Senator Decius Pylaeus (Faction Speaker of the White Demes)
Senator di Capponi, the archbishop of Pisae is apparently not here, even though the other high-ranking foreign ecclesiastical officials are. You spent quite a bit of time in Pisae, didn't you? Is there any special insight you can share with us on this matter?
Senator Lodovico di Capponi (White Demes)
Yes, esteemed speaker, I did serve as Chorepískopos in Pisa. Why the Archbishop did not appear worries me, as even though the common man of Pisa has long since set aside his prayers and soul for Mammon, the Archbishop, at least during my time was as pious as any Romanoi. Of course though my rank of Chorbishop places me in some esteem, it is nothing compared to that of an Archbishop. I could try to represent Pisa to the best of my abilities should you wish. If allowed, I also could send a letter to the Serene Doge, petitioning for the right to represent the republic. {[ wink wink Czoklet or esteemed Speaker ]] Grave religious matters must trouble the Republic, or something worse to prevent him from appearing.
And I must agree with Senator Lazaros II, a religious civil war would tear our empire to pieces just as that of the Germans. This worship of the Angeloi is clearly nothing more than the spiritual successor of Catharism. I mean, their leader is even a woman, and their millenialistic claims are akin to those of the Heretic-Emperor himself. The Cathars wear many masks my friends.
It is clear that action must be done. Another Cathar uprising holds terrible portents for the Empire. The Germans have long been rebellious, and the return of that dreaded heresy would only be fuel for the fire.
The Synod is our only hope. The Heresiarch must be brought to terms.