Pope Helius I has Died Conclave Begins [M-PMT OPEN IC]

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

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?

Cardinal Francisco de Borja, Cardinal Secretary of State, Head of The Congregation of The Bishops (age 27)- Moderate:- The second to youngest son of former Pope Pelagius III, Francisco has years of experience serving the Papal Government as its secretary of state. Francisco is a practical man, not miring himself in political ideologies and dogma, but dedicating himself to the the efficient running of the state. He wishes to maintain the status quo above all.

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.

[United Massachusetts]

Since when are women eligible for the Papacy? I thought that doesn't happen.

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

Since when are women eligible for the Papacy? I thought that doesn't happen.

"It was a change in canon law made Pope Dionysius II nearly a century ago. We have already had a Papissa who succeeded him in a duly elected conclave. Dionyisa III's reign was brief, but advanced the cause of our faith and peace with other faiths. She was murdered by jealous, reactionary men. I am willing to risk my life for the reforms required to advance our country in peace."~Juana Borgia

OOC: Anything is possible in Nationstates, and remember please that this is an IC thread.

[Rupudska]

"Should he be declared Pope, what other plans for technological advancement does Archduke Stefano have?"
- Archbishop Konstanty Nowak, Archbishop of Gnesen

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

"Should he be declared Pope, what other plans for technological advancement does Archduke Stefano have?"
- Archbishop Konstanty Nowak, Archbishop of Gnesen

"My company is already looking into holographic communications technologies and the colonization and settlement of Mars as well as developments in weaponry, terraforming, and enviromental protection. This is all obviously decades away, but I fully intend to take the country and the church into the future."~Stefano de'Medici-Borgia.

[Trabadius]

An emergency session of the consistorium was called late tonight to discuss the passing of Pope Helius I. Only the cardinals in the capital city were able to attend, but dispatches were sent to the rest of the curia summoning them to the capital. The Patriarch of the East and of All Trabadians, the man who has been trying to separate from Rome for decades, was first to speak after calling the consistorium to order.

"Brother cardinals, we mourn the passing of Holy Father Helius, the first of that name. His was a time of stability in the West, a prosperity both lungs of Holy Mother Church have enjoyed. Protestantism has been ruthlessly battled under his reign and ties with the Imperium have been strengthened due to his foresight. He was an explorer, economist, and a warrior. However, to say that this man was great need only look at the standards by which all Borgias are matched. We have enjoyed a series of genuine renaissance men and expect nothing less to spring forth from the Borgia loins - and we all know how busy those loins are."

The consistorium chuckled and the Patriarch of All Trabadians was content to let the chatter continue for a half-minute before raising his hand to silence the room.

"Now, I have lived through my fair share of Borgia papacies, as many of you all have as well." They mumbled in response. "It seems like every few years we need to blink and turn our heads to the West and make sure that they are still breathing. You know, between all of the sex and murder I would not be surprised if they had time for prayer!" More mumbling. The Patriarch enjoyed getting them riled up. "Furthermore, each and every time a Borgian pope dies it seems that orthodoxy within the Faith takes one more hit and degrades along with the quality of Western patriarchs. Each and every single year a Borgian patriarch assumes the holy office the relationship between the East and West is brought to the point of rupture, and if it weren't for our godly Imperator we would have surely suffered schism by now."

The consistorium was right where he wanted them. There was now a healthy sense of angry zeal in the air and each coming word was fuel for the fire.

"How much longer will we bear the shame of female papabiles, children pontiffs, and liberals who wish to destroy the things which protect Holy Mother Church? How much longer will we let the Western lung of the Church fester and attempt to contaminate the vibrant Eastern lung of God's most loyal Church? Brother cardinals, perhaps it is time for a pneumonectomy?"

They roared with assent, and the Patriarch hid his smile behind folded hands. He raised his hand.

"But brothers! We have one hope!" The room quieted. "The West has one opportunity to remove the cancer that is destroying the Western lung of Holy Mother Church, and his name is Cardinal Claude d'Euse-De Borgia. He will return the West to orthodoxy. He is our last hope in salvaging our relationship with the West. I have met with His Imperial Highness the Imperator and we have assented to the election of Cardinal d'Euse-De Borgia to the Western Patriarchate. The Imperium is obligated to show solidarity in electing him and we are to use all of our devices... prayer, sacrifice, and fasting too... to do God's will. God help us!"

The consistorium was moved to action and all present started contacting their agents and informants in order to see how they might influence the election. The Imperium worked endlessly to ensure it would come down to two final candidates: Cardinal Claude d'Euse-De Borgia and Cardinal Francisco de Borja. Vegvarak, Orrovia, and Lutheran Kingdom were all instructed how to vote.

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

After having recieved no votes on the first two ballets of the Conclave, Cardinal-Secretary of State Francisco de Borja has withdrawn himself from the conclave, saying he 'would refuse any election to the papacy, even being yelled from the clouds by God himself.' In an agreement with the remaining Papabile, Francisco will stay on as Secretary of State and as Head of The Congregation of The Bishops, no matter who assumes the papal throne. He has left the Sistine Chapel and returned to the Lateran Palace to oversee daily business missed over the last few days.

OOC: Remember the magic of the internet allows you to go inside the conclave and ask the papabile questions of any sort!

[Imperial Esplanade]

(OOC: Pope Helius I suggests that there is, at least, a Pope Helius II. Just throwing that out there.)

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

(OOC: Pope Helius I suggests that there is, at least, a Pope Helius II. Just throwing that out there.)

OOC: True, but 'tis a quirk of my nation's history/culture. Every Pope we've had so far has taken a previous Papal Name. Helius was the first to choose a new one, and since his reign was the most peaceful, progressive, and prosperous in recent history...it's almost certain future pope will take his name. The Helian Golden Age as is not over, to be frank, and the next Pope may indeed be Helius/a II.

[TURTLESHROOM II]

{ OOC: TAGGED! Why didn't you let me know about this, dude? I've wanted to talk to you for a long time! Remember, TS is still in Communion with the Borgian See. I'll write a post tomorrow or some time this week. }

[Dorne of Sunspear]

To Pious Worshippers of The True Faith,

As Prince of Dorne and Guardian of The Straits of Gibraltar*, it is our esteemed pleasure to endorse the Papacy of the Noble and most Humble Lady Juana Borgia. Not only does this woman have years of experience serving faithfully within the Church and the government, she is older and wiser than her male counterparts in this conclave. Her cause is not one of radical change like the impressionable Viracocha, nor of complacency like Stefano, but of true justice. Justice is the cornerstone of civilization, and we find the wanton murder of innocents for their beliefs to be distasteful. We of Dorne also believe that womanhood, a precious gift from heaven, is not a disqualifying aspect in either politics or faith.

We urge the conclave, and heaven above, to make the just choice.

From,
His Grace, Mors The Fourth of His Name, Prince of Dorne and of the Rhoynar, Lord of Salt Sea and Mountain, Lord of Sunspear, Lord Admiral of The Stepstones and Protector of The Realm.

*Written from the perspective of my region

[Vegvarak]

As the Orrovian cardinals bickered amongst themselves, decrying the fall of the western church to libertines, children, and women, the Vegvaraki cardinals discussed the papabili. It seemed that no-one outside of the Patriarchate of the East supported Claude d'Euse-Borgia, whom they had been instructed to cast their votes for.

The cardinals managed to get questions to both Viracocha de Borja and Juana Borgia:

To Viracocha: We admire your fire, and your commitment to the equality of men. But we fear your idealism comes from lack of experience. How can we trust a man of merely 21 years to lead the West and the Holy Church? What experiences make you worthy and qualified for the papacy?

To Juana: Unlike our brothers the Trabadians, we Vegvaraki see the souls of men as lacking gender, and thus while hesitant due to tradition, we have less objection than them to a woman as pope. Yet, we are loyal to the Imperator the East. Could you, or would you try, to reconcile your status as a Papissa with the Eastern Church, which has denounced such a thing? Do you believe that the Trabadians could be convinced to accept, or ever even would accept, a Papissa?

To Both: Both of you support the disbanding, or at least diminishment, of the inquisition. How then will you enforce God's laws on this Earth? How will you fight heresy and apostasy, which condemn the souls of too many already?

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

As the Orrovian cardinals bickered amongst themselves, decrying the fall of the western church to libertines, children, and women, the Vegvaraki cardinals discussed the papabili. It seemed that no-one outside of the Patriarchate of the East supported Claude d'Euse-Borgia, whom they had been instructed to cast their votes for.

The cardinals managed to get questions to both Viracocha de Borja and Juana Borgia:

To Viracocha: We admire your fire, and your commitment to the equality of men. But we fear your idealism comes from lack of experience. How can we trust a man of merely 21 years to lead the West and the Holy Church? What experiences make you worthy and qualified for the papacy?

To Juana: Unlike our brothers the Trabadians, we Vegvaraki see the souls of men as lacking gender, and thus while hesitant due to tradition, we have less objection than them to a woman as pope. Yet, we are loyal to the Imperator the East. Could you, or would you try, to reconcile your status as a Papissa with the Eastern Church, which has denounced such a thing? Do you believe that the Trabadians could be convinced to accept, or ever even would accept, a Papissa?

To Both: Both of you support the disbanding, or at least diminishment, of the inquisition. How then will you enforce God's laws on this Earth? How will you fight heresy and apostasy, which condemn the souls of too many already?

"I intend to reconcile nothing. As for the matter of my Pontificate, we will continue to operate as nothing significant has occurred, as it hasn't. We've already seen our first Papissa. Such will be the policy towards Trabadius, and expect the same in return. We should emphasize that the focus of my pontificate will be around women's rights and reform of the justice system within the bounds of our own secular government. I do not intend to make any significant alterations to the structure of the Mother Church. I guess I can be regarded as a traditionalist in that specific case. Trabadius' autocephaly will not be molested in anyway. As for your second question, heresy and apostasy can be fought without terror and destruction and murder. A proper education, propaganda, and community outreach is greater weapon for our cause than the inquisition. We even get the benefit of not being hypocrites, and following the message of Christ, not of Satan."~Juana Borgia

"Education, blood, familiarity, training, energy. While it is true that I am young and inexperienced at governing, I have been educated in rule and ecclesiastic administration for the whole of my life. My father, Pelagius III, has put me into school after school, tutor after tutor, to instill me with the art of government. I am sure to know the inner workings of our state as much as Francisco. Yes, her father was Pope Julius IV, but his pontificate was long ago. She is as irrelevant to a modern state as he is. While she may have more experience, I have the energy of youth. I can make snap decisions in tough situations. As for the inquisition, I intend to end it. The people deserve a right to belief, regardless of their origins and religion. I won't stand for tyranny."~Viracocha Borgia

[Banija]

Archbishop Baboucar of Herzegovina City was reading over the Papal conclave happening in this foreign country. These Catholics- there were very few Catholics within Banija, and regardless, the Mormon Church was not very involved with other religions.

By right of his seat, he was the head of the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Should he send out a questionnaire? Why not? He wasn't busy right now, for once in his life. And regardless. Being able to work with other Christian churches, even if they traditionally hated Mormons, he would be able to distinguish himself from his predecessors.

With that, he wrote a letter... Wait. Did he see a female papal candidate? He shook his head. Other countries could do things however they wanted. Let's see what they had to say...

To: All Papal Candidates
I am happy to correspond with you. My name is Baboucar, and I am the Archbishop of Herzegovina City. Even though we have similar titles, however, we are not a catholic church in the traditional sense. I am the head, in a direct line of succession dating all the way back to St.Kirunda, of the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which exists only in Banija.

I ask you this question. Relations between Mormons and our Christian brothers and sisters have traditionally been strained. We want to see them healed, as all believers in Christ should be able to work together. And at the root of this is the refusal of many Christians to consider us Christian as well.

1. Do you consider Mormons Christians?

2. What will you do to encourage cooperation between your church and other Christian denominations?

I look forward to your answers.

From,

Archbishop Baboucar of Herzegovina City
Pontifex Maximus of the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Patriarch of All-Banija

To give you a quick recap on Banijan Mormonism actually is. Our Mormon church is basically the RL mainstream mormon church, with 3 changes. First change is the hierarchy is basically modeled after Roman Catholic hierarchy, so this Archbishop would be the equivalent of the Pope, even though he doesn't take the title. The second, is that they still practice polygamy. The third, is that there is a teaching that the holiest call for a woman is raising Mormon children.

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

Archbishop Baboucar of Herzegovina City was reading over the Papal conclave happening in this foreign country. These Catholics- there were very few Catholics within Banija, and regardless, the Mormon Church was not very involved with other religions.

By right of his seat, he was the head of the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Should he send out a questionnaire? Why not? He wasn't busy right now, for once in his life. And regardless. Being able to work with other Christian churches, even if they traditionally hated Mormons, he would be able to distinguish himself from his predecessors.

With that, he wrote a letter... Wait. Did he see a female papal candidate? He shook his head. Other countries could do things however they wanted. Let's see what they had to say...

To: All Papal Candidates
I am happy to correspond with you. My name is Baboucar, and I am the Archbishop of Herzegovina City. Even though we have similar titles, however, we are not a catholic church in the traditional sense. I am the head, in a direct line of succession dating all the way back to St.Kirunda, of the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which exists only in Banija.

I ask you this question. Relations between Mormons and our Christian brothers and sisters have traditionally been strained. We want to see them healed, as all believers in Christ should be able to work together. And at the root of this is the refusal of many Christians to consider us Christian as well.

1. Do you consider Mormons Christians?

2. What will you do to encourage cooperation between your church and other Christian denominations?

I look forward to your answers.

From,

Archbishop Baboucar of Herzegovina City
Pontifex Maximus of the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Patriarch of All-Banija

To give you a quick recap on Banijan Mormonism actually is. Our Mormon church is basically the RL mainstream mormon church, with 3 changes. First change is the hierarchy is basically modeled after Roman Catholic hierarchy, so this Archbishop would be the equivalent of the Pope, even though he doesn't take the title. The second, is that they still practice polygamy. The third, is that there is a teaching that the holiest call for a woman is raising Mormon children.

Question 1:

"No."~Stefano Borgia
"While I recognize its roots in the Christian religion, the Mormon faith has diverged so drastically from even main line Protestant theology, I cannot categorically call them Christians, per se."~Juana Borgia.
"Hell, no. They're not heretics. They're infidels more akin to the Muslims than Christians. They even marry multiple wives like they do!"~Claude Dueze
"If they call themselves Christians, then they're Christians. Although their beliefs are quite...odd."~Viracocha de Borja

Question 2:

"Through business, only. Money is a language that transcends dogma. Through trade agreements, research contracts, and mutual cooperation in the financial sphere we can bring many faiths together."~Stefano Borgia
"I would end the inquisition, mainly. It's totalitarian terror is our church's greatest wall against cooperation. Other than that, I'm not totally against establishing an organization akin to Baghdad's House of Wisdom, where lively religious debate can reign free without repression."~Juana Borgia
"I will not cooperate with infidels and heretics. Had I the power, I would eradicate them."~Claude Dueze
"I'm fully for establishing the total right of free religion in our empire, and the establishment of religious dialouge and peace with all faiths."~Viracocha de Borja

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

OOC: Wait a minute...Let me do some math here....

EDIT: Yep...whoever voted for Francisco cast the tie breaking vote (as of editing this post). He was not in the running, so shifted his vote to his brother's cause...which was being left in the dust by a sudden rise for Dueze. The secondary candidates, Borgias they are, shifted their votes to the most politically aligned candidate. Thus....

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum:
HABEMUS PAPISSAM!
Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum Dominum,
Dominum Iohanna Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem Borgia,
Qui sibi nomen imposuit Clementia.

[TURTLESHROOM II]

"AAAAAGH!!"

The empty halls of the private and employee quarters of the Oakwood Cathedral rang with frustration as its primary occupant angrily paced the halls in his pajamas. Cardinal Jason Icfella, Wearing a long, white, men's nightgown decorated with purple Chi-Rohs and key motifs, with his long one-eye covering fringe stuffed roughly into a matching nightcap, was a sight to see.
The extremely young clergyman angrily gripped an illuminated parchment that had been dispatched to him by the Borgian See, with which the TurtleShroomian Rite was under communion with.

"A WOMAN?! THE HOLY REVEREND SAID NOTHING ABOUT A WOMAN BEING ELIGIBLE. -AND SHE'S WINNING THE CONCLAVE."

Cardinal Icfella ran his hand through his long bangs, outraged at this misunderstanding and appalled at the Borgian See for having succumbing to political correctness so long ago. Sure, the marriage and concubinage thing was fine, as the Bible did not mandate celibacy for clergy, but this? THIS was just ignorant!

"Glob forbid this chick gets anywhere close to Peter's Seat, so help me. What the actual what were these men thinking a hundred years back?"

He was going to wear a hole in the floor at this rate.

"Do the Borgians allow faggotry too? Sex out of wedlock? Drunkenness? By all things good and decent, DEAR GLOB, I pray the woman doesn't win. We can't take a spiritual crisis in the flock. TurtleShroom is already falling apart. Our Pope embracing heresy is the icing on the cake."

"...can't we get a break for once WITHOUT THINGS GETTING WORSE?!"

The good Cardinal had a lot to write this evening.

KINGDOM OF THE UNITED TURTLES, MUSHROOMS, AND MEN OF TURTLESHROOM
PRIVATE SECTOR - PAROCHIAL
CARDINAL JASON ICFELLA

TO THE HOLY BORGIAN SEE AND THE PAPAL CONCLAVE THEREOF:

When we entered into Full Communion with the Borgian See and recognized the Borgian Pope as the one Vicar of Christ and our Supreme Pontiff, we were unaware of, and were not informed of, the Borgian See's stance on female clergymen. We are shocked that a female is in the running, and winning, the Conclave's hearts and minds. This rubs deeply against the standard interpretation and understanding of the Bible in TurtleShroomian theology.

We pray fervently that the honored Abbsess refuse the Papacy if offered, and, more importantly, that the Borgian See shed political correctness and take a stand on the Holy Bible. Should the Abbess receive the Pontificate, the TurtleShroomian Rite will enter into a political and theological crisis, and our Communion with the Borgian See may come into question.

Although the TurtleShroomian Rite, and I in my position as national Cardinal, by far prefer Stefano Borgia for Peter's Seat, we back Claude Borgia because he is the only candidate with enough backing to defeat the Abbess.


Concerning our questions to the candidates:

Will the Borgian See clarify and cofidy the stance on married clergy or concubinage?

The Borgian See recognizes concubinage, and many clergy in the Borgian See are married. However, the TurtleShroomian Rite requires celibacy in its clergy. In the footsteps of the Holy Reverend and in concordance with the holy Borgian See, the TurtleShroomian Rite has considered allowing clergymen to take one concubine, which while not technically marriage, is still wedlock and produces legitimate children.

God have mercy on us all.
-HIS EMINICENCE, CARDINAL JASON ICFELLA OF TURTLESHROOM, NATIONAL CARDINAL OF CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY AND SPIRITUAL ADVISOR TO THE CROWN

[TURTLESHROOM II]

{ OOC: Darn those stupid ninja posts.}

{ OOC: I hit send right as OP did. }

[Molvaniia]

Papalcy is evil, Ah Nu Cheeki Breeki Iv Damke.

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

Her Holiness, Papissa Clementia XV, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Daughter of the Mother of The Church, Shepard of the Flock of Jesus Christ, Sole and Most Sanctified Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Mother Supieror of All Convents, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the Vatican City State, Servant of the servants of God.

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

"AAAAAGH!!"

The empty halls of the private and employee quarters of the Oakwood Cathedral rang with frustration as its primary occupant angrily paced the halls in his pajamas. Cardinal Jason Icfella, Wearing a long, white, men's nightgown decorated with purple Chi-Rohs and key motifs, with his long one-eye covering fringe stuffed roughly into a matching nightcap, was a sight to see.
The extremely young clergyman angrily gripped an illuminated parchment that had been dispatched to him by the Borgian See, with which the TurtleShroomian Rite was under communion with.

"A WOMAN?! THE HOLY REVEREND SAID NOTHING ABOUT A WOMAN BEING ELIGIBLE. -AND SHE'S WINNING THE CONCLAVE."

Cardinal Icfella ran his hand through his long bangs, outraged at this misunderstanding and appalled at the Borgian See for having succumbing to political correctness so long ago. Sure, the marriage and concubinage thing was fine, as the Bible did not mandate celibacy for clergy, but this? THIS was just ignorant!

"Glob forbid this chick gets anywhere close to Peter's Seat, so help me. What the actual what were these men thinking a hundred years back?"

He was going to wear a hole in the floor at this rate.

"Do the Borgians allow faggotry too? Sex out of wedlock? Drunkenness? By all things good and decent, DEAR GLOB, I pray the woman doesn't win. We can't take a spiritual crisis in the flock. TurtleShroom is already falling apart. Our Pope embracing heresy is the icing on the cake."

"...can't we get a break for once WITHOUT THINGS GETTING WORSE?!"

The good Cardinal had a lot to write this evening.

(Image)

KINGDOM OF THE UNITED TURTLES, MUSHROOMS, AND MEN OF TURTLESHROOM
PRIVATE SECTOR - PAROCHIAL
CARDINAL JASON ICFELLA

TO THE HOLY BORGIAN SEE AND THE PAPAL CONCLAVE THEREOF:

When we entered into Full Communion with the Borgian See and recognized the Borgian Pope as the one Vicar of Christ and our Supreme Pontiff, we were unaware of, and were not informed of, the Borgian See's stance on female clergymen. We are shocked that a female is in the running, and winning, the Conclave's hearts and minds. This rubs deeply against the standard interpretation and understanding of the Bible in TurtleShroomian theology.

We pray fervently that the honored Abbsess refuse the Papacy if offered, and, more importantly, that the Borgian See shed political correctness and take a stand on the Holy Bible. Should the Abbess receive the Pontificate, the TurtleShroomian Rite will enter into a political and theological crisis, and our Communion with the Borgian See may come into question.

Although the TurtleShroomian Rite, and I in my position as national Cardinal, by far prefer Stefano Borgia for Peter's Seat, we back Claude Borgia because he is the only candidate with enough backing to defeat the Abbess.


Concerning our questions to the candidates:

Will the Borgian See clarify and cofidy the stance on married clergy or concubinage?

The Borgian See recognizes concubinage, and many clergy in the Borgian See are married. However, the TurtleShroomian Rite requires celibacy in its clergy. In the footsteps of the Holy Reverend and in concordance with the holy Borgian See, the TurtleShroomian Rite has considered allowing clergymen to take one concubine, which while not technically marriage, is still wedlock and produces legitimate children.

God have mercy on us all.
-HIS EMINICENCE, CARDINAL JASON ICFELLA OF TURTLESHROOM, NATIONAL CARDINAL OF CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY AND SPIRITUAL ADVISOR TO THE CROWN

A Letter from the Holy Mother

Cardinal Icfella,

She has won, is what you ought to say. Things in our Vatican can often flurry quickly. My pontificate is secure and has the backing of the Curia and the Spanish Monarchy. You need not enter into a theological crisis on my behalf, please. I understand that my election is an enormous challenge for some to deal with, but I make no concern over it, and I will entertain your questions with the utmost respect. The canon laws regarding the Borgia's marriages and concubinage were actually promulgated by my father, Julius IV. As the government of our papacy is intrinsically tied to the secular of Italy, The Low Countries, and Spain it is made legal for the Cardinals of the Borgia Family to marry and bare children for the dynastic continuation of our government. This special rule is only in effect for cardinals, and is purely optional. All other clerics are still bound by traditional Catholic rules regarding celibacy. I myself have never taken a husband nor lover myself, and I have no children. Our clergy, and I hope yours, will remain in the orthodox call of celibacy.

Now as for your other concern. No, we do not currently have female clergy. I am a nun of the Colletine Poor Clares of Gandia. The closest we've come to a female clergy is the female cardinals which aid in the running of the church and state. Most of those few women are nuns themselves, or soldiers of the military battalion known as "The Sisters of St. Michael". I will not be making such a radical change, unless called upon by the faithful or God, so you don't need to worry about that either.

From,
Her Holiness, Papissa Clementia XV, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Daughter of the Mother of The Church, Shepard of the Flock of Jesus Christ, Sole and Most Sanctified Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Mother Superior of All Convents, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the Vatican City State, Servant of the servants of God.

Cosigned by,
His Catholic Majesty, Carlos V, the King of the Spanish, King of Castile, of León, of Aragon, of the Two Sicilies, of Jerusalem, of Navarre, of Granada, of Seville, of Toledo, of Valencia, of Galicia, of Sardinia, of Córdoba, of Corsica, of Murcia, of Jaén, of the Algarves, of Algeciras, of Gibraltar, of the Canary Islands, of the East and West Indies, of the Islands and Mainland of the Ocean Sea; Grand Duke of Tuscany; Duke of Parma, of Brabant, of Milan, of Gandia and Modena; Count of Flanders, of Roussillon, and of Barcelona; Lord of Biscay and of Molina de Aragón; Captain General & Supreme Commander of the Royal Armed Forces; Sovereign Grand Master of the Order of the Golden Fleece and of the orders awarded by the Spanish state.

[Tomure]

St.Mary's Cathedral 5 meters outside the Presidential Mansion in St.Kenmore 7:37pm December 11

President-elect Mike Lester got out of the Presidential, he was originally at the Cathedral to be sworn in as the 28th President of Tomure, when he was greeted by the head of the Catholic Chruch in Tomure, Cardinal Joseph Blanz the IV. "This is odd." thought Lester, as the Cardinal was forbidden to see the President until after the ceremony had begun, something he thought Blanz knew as he would be the 10th President Blanz had sworn in.
"Your Eminence, what is the problem?" The President asked. The Cardinal turned bright red clutching a telegram which read from the Papal Conclave,
"The Problem Mr.President is that the Conclave is full of degenerates and uneducated reformists, the new Pope is to be a women."
The President stood stunned for a moment, "A woman are you sure?" The Cardinal handed the president the scroll with disgust.
"I am sorry Mr.President but your inauguration ceremony will be put on hold until I can right a response to this travesty." With that, the Cardinal retreated to the upper floor with his staff who carried parchment and quills with them.
"A woman Pope, I never thought I'd live to see the day" the President-Elect went back to the car and told the driver "Take me out somewhere for dinner, I believe the ceremony maybe delayed for quite awhile."

From The Office of Cardinal of St.Mary's Cathedral in St.Kenmore, Tomure, His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Blanz IV to THE HOLY BORGIAN SEE AND THE PAPAL CONCLAVE THEREOF,
Brothers of the Papal conclave we in Tomure have always paid our respects to the decisions of the Conclave as we believe it has been run by God and free from the backward political games of the world. However, this vote shows us that the conclave is just as political as the rest of the world, as such we humble request a revote, and/or revisit of our current laws which govern the church so that we may immediately see this woman pope gone as soon as possible.

Go In Peace,
His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Blanz IV
Religous Advisor of the Government of Tomure, Leader of St.Mary's Cathedral

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

St.Mary's Cathedral 5 meters outside the Presidential Mansion in St.Kenmore 7:37pm December 11

President-elect Mike Lester got out of the Presidential, he was originally at the Cathedral to be sworn in as the 28th President of Tomure, when he was greeted by the head of the Catholic Chruch in Tomure, Cardinal Joseph Blanz the IV. "This is odd." thought Lester, as the Cardinal was forbidden to see the President until after the ceremony had begun, something he thought Blanz knew as he would be the 10th President Blanz had sworn in.
"Your Eminence, what is the problem?" The President asked. The Cardinal turned bright red clutching a telegram which read from the Papal Conclave,
"The Problem Mr.President is that the Conclave is full of degenerates and uneducated reformists, the new Pope is to be a women."
The President stood stunned for a moment, "A woman are you sure?" The Cardinal handed the president the scroll with disgust.
"I am sorry Mr.President but your inauguration ceremony will be put on hold until I can right a response to this travesty." With that, the Cardinal retreated to the upper floor with his staff who carried parchment and quills with them.
"A woman Pope, I never thought I'd live to see the day" the President-Elect went back to the car and told the driver "Take me out somewhere for dinner, I believe the ceremony maybe delayed for quite awhile."

From The Office of Cardinal of St.Mary's Cathedral in St.Kenmore, Tomure, His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Blanz IV to THE HOLY BORGIAN SEE AND THE PAPAL CONCLAVE THEREOF,
Brothers of the Papal conclave we in Tomure have always paid our respects to the decisions of the Conclave as we believe it has been run by God and free from the backward political games of the world. However, this vote shows us that the conclave is just as political as the rest of the world, as such we humble request a revote, and/or revisit of our current laws which govern the church so that we may immediately see this woman pope gone as soon as possible.

Go In Peace,
His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Blanz IV
Religous Advisor of the Government of Tomure, Leader of St.Mary's Cathedral

A Letter from the Holy Mother

Cardinal Blanz,

There would be no point in revoting nor revisting the laws our mother church. Another conclave would end in my reelection, and as I've already made clear, the election of a female pope was put into place by Dionysius II. When a Pope is elected, this family stands with them. Always. I thank you for voicing your concern, but request with the utmost firmness not to continue to blather over this matter. I'm not our first Papissa. I will not be our last.

I've also not yet removed Dueze nor ended the inquisition. I do not want to start out my pontificate with an excommunication.

Thank You,
Her Holiness, Papissa Clementia XV, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Daughter of the Mother of The Church, Shepard of the Flock of Jesus Christ, Sole and Most Sanctified Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Mother Superior of All Convents, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the Vatican City State, Servant of the servants of God.

Cosigned by,
Their Eminences, Cardinals Stefano de'Medici-Borgia, Cardinal Secretary of State Francis Borgia, Cardinal Viracocha de Borja, Cardinal Dueze-Borgia, Legatus Trabadianus-Pope-Emeritus Pelagius III.

[Tomure]

From The Office of Cardinal of St.Mary's Cathedral in St.Kenmore, Tomure, His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Blanz IV to THE HOLY BORGIAN SEE AND THE PAPAL CONCLAVE THEREOF,

Brothers of the Papal conclave after much thought prayer and thought I have come to the conclusion that I cannot support the new Pope, as such I have decided to resign my position as Cardinal in Tomure, and pray that God blesses each of you and my replacement.

Go In Peace,
His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Blanz IV
Religous Advisor of the Government of Tomure, Leader of St.Mary's Cathedral