His Holiness, Pope Helius I has died after a fatal brain aneurysm at the young age of forty-two. Thus a conclave has begun and the doors of the Sistine Chapel sealed. Thus we ask, Which Papabile Will Become the Most Holy Father of the Catholic Church?
Stefano de' Medici-Borgia, Grand Duke of Tuscany (Age 52)- Conservative : The second Medici papabile in the Borgia papacy, Stefano is a firm believer in capitalism and laissez faire economics, at least when it comes to the private sector of the Borgia dominions. He wishes, however, to enrich the people of Italy, Spain, and The Low Countries thorugh government endeavors and investments in businesses, especially in the development of technology. Described by many as 'God's tech-nerd' and 'most likely to be a supervillain', Stefano has spearheaded the development of new self-driving vehicles and is currently overseeing the Climax Paradisi, the 'The Royal Space Elevator' which is under construction in Equatorial Guinea.
Mother-Supieror Juana Borgia, Abbess of Santa Clara of Gandia, Dean Apostolic Court of Audience and Apolstolic Signatura (Age 47)- Liberal: The last daughter of one of Rome's older branches of the Borgia Family, Juana Borgia was once a soldier in the Sisters of St. Michael before retiring to the nunnery of colettine poor clares in Spain. She has since rose to be the abbess and Mother-Superior of the Order. As the head of the appellate Rota court, she has for years overseen numerous cases of justice. She was recently raised into the Apostolic Signatura. A noted liberal with feminist leanings, she has become famous for striking down several cases brought to the courts by the inquisition. She herself stands against the Inquisition entirely (thus making her a rival to Cardinal Dueze), and has made criminal-justice reform her central goal for the papacy.
Cardinal Viracocha de Borja, Duke of The Two Sicilies (Age 21)- Liberal: The youngest son of Pelagius III, and younger brother to Francisco, Viracocha is one of the youngest papabile in recent memory. Self-described as a 'fire-brand' and 'bleeding-heart', Viracocha wants to bring enlightenment and leftist ideals to the Papal Throne and the Spanish Empire. An ardent opponent of his own brother's (Carlos of Spain, not Francisco) alternative conservative politics, Viracocha seeks the political enfranchisement of all peoples within the kingdoms and the equalization of all before the law. He too wishes to end the Inquisition, and may even take steps towards a true constitution. Economically, he wishes to also enact the late Cardinal Gabriel De Borja's Christo-Socialist policies.
Cardinal Claude d'Euse-De Borgia, Comte de Avignon, Grand Master of Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Roman and Universal Inquisition (Age 60)- Conservative : A reactionary traditionalist, Claude Dueze seeks to return the papacy to its days of glory under the likes of Innocent III. Not a Borgia by birth, he is a close friend to the late Pope Helius, and was adopted into the family by Papal Dispensation, although some have argued such a dispensation has no legal basis. Cardinal Dueze before his appointment to the curia was an entomologist, specializing in stinging insects. He has been described as cold and detached, as well as ruthless and efficient. His inquisition has scoured Rome of heresy and criminality, with nearly a thousand arrests and burning so far. His traditionalism goes to such an extent that he firmly believes in undoing the Vatican Councils. His political philosphy has been compared to that of Legalism in Qin Dynasty China.
Feel Free to ask any of the Cardinal's Questions regarding policy, or even their personal lives! Yes like a real conclave you can change your vote. This first vote lasts until December 13! The pope will be announced on this thread.