A Delegation to Rome

[Lucius Malfoy]

Once more, an English delegation comes to the Rome and the seat of St. Peter. Yet it is neither Canterbury nor York, but the Bishop of Exeter and a dean of Canterbury, the Archbishop's nephew. Upon arriving, they show their credentials and state their business involves some internal matters involving the Kingdom of England, Ireland and a few other matters. George Neville took in a deep breath, knowing this was his one chance to impress the Pope of Rome maybe even see this beloved city of Christendom in his whole life.

[Jokern]

The Bishop of Exeter is welcomed to Rome and led to the meeting hall where his Holiness met with emissaries. Pope Paul II sat on a throne surrounded by his chief advisers and cardinals. There had been many emissaries from England the last years, though hopefully this meeting would not go as the last one did. The Pope greets Exeter and motions for him to come forth.

"Welcome, Bishop of Exeter, may God ever watch over you. How fares England in these times, since there are quite a few rumors reaching our ears here in the Eternal City. I hope that your journey here will dispel some of the more unsettling rumors. Now, what is it that you bring to the attention of the Holy See?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

George Neville, after kissing the Papal ring, would step back and begin to speak of other matters, than the Archbishop of York.

Your Holiness, my colleague and I have come on a most urgent piece of business. By act of Irish Parliament, the lords of Ireland, loyal to King Edward, have elevated him from Lord of Ireland to King of Ireland. However, as we all know, only you, chosen of God and his vicar on Earth, may give him such a crown and title. I have been sent by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, to ask Your Holiness to grant the King of England the title of anointed King of Ireland.

[Jokern]

The Pope pondered a little, looking to his advisers around him for aid. It was not often a new kingdom was created.

"King Edward of England has been a friend of the Church and has enjoyed its support for many years now. I hope that this friendship will continue with the following generations. However, the creation of a new kingdom is not an easy undertaking and should be done on a whim, you understand. When Pope Clement VII issued the Laudabiliter, recognizing Henry II of England as Lord of Ireland, the king was also required to remit a penny for every hearth of the tax roll to the Church. With the prestige and importance of a royal title, I think that raising this to a shilling per hearth would be fitting."

[Lucius Malfoy]

I have no doubt that the King of England will not fulfill the obligation to the Church in return for making him the King of Ireland. As this would be fulfilling earlier obligations made to the House Plantagenet, His Grace would surely seeing it as not only pleasing the Church, but also his ancestors by upholding this treaty between Church and State. I will inform His Eminence and His Grace upon my return of this change.

With that business out of the way, George reveals a royal writ from King Edward, to which is offered to the Pope.

There is one more piece of business, Your Holiness. As you know, there has been quarrel going on between the Archbishop of York and Canterbury. His Eminence desires this quarrel to end, as York continues to insult the most noble Canterbury, who has contributed much to the reign of King Edward. His Eminence desires that the Archbishop of York be replaced by another, one who would serve the Church more for the sake of Christendom than their own pockets. And one who would surely contribute greatly to England than the current Archbishop has. His Eminence makes this request, not out his own personal feelings, but for the sake of England.

The royal writ in question was written by the King, voicing his approval of this change and his arguments in removing Francis O'Neill from his position as Archbishop of York.

His Eminence and His Grace wish to put forth a more worthy and holy candidate to the post of Archbishop of York, Your Holiness. The candidate in question has been approved by both persons.

[Oznerol]

"Your Holiness"

Said the young Bourchier.

"The bishop of Exeter speaks the truth, we are tired of O'neill deprecations, disrespect for hierarchy, lack of hummility and his constant meddling on affairs that aren't his concern. Both the King and the cardinal are more than tired of his errands and wish to place a more fitting man on his place: they believe that regarding his birth, capabilities and dilligence, George Neville is the best choice for the diocese"

[Jokern]

Pope Paul III raised his eyebrows in surprise and concern. The cardinals and advisers around him also looked nervous, mumbling among each other

"Bishop Exeter, I do hope both you and King Edward understand the severity of what you're suggesting. While the Archbishop of York has not been cooperative in ending this feud within the Church in England, to outright replace a clergyman, servant of God, is a serious matter. Reprimanded perhaps, but replacing him without him either resigning his position or passing into the arms of the Lord? I cannot approve unless there have some severe wrongdoing on the Archbishop's part, even with the approval of both the Archbishop of Canterbury and the King of England. Has the Archbishop acted in a way lately that has threatened the unity of the Church or England, which could not be handled locally?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

George, keeping a calm posture and composure, speaks to the best of his ability.

At various meetings, it is evident that York has a personal dislike towards Canterbury. It seems neither a legal nor a theological argument. When asked to appear, York refuses and instead requests, or in some occasions demands, that Canterbury come to him instead. As if the Archbishop believes he is superior to Canterbury. There is also still word that York desires to expand his control over England in order to outshine Canterbury and thus hopefully remove him other than ensuring his prominence is secure. He has asked the King to forego tradition and gave him favor over his own uncle, His Eminence. And for what reasons other than he dislikes Canterbury, who has been set above him. During recent events when Norfolk removed Edward to Windsor and took control of the realm, York abandoned Edward for Norfolk and defended him even as people accused him of removing the King in order to rule the realm himself!

He has plotted to bully nobles of the realm by blackmailing them with threats of witch hunts and excommunication for no reason other than to enrich himself. The people of York feel they are without God for he does not even give alms to the poor nor nourish the souls of the people with daily prayers. In fact, there are weeks where York does nothing for the good of his Archdiocese. The people are quite literally without God due to the absence of York's direction. Many ask why and it simply comes down to that York puts more energy into fighting with Canterbury than fulfilling his duties and obligations to the Church which he swore upon being elevated to such a great post within the clergy.

Though we have all heard that he has done much for the Church than Canterbury, it is a very different story in reality. He seeks nothing but to benefit himself, nothing for the Church, only his own pockets. Yet Canterbury neither seeks his downfall nor presses charges. He only hopes God may turn York around, but it seems York is ignoring God himself for earthly desires. He believes himself more worthy than Canterbury only because he does not like someone being set above him. And that, Your Holiness, is a threat to the unity of the Church and England.

OOC: George has a +3 Charisma.

[Jokern]

"Leave us for a moment, I will have to discuss this with the College of Cardinals. These are serious accusations and that require time to solve. You will be called for when a decision has been made."

The English delegation were led out of the meeting hall, waiting in the main hall for a time. After a while, they were once more allowed back in to meet with the Pope. He looked serious, yet content.

"Bishop Exeter, while you have brought many serious matters to the attention of the Holy See that the Archbishop of York will have to answer for, I do not see the necessity to force him to resign his position at this moment. However, the current behavior of the Archbishop cannot be allowed any longer, and there will be reprimands for it. From now on, the Archbishop of Canterbury will be Primate of All England, while the Archbishop of York will lose his primacy and title of Primate of England. York will from now on be subject to Canterbury. That is my final ruling on the matter."

[Lucius Malfoy]

George, disappointed that he would not be receiving his appointment, was still glad nonetheless of the outcome. Without a further word, he bows and departs from the presence of the Pope.