungry Castilians. As a counter, the King of the Aztecs took as a wife the Mayan King’s widow and merged their two empires into one to fight the encroaching Europeans.
By 1604 Pope Gregory’s declining health left him nearly bedridden. His last major inititive was to help engineer the election of a Catholic Emperor. Karl Philip knew he would not pass the Imperial Crown to his son, but before his death he announced that he wanted Maximilian of Austria to succeed him as Emperor. This was unacceptable to the newly crowned Louis XIV of France, Juan and Juana of Castile and Pope Gregory. Of all the Protestants, Maximilian was the most stridently anti-Catholic.
Castile and France had little influence among the electors, and Poland and Lithuania were too involved in the Baltic War to intervene. Pope Gregory XIV, papal reputation finally redeemed, did hold sway with the three Catholic bishop electors of Riga, Mainz, and Salzburg as he had appointed them all. So long as the Lutherans did not unite, Pope Gregory was reasonably sure he could count on the Catholics to vote for a Catholic. His preferred choice the new King of Sayoy Filiberto I, a moderate Catholic who youngest son was already a Cardinal. The Bishop of Riga did not follow the Pope’s instructions, but the Lutheran votes scattered, and Pope Gregory finally achieved a diplomatic victory.
Throughout 1605 Cardinals began returning to Rome in morbid anticipation of the next Conclave. Many who believed they were “Papable” did so in defiance of the Council of Avignon’s decrees. Many of Pope Gregory’s advisors attempted to force the Cardinals back to their see,s but they would only go if the Pope commanded them personally. Pope Gregory was too weak to see anyone. On Easter morning 1606, Gregory XIV breathed his last, and a week later, a tempestuous Conclave would open to elect his successor.
For all the planning that Pope Gregory XIV completed in his quest to be the friend to all of Catholic Europe, events would conspire to deny him success. As he wished approximately 100 ducats were transported to both the Lithuanian and Polish kings so they could prosecute their war against Lutheran Sweden. Their spring offensive was successful in capturing a significant portion of Swedish controlled Finland, but ended by the early summer. This gave the Swedes time to prepare their counterattack.
Extent of Polish-Lithuanian advances into Sweden 1601
That fall, the Swedes outmaneuvered the Lithuanian armies and cut off their supply routes to occupied Helsinki. There they would be besieged throughout a long cold winter. As a result, the Lithuanian King knew full well that he would not be able to repay Pope Gregory’s loan and defaulted. Seeing no reason not to do the same, Stephan of Poland did the same. Though he had been warned of the possibility, half of the anticipated Papal treasury for 1601 dissolved overnight. Poland and Lithuania would rally the next year and begin an inexorable push westward.
Papal intervention in Savoy did not fare much better. In a rare trip out of Rome, Pope Gregory personally traveled to Mantua to deliver orders for the Second Army to help liberate Torino. Six weeks later, they joined with Pietro III’s forces in a siege of the city. But a new wave of anti royalist sentiment reared as the Papal army began to set up camp. Outnumbered by the rebels five to three, a long series of battles in and around the city, which saw the death of the Savoy King in battle. Eventually, the sly rebel commander flanked the Papal army into an untenable position causing numerous causalities. After losing over half the men, the Second Army withdrew to Milan.
All of this led to a whispering campaign against Pope Gregory’s policies, and the direction he following. Poor government policies, usually meant less stability, and eventually that drop occurred. This was soon followed by another Mantuan independence movement gaining traction and beginning insurrection. The Second army was merged with the first to defeat these rebels in May 1602, but Papal intervention in Savoy had ended.
France continued to suffer from the upheavals of poverty and unrest. Henry III’s son Henry finally succeeded to the French throne in 1602, and instead of seeking a peaceful resolution as Pope Gregory had advised, launched into a succession war over his wife and sons potential inheritance of Dutch lands. The Dutch nobles had passed over Queen Sophia for her Catholicism in favor of her younger sister, the Lutheran Duchess of Leipzig and daughter-in-law of the Bohemian King. The declaration of war was immediately followed by a Bohemian supported revolution of the remaining Protestant Frenchmen in Antwerp and Venice.
The Incas surrender as Poland and Lithuania rampage through Sweden 1604
Away from Europe another outbreak of smallpox ravaged the Americas. Even though many of the natives had built up some resistance to the disease, it still killed half of all afflicted. From 1603-1605 Castile followed up the pandemic by invading the Chimu and Inca empires at the time of their least resistance. Chimu ceased to exist and the Inca Empire was forced to cede rich tracts of their territory to the ever hungry Castilians. As a counter, the King of the Aztecs took as a wife the Mayan King’s widow and merged their two empires into one to fight the encroaching Europeans.
By 1604 Pope Gregory’s declining health left him nearly bedridden. His last major inititive was to help engineer the election of a Catholic Emperor. Karl Philip knew he would not pass the Imperial Crown to his son, but before his death he announced that he wanted Maximilian of Austria to succeed him as Emperor. This was unacceptable to the newly crowned Louis XIV of France, Juan and Juana of Castile and Pope Gregory. Of all the Protestants, Maximilian was the most stridently anti-Catholic.
Castile and France had little influence among the electors, and Poland and Lithuania were too involved in the Baltic War to intervene. Pope Gregory XIV, papal reputation finally redeemed, did hold sway with the three Catholic bishop electors of Riga, Mainz, and Salzburg as he had appointed them all. So long as the Lutherans did not unite, Pope Gregory was reasonably sure he could count on the Catholics to vote for a Catholic. His preferred choice the new King of Sayoy Filiberto I, a moderate Catholic who youngest son was already a Cardinal. The Bishop of Riga did not follow the Pope’s instructions, but the Lutheran votes scattered, and Pope Gregory finally achieved a diplomatic victory.
Throughout 1605 Cardinals began returning to Rome in morbid anticipation of the next Conclave. Many who believed they were “Papable” did so in defiance of the Council of Avignon’s decrees. Many of Pope Gregory’s advisors attempted to force the Cardinals back to their see,s but they would only go if the Pope commanded them personally. Pope Gregory was too weak to see anyone. On Easter morning 1606, Gregory XIV breathed his last, and a week later, a tempestuous Conclave would open to elect his successor.
Wow it seems the world is grip with rebellion, war, and reformation. This doesn't seem like a good time for the church.
Gregory's successor better have some more luck in his endeavors! Otherwise the situation looks bleak for the Papal State.
comagoosie said:
I'm not sure about that. Perhaps well see something along the lines of the 30 Year War and the Catholic church came pretty close to reconqering the whole of Germany back then.
But first someone has to trim France back to size, god damn it!
~Lord Valentine~
comagoosie: There is a lot of war and rebellion, but the Papal State is mostly indirectly involved by choice.
Qorten: I'm not sure if a more active Papacy from Gregory XIV's successor would be better than just sitting back and waiting for events to happen. You'll just have to tune into the next chapter to see.
Lord Valentine: Given the revolt risk in most of France (30%+) I think the French Monarchs might just help grant your wish.
Qorten: I'm not sure if a more active Papacy from Gregory XIV's successor would be better than just sitting back and waiting for events to happen. You'll just have to tune into the next chapter to see.
Lord Valentine: Given the revolt risk in most of France (30%+) I think the French Monarchs might just help grant your wish.
Haha, at that time Helsinki was a crappy village with 300 citizens. :rofl:
Tell me how you besiege it?
A lithuanian army hiding in one house?
Tell me how you besiege it?
A lithuanian army hiding in one house?
Chapter 48: Bloody Noses (1606-1609)
A motley group of sixty of the sixty-seven living Cardinals attended the Conclave of 1606. Half were created by the late Gregory XIV, and more than half were receiving a pension from one or more European monarchs. Not since 1486 had so many “gifts” arrived in Rome to help the College of Cardinals choose the next pontiff. In all regards, it was a recipe for disaster.
The previous two years allowed Cardinal Aldobrandini, the Cardinal-Nephew, to consolidate a separate sphere of influence independent of his uncle thanks to Castilian influence. While he knew the Castilian monarchs would try to force a candidate upon the College, he was also able to convince the old and ill Cardinal Avila not to use the veto unless necessary. Much of the Aldobrandini’s independent support came from the Cardinals under the age of thirty which the Cardinal-Nephew had “convinced” his uncle to elevate.
He was opposed as expected by Cardinal Baroni who had been pushed aside by the Cardinal-Nephew during Gregory XIV’s illness. Baroni had cobbled together the Cardinals from the factional Papal State elite (Sforza, Farnese, Orsini, Colonna) who each brought with them a few supporters. Combined they had just enough votes to deny their opponents an outright victory.
The first ballots went much as to be predicted with Cardinals Toschi and Bellermino both receiving about twenty votes each. In a normal conclave the two sides would generally meet to find someone acceptable to both sides that could also pull in the few additional votes needed. But the animosity between Aldobrandini and Baroni was too great to overcome.
During one of the overnight breaks, the Cardinal-Nephew clamored his supporters together and roused the undecided Cardinals awake claiming to have already elected Toschi as the new Pope. This ruse was designed to create the appearance of an election by adoration and force the issue before Baroni could respond. But Baroni’s keen instincts anticipated the move, and his supporters arrived as the Sistine Chapel before Aldobrandini. It did not take long for heated words to lead to physical altercations as Cardinals on both tore into each other with the ferocity of hungry wolves. Hours later, exhausted, battered and bloodied, the sides retreated as the two Portuguese Cardinals attempted to mediate.
Neither side knew the Portuguese had already decided upon an acceptable compromise with the French faction: Camillo Cardinal Borghese. It took little effort to convince the exhausted leaders that Borghese was the compromise candidate of the other side, and of his acceptability. While he was Roman, he was related to the Stadholder of Siena, and therefore generally considered neutral, and friendly to all sides. Most saw Borghese as the “Gentle Giant” as his tall Herculean presence often overshadowed his pleasant demeanor. He took the pontifical name Paul V as a way of honoring his predecessor of the same name who appointed him to his first ecclesiastical post in 1586.
Paul V was a student and strident believer in the cause of the Counter-Reformation and the Council of Avignon. Three days after his election he ordered all the Cardinals back to their sees on the penalty of loss of benefice and possible excommunication. Paul also believed in the “Deus Vult” philosophy of liberating Catholic territory from heretics. One of his first acts as Pope was to declare war on the Ottoman Empire to liberate the province of Krain. Victory, it was assumed, would be quick. Dutifully, the Papal allies followed suit as Pope Paul’s energy and enthusiasm for the endeavor was infectious.
Military tradition had declined under both Popes Gregory, but what little was left was used to employ Colonel Sergius De Blazio. He was given command of an army of 4,000 and steadily wore down the Turks defending Krain. Archbishop Michael of Salzburg likewise did the same to Istria, though the latter would still need to be purged of heresy. Towards the second half of 1607, both provinces fell and Pope Paul V embarked on the most audacious plan since the raid of Alexandria in 1487.
One thousand Cariole Cavalry and twice the number of Tercios boarded Fluytes and set sail from Roma on March 10, 1608. Also on board was the Patriarch of Constantinople with handwritten orders from Pope Paul to sail up the Bosporus and retake the old Byzantine capital. Admiral Visconti first made a port of call in Taranto for supplies and set sail for Rhodes to call upon the Knights to join in the new Crusade. As the minor papal fleet saw Rhodes on the horizon, the Sultan sprang his trap.
The low morning sun made it difficult for Visconti to accurately assess the opposite number. By his reckoning, he faced six galleys against his five galleasses. Not insurmountable odds at all. In fact the Ottoman naval commander had twice as many in formation. Admiral Visconti realized the mistake and turned his taskforce around before they were in range of the Turkish guns. But little did the Admiral know that the Ottomans had nearly fifty ships on the opposite side of the island.
Rounding the island, it was then that the Admiral realized the trap. Amazingly, two of the ships were able to escape the carnage, but the transport carrying the cavalrymen and the Patriarch was captured. Admiral Visconti’s flagship, and the Admiral himself, went to the bottom of the sea. The Turks chased down the remnants of Pope Paul’s invasion fleet near Corfu and sank the lightly armed transports.
But the Ottoman’s were not done and took the expression “an eye for an eye” to heart. An Ottoman Armada appeared off Ancona in November 1608 where they deposited 1,000 screaming Turks to pillage the coast. Pope Paul quickly dispatched an envoy to request assistance from Tuscany while he raised a new army to fight the invaders. The Tuscans were eager for a fight against the heathens and sent 10,000 men to annihilate the Ottoman force.
The Turks kept up the blockade until the Papal envoy arrived with an offer of peace. Unable to project power into the Balkans, Paul V accepted a white peace with an exchange of prisoners attached. For many of the European monarchs, the Papal-Ottoman War was a wake up call. Either the Ottomans still had some teeth, or the Papal State did not. Some were ready to test the latter theory.
The Baltic War ended in 1608 with a decisive victory for Poland and Lithuania
A motley group of sixty of the sixty-seven living Cardinals attended the Conclave of 1606. Half were created by the late Gregory XIV, and more than half were receiving a pension from one or more European monarchs. Not since 1486 had so many “gifts” arrived in Rome to help the College of Cardinals choose the next pontiff. In all regards, it was a recipe for disaster.
The previous two years allowed Cardinal Aldobrandini, the Cardinal-Nephew, to consolidate a separate sphere of influence independent of his uncle thanks to Castilian influence. While he knew the Castilian monarchs would try to force a candidate upon the College, he was also able to convince the old and ill Cardinal Avila not to use the veto unless necessary. Much of the Aldobrandini’s independent support came from the Cardinals under the age of thirty which the Cardinal-Nephew had “convinced” his uncle to elevate.
He was opposed as expected by Cardinal Baroni who had been pushed aside by the Cardinal-Nephew during Gregory XIV’s illness. Baroni had cobbled together the Cardinals from the factional Papal State elite (Sforza, Farnese, Orsini, Colonna) who each brought with them a few supporters. Combined they had just enough votes to deny their opponents an outright victory.
The first ballots went much as to be predicted with Cardinals Toschi and Bellermino both receiving about twenty votes each. In a normal conclave the two sides would generally meet to find someone acceptable to both sides that could also pull in the few additional votes needed. But the animosity between Aldobrandini and Baroni was too great to overcome.
During one of the overnight breaks, the Cardinal-Nephew clamored his supporters together and roused the undecided Cardinals awake claiming to have already elected Toschi as the new Pope. This ruse was designed to create the appearance of an election by adoration and force the issue before Baroni could respond. But Baroni’s keen instincts anticipated the move, and his supporters arrived as the Sistine Chapel before Aldobrandini. It did not take long for heated words to lead to physical altercations as Cardinals on both tore into each other with the ferocity of hungry wolves. Hours later, exhausted, battered and bloodied, the sides retreated as the two Portuguese Cardinals attempted to mediate.
Neither side knew the Portuguese had already decided upon an acceptable compromise with the French faction: Camillo Cardinal Borghese. It took little effort to convince the exhausted leaders that Borghese was the compromise candidate of the other side, and of his acceptability. While he was Roman, he was related to the Stadholder of Siena, and therefore generally considered neutral, and friendly to all sides. Most saw Borghese as the “Gentle Giant” as his tall Herculean presence often overshadowed his pleasant demeanor. He took the pontifical name Paul V as a way of honoring his predecessor of the same name who appointed him to his first ecclesiastical post in 1586.
Paul V was a student and strident believer in the cause of the Counter-Reformation and the Council of Avignon. Three days after his election he ordered all the Cardinals back to their sees on the penalty of loss of benefice and possible excommunication. Paul also believed in the “Deus Vult” philosophy of liberating Catholic territory from heretics. One of his first acts as Pope was to declare war on the Ottoman Empire to liberate the province of Krain. Victory, it was assumed, would be quick. Dutifully, the Papal allies followed suit as Pope Paul’s energy and enthusiasm for the endeavor was infectious.
Military tradition had declined under both Popes Gregory, but what little was left was used to employ Colonel Sergius De Blazio. He was given command of an army of 4,000 and steadily wore down the Turks defending Krain. Archbishop Michael of Salzburg likewise did the same to Istria, though the latter would still need to be purged of heresy. Towards the second half of 1607, both provinces fell and Pope Paul V embarked on the most audacious plan since the raid of Alexandria in 1487.
One thousand Cariole Cavalry and twice the number of Tercios boarded Fluytes and set sail from Roma on March 10, 1608. Also on board was the Patriarch of Constantinople with handwritten orders from Pope Paul to sail up the Bosporus and retake the old Byzantine capital. Admiral Visconti first made a port of call in Taranto for supplies and set sail for Rhodes to call upon the Knights to join in the new Crusade. As the minor papal fleet saw Rhodes on the horizon, the Sultan sprang his trap.
The low morning sun made it difficult for Visconti to accurately assess the opposite number. By his reckoning, he faced six galleys against his five galleasses. Not insurmountable odds at all. In fact the Ottoman naval commander had twice as many in formation. Admiral Visconti realized the mistake and turned his taskforce around before they were in range of the Turkish guns. But little did the Admiral know that the Ottomans had nearly fifty ships on the opposite side of the island.
Rounding the island, it was then that the Admiral realized the trap. Amazingly, two of the ships were able to escape the carnage, but the transport carrying the cavalrymen and the Patriarch was captured. Admiral Visconti’s flagship, and the Admiral himself, went to the bottom of the sea. The Turks chased down the remnants of Pope Paul’s invasion fleet near Corfu and sank the lightly armed transports.
But the Ottoman’s were not done and took the expression “an eye for an eye” to heart. An Ottoman Armada appeared off Ancona in November 1608 where they deposited 1,000 screaming Turks to pillage the coast. Pope Paul quickly dispatched an envoy to request assistance from Tuscany while he raised a new army to fight the invaders. The Tuscans were eager for a fight against the heathens and sent 10,000 men to annihilate the Ottoman force.
The Turks kept up the blockade until the Papal envoy arrived with an offer of peace. Unable to project power into the Balkans, Paul V accepted a white peace with an exchange of prisoners attached. For many of the European monarchs, the Papal-Ottoman War was a wake up call. Either the Ottomans still had some teeth, or the Papal State did not. Some were ready to test the latter theory.
The Baltic War ended in 1608 with a decisive victory for Poland and Lithuania
What a devastating defeat, if only that did not happen you would be in a much better position and since you are now weak, some will now try to kick you down even farther.
Let's hope it is not true.
Let's hope it is not true.
As soon as I read the thing with the Patriarch of Constantinople I thought "Now Paul's getting disillusions of grandeur". It'll take a lot more than 3.000 soldiers and 5 ships to overcome the grandest city in the eastern Mediterranean.
Let's hope the Pope wont have to deal with enemies a lot closer to home now.
~Lord Valentine~
Let's hope the Pope wont have to deal with enemies a lot closer to home now.
~Lord Valentine~