An embassy to Rome

**Oznerol** · October 04, 2016, 12:15 PM

Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury, sent his recently ordained nephew (but already a dean in his uncle's see) to Rome, acompanied by several other clergymen from his bishopric. The young priest, coming on behalf of the Archbishop, requests an audience at the Vatican, palace which the popes favored since the end of the Schism. He shows letters of credence by his uncle, Bourchier, and the English King himself, Edward IV.

**Gandalfus** · October 05, 2016, 01:20 AM

He is admitted to the Papal palace, and brought before Pope Pius II.

**Oznerol** · October 05, 2016, 04:29 AM

They, naturally, speak in latin.

"Holy Father"

Said the young dean, kneeling and kissing the pope's signal ring, that of the Fisherman.

"I come here from England on behalf of His Grace Edward IV, King of England and France, and Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and your humblest servant"

The man looked composed even if he was boiling with anxiety, to be granted an audience with the pope wasn't exactly relaxing.

"The King, God bless his reign, seeks your Holiness approval: The House of York is the rightful holder of Edward III's throne, but undoubtedly this must be sanctioned by the Church. Your Holiness, it is your prerogative to bless my good king Edward and his claim to the crown of Saint Edward. He is a most pious man who will devout all his strenght to preserve the English Church and the interests of the Papacy in our fair isle"

**Gandalfus** · October 05, 2016, 10:13 AM

Pius recalled the meeting he had held with the Archbishop of York just a few months prior. Leaning forward, he scrutinised the young dean that looked overwhelmed with anxiety.

"My son. First I will ask a question, if you will - how are relations between the two Archbishops of England, Canterbury and York? I met with the latter some time ago, and he brought news of an attempt to put him on trial for apparent misdeeds."

**Oznerol** · October 05, 2016, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Gandalf.

Pius recalled the meeting he had held with the Archbishop of York just a few months prior. Leaning forward, he scrutinised the young dean that looked overwhelmed with anxiety.

"My son. First I will ask a question, if you will - how are relations between the two Archbishops of England, Canterbury and York? I met with the latter some time ago, and he brought news of an attempt to put him on trial for apparent misdeeds."

"Abysmal, your Holiness. Francis O'neill is a miscreant, a fiend, a copper-nosed man. His baseborn ambitions led him to plotting and scheming to gain primacy over the English Church, even if that was settled the previous century. He wanted to abuse his prerogatives to increase his personal wealth, willing to execute his poor flock in the false grounds of heresy. Moreso, he is more than willing to abuse excommunications, with all the damage that would bring to the Church!"

Only the foulest criminals and sinners should be excommunicated, for abusing that punishment would greatly diminish its effectiveness.

"Fortunately, thanks God, the Earl of Northumberland and His Eminence the Bishop of Lincoln both denounced him. My pious uncle summoned him to make him answer these crimes, but he never answered; it seems he has forgotten we once swore to be obedient and humble. I can answer for my uncle's righteousness, for he has always been a fair judge. Francis O'neill is a lowborn, a scoundrel who tries to tarnish Bourchier's name, outrageously so, for we have royal blood. The Archbishop of York is always trying to undermine my uncle, for he resents being second and not being favored by our King, Edward"

**Gandalfus** · October 05, 2016, 10:59 AM

Once Pius had heard enough, he raised his hand for silence. It was clear the two disagreed - something which disappointed the Pontiff.

"Peace, my son. I will hear no more of this. If these allegations are true, then they will be dealt with accordingly. But I do not wish to here these... Rumours spread anymore. The Church must not be divided in a time such as this." Pius gave pause, thinking of England and the recent civil war that had unfolded. If Henry of Lancaster still lived, then he was the anointed king - there was no washing the holy oils off an anointed man's brow.

"I will grant my blessing, but Edward must show him to be a most pious and catholic monarch in these... Extraordinary circumstances. Rarely has the Church been asked to ignore the anointed oils on a king's brow to bless a chosen candidate." All knew of the Pope's planned crusade to liberate Greece from the Turk. It had been a near-farce thus far, but Pius wished to address that. "I appreciate that it would be difficult for England to arrange military support for the holy crusade, so I request this; funds to support the righteous war against the Moslems. If Edward is willing to support the cause, then he has my blessing."

**Oznerol** · October 05, 2016, 11:11 AM

"As you wish, Holy Father"

Said Bourchier, bowing.

"Funds will be sent, your Holiness. But there is another issue I want to bring to the tabble: the cardinalate"

The dean hands a servant a document, ornate and with a pending seal; the Great Seal of Edward IV. It was a letter of recommendation.

"His Grace, Edward IV, believes it is time for another English cardinal. Surely, a cardinal would ease the communications between Rome and England and would increase collaboration between Your Holiness and His Grace. My King believes there is not a better candidate to the cardinalate than my good uncle, Thomas Bourchier, who has already been the Primate of All England for many years. Had he been cardinal he could push harder for a crusade between his flock, and of course, could more easily defend the interests of the Church in England's soil"

**Gandalfus** · October 05, 2016, 11:26 AM

Bourchier seemed a solid choice, being royally connected and having ably served at the See of Canterbury for some time. It was something to consider.

"Drop the allegations against Francis O'Neill and I shall more than consider Archbishop Bourchier's request."