"Did I leave this World a better place?"
Probably one of the last thoughts leaving Pope Bernardius' Soul. With feather and ink in hands,
the Head of the Christian Church was found deceased at his desk, working on what he considered
one of the most important tasks, as the Head of the Holy See, next to keeping an undying and unrelenting
faith and trust in God and his Work. The Papacy is the most enduring and vital institution in Europe. Acting
as arbitrator between christian monarchs is a fundamental and heavy duty. Negligence or naivity could
result in hundreds of thousands of dead innocents as previous Popes have already demonstrated.
He considered it of highest importance, but what did Pope Bernardius achive during his regency?
After being elected by the previous College of Cardinals in one vote, promtly moving his seat from Aachen
to Rome, conflicts and decisions where bestowed over him. An Europe full of mistrust and rivalries, with
each monarch ready to cut eachother's throats, along with their populace.
The English-Geonese Dispute over the City of Marsaille almost ended in Total War bewteen europes most
prosperous and advanced factions. The English King and their french vassal declaring the City to be their
right and the Holy Roman Emperor and its allies, the Republic of Genoa and the Holy See itself on the
opposing side claiming it to be De Jure Genoese Territory. What could've ended in an Italian Republic
invaded by the english war machine, turned into a conflict of equal footing, thanks to Pope Bernardius'
and Emperor Heinrich's diplomatic efforts, resulting in a back off of the english resolving the dispute peacefully.
What has started as the Crusade to reclaim the Holy Lands, Jerusalem, the birthplace of our religion and Jesus Christ,
turned into a dangerous display of seljuk military might. Sicilian and french baronies and cities couldn't stand
their endless assaults. Many brave christians have lost their lifes in these deserts. The Stories of King Roger and
King Baldwin are still sound today. At the time of Bernardius' coronation, european monarchs would not spare any
meaningful efforts to prevent a turkish invasion into mainland Europe. Once again they would rather entangle themselves
in numerous continental conflicts as the sultan's wrath was seemingly far away. Attributed to Pope Bernardius and his
coorperation with Emperor Heinrich of Germany, the now deceased King Kalman of Hungary and various Italian States, Christians now pose
a meaningful and coordinated military threat. While he did manage to unite all of Christiendom, he has done some considerably
work towards that goal.
Alerted by the financial problems of the Papal States, it was up to Pope Bernardius to reform the regional economy. Austerity measures over
the state's military spendings, limiting the naval capabilities and heavy investments into the mining and naval trading industry were put in
place. But most noticably was the Pope's church tax reform. By implementing a religious tithe system onto the christian kingdoms successfully.
While difficult to enfore in the early months and only with the help of the Holy Roman Emperor, the Papal States managed to avert any further economic downfall
and instead experienced an economic boom so strong, bolstering other kingdom's economies through funds was no problem.
Alas, the reign of Pope Bernardius the Just was not impeccable. There were many instances of failure. The tyrannical and mad polish king is
still rampaging against christian kingdoms, aligning himself with the orthodox rule of the east. Many christian danes have lost their
lifes ober his agressive conquest of scandinavian territory, just now matched by a scottish and engliash coalition. The Geonese forcing its
demands onto Sicily, reducing its already crumbling kingdom to only one remaining city and the pope perplexed.. unable to punish them for it.
Only time will tell, if he really did leave this world a better place. The future of Europe no longer depends on Bernardius as his lifeless body is now
the only thing remaining in the mortal world. Its the sum of actions by the christian kings that will make the difference now.
The death of a pope puts into motion a formal, age-old process that includes certifying his death, arranging for the body
to lie in state, organizing a funeral and preparing for the election of a successor. The pope's chief of staff, or camerlengo, is in charge of
all arrangements. The camerlengo ceremonially verifies the pope's death by calling out his baptismal name three times. If there is no response,
a death certificate is authorized and the event is made public by notifying the cardinal vicar for the Diocese of Rome and prepares for the funeral,
to be held within four to six days ofthe pope's death, and the nine-day period of mourning.Arranges for the breaking of the papal seal and the pope's ring,
known as "the ring of the fisherman." These items are unique to each pope and are buried with him.
The current College of Cardinal, including the highest ranking officials of the holy church have decided who will become the next Pope. White smoke
has been released through the chinmey meaning the College has voted sucessfully. Pope Gaitanus of the Holy See has won tthe election in the second
attempt and will proceed to be coronated as the new Head of the Church. What his ambitions are, what his likings to Bernardius old friends and foes are, is still undecided..
And me? I am stuck with my men in this military camp somewhere, instead of being at the funeral of my old friend..
General Falcone, advisor to the Pope
scotlands turn: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...cotland_35.sav