Why can’t I form Roman Empire?

[jR122]

I had the early start as Italy , I invaded Rome early and took it over, then something weird happened where I don’t know how but suddenly the pope got Rome back, I then invaded and took it over and he became my vassal. Somewhere along the way though I had the option to form the Roman Empire (which was grayed because I hadn’t fulfilled all the conditions), but then the option itself disappeared. Any idea why ? Thanks ...

 

[pevergreen]

Decisions - CK3 Wiki

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Restore the Roman Empire
(Empire of Italia)

Decision	Effect	Cost	Requirements

Italy is already under Imperial rule once more. The only thing that we have left is to reclaim the historical provinces in order to restore dignity to our new Roman Empire.

Replace all held empire titles with Roman Empire Gain the Restore Imperial Province casus belli Gain the Augustus trait Gain the Glorious nickname If capital is not Roma, move capital there, usurping the title if needed If restorer is of Greco-Roman religion, the Byzantine and Holy Roman Emperors gain 10 stress if they are Zealous and Christian.

None

Adult Is an independent ruler Is not imprisoned Feudal, Clan or Republic government Hold or control the following titles: Duchies of Latium, Venice, Romagna, Sicily, Genoa, Capua, Apulia, Thrace, Antioch, Palestine, Alexandria, Athens, Tunis, Croatia, and Thessalonika The Roman Empire has not already been restored The Living Legend Level of Fame Own the Empire of Italia Owns neither the Byzantine Empire nor the Holy Roman Empire Italy must have been unified One of the following is true: Has Roman culture Has Italian culture and religion is either Christian or Greco-Roman.

As for Rome going back to the Pope, if you game the County to someone, they likely took the "Return Roma" decision, which gives Rome back to the pope.

Has your culture changed? Religion? For the decision to not appear as even a possibility, I think one of the main criteria must be unfulfilled