The Papissa Has Died Conclave Begins [MT-PMT, IC, OPEN]

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

Her Holiness, Papissa Clementia XV has died in her sleep at the age of 72. 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 47)- 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.[/strike]

Stefano de' Medici-Borgia, Grand Duke of Tuscany (Age 72)- Classical Liberal: 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.

Cardinal Francis Dandolo-Borgia, Serene Doge of Venice, Dean of Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (Age 35)- Enlightened Despot: Grandson of Leo XIV, Francis Dandolo is the son of the former Dandolo Doge and his wife. An ardent follower of the precepts of enlightened absolutism, Dandolo has vowed not to interfere with the private lives of his flock nor the subjects of the Papal and Spanish crown. All he asks is for obedience to the the secular and pontifical crowns, and the enjoyment of the world in which we live. He is pro-imperialism, and seeks to foster papal supremacy across the globe in trade and the expansion of its borders as well.

Cardinal Viracocha de Borja, Duke of The Two Sicilies (Age 41)- Far Left 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 Adriano Borgia, Duke of Seville, Abbot of The Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo, Head of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, The Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts (Age 49)-Reactionary Traditionalist: The son of Papissa Clementia XV, Adriano Borgia is an ardent follower of his mother's one-time rival, the late Cardinal Dueze de Borgia. Adriano seeks to return the papacy to its days of glory under the likes of Innocent III. He seeks to stengthen the powers of the Church in both political and private spheres, both in the the minds and speech of the flock of Christ.

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 March 22! The pope will be announced on this thread.

[Mexico Bonapartista]

A Letter from the Emperor of Mexico

To Our Fellow Catholic Subjects Throughout The World,

While he is a mestizo like our own blood, we cannot countenance the leftist policies of Viracocha de Borja. It is in regards to our own politcal philosophies and desires in matters both theological and secular that the Empire of Mexico backs Adriano Dandolo-Borgia for the papal throne. Our own government is organized in a similar fashion to his principles. We hope that god guides the curia to a similar conclusion.

From,
His Imperial and Royal Majesty Don Carlos IV, By Divine Providence and The Constitution of Dolores Hidalgo, Emperor of Mexico, Rightful King of Spain and Naples, Grand Master of the Legion of Maria de Guadeloupe, and Protector of The Independence and Liberty of All Latin America.

[Lux Pulchrae]

OOC: ICly, I'll assume my nation has a parallel in whatever alternate universe where this heretical 'Catholic' church is the one true church passed down since Saint Peter. Was there a change where it wasn't just cardinals that can vote? Still trying to absorb this lore you got here. I'm interested but wanna know a bit more. And it's set in the future, right?

[TURTLESHROOM II]

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

TO THE HOLY BORGIAN SEE:

With the death of the illegitimate Popess and the continuation of Sede Vacante on the Disciple Peter's Throne, the TurtleShroomer Rite and all Catholic TurtleShroomers eagerly await the election of the next Pope, this time actually being in compliance with the Bible.

As it stands, the TurtleShroomer Rite believes that the ideal candidate for the Papacy is one that will stand up for the Bible and for God over any temporal agenda. On this stance, we have not heard very much from any candidate on their views on the teachings of the holy Church or the moral issues and darkness Nationstates faces today. While we can certainly applaud calls for capitalism or have no opinion over refusing to boss the secular realm's rulers around, and so on, we are most concerned with the matters the Apostle Paul laid out for any Overseer, or bishop, of the Church. This includes church discipline against deviant sexual behavior and the war on pedophilic homosexual infiltrators that haunt the Church.

Furthermore, the TurtleShroomian Catholic Church fears the election of His Eminence, Viracocha Borgia because of his self-proffesed Marxism and "bleeding heart progressivism". As it stands, either Doge Francis, in his capacity as Cardinal, or Duke Stefano, in his capacity as Cardinal, are the best candidates for the Bishop of Rome.

To better facilitate the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom He provides to the clergy to find their leader, the TurtleShroomer Rite has included the following questionnaire.

To His Grace, the honored Duke Stefano:

• Are you, or have you ever been, an ordained clergyman as recognized by the Borgian See or any constituent rite in Communion with the Borgian See? If you are a layman, are you in good standing and have been in good standing over your lifetime before the eyes of God and man? Are you or have you ever been an ordained Cardinal in the Catholic Church, as recognized by the Borgian See?
• In your capacity as Duke, have you reigned in such a way that can be considered, according to the Bible, a just and fair manner, in accordance with the rule of law and the protection of the innocent? As Duke, have you allowed for the fundamental rights of your subjects- particularly the right to dissent against the state and the Church, as well as freedom of religion for non-Catholic Christians and heathens -to flourish in your nation?
• You believe in the advancement of science and the erection of a Space Elevator to facilitate the conquest of the stars, fulfilling man's God-given blessing to be the masters of Creation, exercising their infinite Dominion over this mortal coil. As Pope, what, if any, restrictions will you place on scientific development under the auspices of the Church? Can you, as the Vicar of Christ, guarantee to your flock that you will not participate in the advancement of self-aware artificial intelligence, cloning of any creature with human-level intelligence, human and sentient experimentation, and embryonic stem cell research? (Adult stem cells and umbillical cord cells work just as well.) How will you handle the ordination of clergymen to oversee dioceses on celestial bodies or on permanent space habitations?
• Attached to your questionnaire are the laws of TurtleShroom governing robotics, AI, and other cutting-edge fields. These secular laws are also the formal stance of the TurtleShroomer Rite on the issues of artificial intelligence and robotics. Leaving aside the matters of self-driving cars, do you object to any of these points on Biblical grounds?
• As Pope, in your oversight of the Borgian See's Bank and the private properties and investments of the Borgian Papal States across Nationtates, what will you do with the profits that are turned? How will you use the money generated from taxes and revenue from papal investments to benefit the Church and the poor? How will you use these profits to spread the Gospel of Christ throughotu Nationstates? Will you commit to running all Church-run institutions as non-profits, which reinvest profits exceeding expenditures into service to the orphans, widows, and poor, as commanded by the Apostles and by Jesus Christ in the infallible Word of God?
• Do you affirm the teachings of the TurtleShroomer Rite that non-humans with human intelligence do not possess souls and cannot become fully ordained clergy authorized to perform the Eucharist?
  
  Finally, here are the most important matters at hand for any Pope.
• As Pope, you will be in charge of shepherding all flocks in Communion with the Borgian See. You, as the Vicar of Christ, are supposed to be most invested in the Great Commission ordered by our Lord. As a clergyman, pastor, and the Bishop of Rome, your duties are first to God and not to Mammon or science. Will you, as Pope, continue to uphold, in a full-throated and Spirit-led endorsement, the teachings of Our Lord and His Apostles, as divinely inspried by God, as outlined in the Bible? Do you, or do you not, consider the infallible truths of God's Word to be infallible and do you, or do you not, commit to upholding and enforcing God's explicit New Testament orders against all sins, including controversial sins like homosexuality and abortion?
• Will you, as Pope, enforce Church discipline and be willing to excommunicate powerful figures, such as celebrities, politicians, and noblemen if they act in defiance of the actions outlined in the Word of God? Will you, as Pope, ensure that clergymen and monasts under you will not be allowed to promote sin, particularly sexual sin, without being excommunicated?
• Will you, as Pope, take an unrelenting and God-driven stand against all forms of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, as performed by homosexually oriented pedophiles against the innocent? As the temporal sovereign of the Borgian Papal States and multiple Italian realms, will you commit to enforcing death or life in prison against infiltrators that sexually abuse or rape children, or, subject to the laws of the Italian vassals and temporal rulers, prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law? Will you excommunicate these men from the Church if evidence exists that proves they have sinned?

Thus concludes the questions to His Grace.

To His Eminence, Cardinal Viracocha Borgia:

• You describe yourself as "far-left" and a bleeding heart. How does this impact your Walk with Jesus Christ? What aspects are you a leftist on?
• When you speak of extending universal suffrage, are you referring to that of the secular realms that are vassals of the Borgian See, or are you referring to the introduction of congregationalism and lay governance into the Catholic Church?
• As Vicar of Christ, can you commit that you will not declare that you know more than God and declare sins listed in the Bible to be acceptable in the eyes of the Bride of Christ?
• Will you, as Pope, continue to enforce and proclaim the truths of family, heterosexual chastity until marriage, and the celibacy of homosexuals as enforcable Biblical fact?
• Do you affirm the teachings of Jesus, the Bible, and the Holy Church that homosexual sex and all sodomy are abominations?
• Do you affirm the teachings of Jesus, the Bible, and the Holy Church that divorce must have a valid reason, thereby prohibiting no-fault divorce?
• Do you affirm the teachings of the Holy Church and the Spirit-guided interpretations of Christians everywhere that abortion of human offspring is murder and should not be used outside of endangerment of the mother? Do you commit to forbidding abortion if the human fetus is capable of feeling pain? Do you commit to defending all innocent humans from infanticide? Lastly, do you commit to the defense of unborn non-humans, such as those in eggs, from pre-birth destruction?
• Will you, exercising the privilege of polygamous concubinage as a Cardinal or (possibly) Pope, commit solely to sex within the union of your wives and enforce this on all other Cardinals, myself included, should I take a concubine?
• Do you believe the rights of concubinage, polygamous or monogamous, should be extended to all clergy in the Catholic Church, ending clerical celibacy?
• Do you affirm the teachings of the TurtleShroomer Rite that non-humans with human intelligence do not possess souls and cannot become fully ordained clergy authorized to perform the Eucharist?
  
  Finally, here are the most important matters at hand for any Pope.
• As Pope, you will be in charge of shepherding all flocks in Communion with the Borgian See. You, as the Vicar of Christ, are supposed to be most invested in the Great Commission ordered by Our Lord. As a clergyman, pastor, and the Bishop of Rome, your duties are first to God and His Word's teachings. Will you, as Pope, continue to uphold, in a full-throated and Spirit-led endorsement, the teachings of Our Lord and His Apostles, divinely inspried by God, as outlined in the Bible? Do you, or do you not, consider the infallible truths of God's Word to be infallible and do you, or do you not, commit to upholding and enforcing God's explicit New Testament orders against all sins, including controversial sins like homosexuality and abortion?
• Will you, as Pope, enforce Church discipline and be willing to excommunicate powerful figures, such as celebrities, politicians, and noblemen if they act in defiance of the actions outlined in the Word of God? Will you, as Pope, ensure that clergymen and monasts under you will not be allowed to promote sin, particularly sexual sin, without being excommunicated and defrocked?
• Will you, as Pope, take an unrelenting and God-driven stand against all forms of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, as performed by homosexually oriented pedophiles against the innocent? As the temporal sovereign of the Borgian Papal States and multiple Italian realms, will you commit to enforcing death or life in prison against infiltrators that sexually abuse or rape children, or, subject to the laws of the Italian vassals and temporal rulers, prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law? Will you excommunicate these men from the Church if evidence exists that proves they have sinned?

Thus concludes the questions to His Eminence.

We eagerly await the reply of these men, who are no doubt approved in the eyes of the Holy Spirit to shepherd the holy Catholic Church in the Borgian See.


God bless you and God protect the Holy Catholic Church under the illustrious wisdom of House Borgia.
-HIS EMINICENCE, CARDINAL JASON ICFELLA OF TURTLESHROOM, NATIONAL CARDINAL OF CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY AND SPIRITUAL ADVISOR TO THE CROWN

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

OOC: ICly, I'll assume my nation has a parallel in whatever alternate universe where this heretical 'Catholic' church is the one true church passed down since Saint Peter. Was there a change where it wasn't just cardinals that can vote? Still trying to absorb this lore you got here. I'm interested but wanna know a bit more. And it's set in the future, right?

OOC: Yeah it seems more complicated than it is. Basically this nation was created by a relative's more powerful country to ease the angers of their Christian population, but since they got bored and ceased to exist...we absorbed their Italian and Spanish and partial french territories. The House of Borgia was given control of the papacy due to the Borgia's propensity for cunning and flexibility when it came to church laws.

Thus it was declared via the Ecumenical Council of 2012, held in Rome by a conclave of Cardinals and representatives of the Roman Empire (said dead nation), that the one to sit the papal throne must always be a Borgia. Cardinals can and will be raised to fill positions in the curia across the world, but only those who are of Borgine blood can be elected Pope. Obviously to keep the bloodline going, these Cardinals (usually every male and truly exceptional female member of the family excluding the main branches of the Spanish Royal Family) were allowed to breed heirs upon paramours and wives.

To extend the families control over Italy and Spain, Calixtus IV added another stipulation to this system to include powerful families into the mix. If one were to sign an agreement of submission to the papal throne in perpetuity, and marry a Borgia family member, their family will be absorbed and allowed to be elected Pope. Such families can continue to use their original surname, provided a -Borgia ending is added. It's how we got Medici, Colonna, Sforza, Dandolo, Dueze, and other members. Over the last few decades the family has categorically split between these branches. Leo XIV was a Medici-Borgia, for example. Leo XIV actually expanded this stipulation by declaring any (IF DEFINITIVELY PROVEN) of Borgia is blood is Borgia. It led to the creation of the French De Borgia branch, born of a prostitute in Marseilles. Helius I was a grandson of that prostitute.

(And yes we kinda operate on a floating timeline. Time passes in our empire, but we'll drop back and forth according to the RP as necessary. These conclaves usually happen once a year but I determine how long its been between them. 20 years have passed since the last one. I think its 2129 now in my country at least.)

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

To tell the difference and origin of the different Borgia branches:

*Insert Surname"-Borgia: This person is from a family absorbed legally into the Borgia either recently or some time in the past. Colonna, Medici, and Orsini families were absorbed seventy ago, for example, but the Dandolos married in only a decade prior. Cardinal Francis had Borgia blood prior, so actually added Dandolo to his name rather than the other way around.

Borgia: This person is of the main "original" line of the family, founded in Rome. They are not of any other Italian family and directly descended from the line popes before Calixtus IV.

de Borja: This person is of the Spanish branch of the family, almost universally of the royal family of Spain or the previous Dukes of Gandia. Pope Julius IV crowned the de Borja family as spanish monarchs to ease the strain on government.

de Borgia: Easily confused with the main Italian branch, the newest branch of the family is French. These Borgia are descended from the one-eyed Jacques de Borgia, himself the son of a prostitute, and are usually the Dukes of Valentinois and Counts of Avignon.

[Madrinet]

FROM the COURT of SANCTUS LAURENTIUS, We the Archbishop of Clarault do send Our greeting to our Catholic Brothers and Sisters in Christ and convey to the Heads of State whom you represent Our gratitude and the assurance of Our prayers for them and for their nations.

HIS MOST CHRISTIAN MAJESTY, Mardocheus Nonus Madrinallis Rex, has Empowered Us to deliver a Scrutiny to the Cardinal Dean and Masters of Ceremonies free of Fear, Favour, or Ill Will. I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected.

Eligo in Summum Pontificem FRANCIS DANDOLO-BORGIA, Doge di Venezia.

Yours in Christ,

+ DEMETRIUS CLARAULT

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

Are you, or have you ever been, an ordained clergyman as recognized by the Borgian See or any constituent rite in Communion with the Borgian See? If you are a layman, are you in good standing and have been in good standing over your lifetime before the eyes of God and man? Are you or have you ever been an ordained Cardinal in the Catholic Church, as recognized by the Borgian See?

"I have been a Cardinal and Duke since I was a young man, and I have served faithfully and truly to the Borgian See all my life. The answer to these questions is yes."

In your capacity as Duke, have you reigned in such a way that can be considered, according to the Bible, a just and fair manner, in accordance with the rule of law and the protection of the innocent? As Duke, have you allowed for the fundamental rights of your subjects- particularly the right to dissent against the state and the Church, as well as freedom of religion for non-Catholic Christians and heathens -to flourish in your nation?

"Of course. I am Medici as well as Borgia. I rule in such a way as to never stain the names of great men like Cosimo and Lorenzo the Magnificent. Tuscany is and remains a place of Freedom and prosperity. To answer your second question, yes, I have to. Such were the great reforms of the Papissa Clementia XV. She was a woman of justice for all peoples."

As Pope, what, if any, restrictions will you place on scientific development under the auspices of the Church?

"None. Science is best left unfettered."

As Pope, in your oversight of the Borgian See's Bank and the private properties and investments of the Borgian Papal States across Nationtates, what will you do with the profits that are turned? (and the following questions)

"We invest them in future endeavors, both of our own and those of entrepreneurs, to continue the strength and prosperity of the Borgia's Vatican Bank. Under my aegis we have reached a peak of wealth not seen since the days of Lorenzo and Cosimo. We cannot do this by making the flock of Christ wholly dependent on our teat. Poverty is a Christian good, and such a good should not be interfered with on the church's part."

Do you affirm the teachings of the TurtleShroomer Rite that non-humans with human intelligence do not possess souls and cannot become fully ordained clergy authorized to perform the Eucharist?

"Of course."

Will you, as Pope, continue to uphold, in a full-throated and Spirit-led endorsement, the teachings of Our Lord and His Apostles, as divinely inspried by God, as outlined in the Bible? Do you, or do you not, consider the infallible truths of God's Word to be infallible and do you, or do you not, commit to upholding and enforcing God's explicit New Testament orders against all sins, including controversial sins like homosexuality and abortion?

"The words of the pope himself are infallible, and my actions as a pontifex will be accordance entirely with my own needs and that of the Christian faith."

Will you, as Pope, enforce Church discipline and be willing to excommunicate powerful figures, such as celebrities, politicians, and noblemen if they act in defiance of the actions outlined in the Word of God? Will you, as Pope, ensure that clergymen and monasts under you will not be allowed to promote sin, particularly sexual sin, without being excommunicated?

"We will always enforce papal power abroad and at home, and excommunication is ultimately our weapon of choice. It has been done before and will be done so again as needed. I'll admit I'm the one to use such weapons rarely. I much prefer economic cooperation and persuasion to alienation and anger."

Will you, as Pope, take an unrelenting and God-driven stand against all forms of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, as performed by homosexually oriented pedophiles against the innocent? As the temporal sovereign of the Borgian Papal States and multiple Italian realms, will you commit to enforcing death or life in prison against infiltrators that sexually abuse or rape children, or, subject to the laws of the Italian vassals and temporal rulers, prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law? Will you excommunicate these men from the Church if evidence exists that proves they have sinned?

"Obviously."

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

OOC: I don't have the time atm to make some arms for Viracocha so he's going to use his father's papal arms for now...It should be noted these cardinals do not universally reflect my views....

You describe yourself as "far-left" and a bleeding heart. How does this impact your Walk with Jesus Christ? What aspects are you a leftist on?

"I, unlike my absolutist brother, believe that it is inherently the people's right to rule themselves and to share their wealth in communion with God. I much like the good Gabriel de Borja, am a Christo-Socialist."

When you speak of extending universal suffrage, are you referring to that of the secular realms that are vassals of the Borgian See, or are you referring to the introduction of congregationalism and lay governance into the Catholic Church?

"Secular realms. I agree with Gabriel that our lands should be ruled by Christian communes, not dukes and kings."

As Vicar of Christ, can you commit that you will not declare that you know more than God and declare sins listed in the Bible to be acceptable in the eyes of the Bride of Christ?

"I promise nothing until I see the true breadth of our holy mother church on the papal throne. Reform may need to be extensive, or it may not. I do not know."

Will you, as Pope, continue to enforce and proclaim the truths of family, heterosexual chastity until marriage, and the celibacy of homosexuals as enforcable Biblical fact?

"No."

Do you affirm the teachings of Jesus, the Bible, and the Holy Church that homosexual sex and all sodomy are abominations?
Do you affirm the teachings of Jesus, the Bible, and the Holy Church that divorce must have a valid reason, thereby prohibiting no-fault divorce?
Do you affirm the teachings of the Holy Church and the Spirit-guided interpretations of Christians everywhere that abortion of human offspring is murder and should not be used outside of endangerment of the mother? Do you commit to forbidding abortion if the human fetus is capable of feeling pain? Do you commit to defending all innocent humans from infanticide? Lastly, do you commit to the defense of unborn non-humans, such as those in eggs, from pre-birth destruction?

"No."

Will you, exercising the privilege of polygamous concubinage as a Cardinal or (possibly) Pope, commit solely to sex within the union of your wives and enforce this on all other Cardinals, myself included, should I take a concubine? Do you believe the rights of concubinage, polygamous or monogamous, should be extended to all clergy in the Catholic Church, ending clerical celibacy?

"No. This privilege is solely for those of the Borgia family."

Do you affirm the teachings of the TurtleShroomer Rite that non-humans with human intelligence do not possess souls and cannot become fully ordained clergy authorized to perform the Eucharist?

"I do not affirm this. Any beings of sufficient intelligence and consciousness are free and equal in the eyes of God."

As Pope, you will be in charge of shepherding all flocks in Communion with the Borgian See. You, as the Vicar of Christ, are supposed to be most invested in the Great Commission ordered by Our Lord. As a clergyman, pastor, and the Bishop of Rome, your duties are first to God and His Word's teachings. Will you, as Pope, continue to uphold, in a full-throated and Spirit-led endorsement, the teachings of Our Lord and His Apostles, divinely inspried by God, as outlined in the Bible? Do you, or do you not, consider the infallible truths of God's Word to be infallible and do you, or do you not, commit to upholding and enforcing God's explicit New Testament orders against all sins, including controversial sins like homosexuality and abortion?

"I feel as though my answer to this would be redundant."

Will you, as Pope, enforce Church discipline and be willing to excommunicate powerful figures, such as celebrities, politicians, and noblemen if they act in defiance of the actions outlined in the Word of God? Will you, as Pope, ensure that clergymen and monasts under you will not be allowed to promote sin, particularly sexual sin, without being excommunicated and defrocked?

"This would heavily depend on the sexual sin in question, and yes I will use this power as I see fit. If anything I will extend its use against all tyrants and immoral rulers, as well as the extended use of Papal Bulls calling for the overthrow of such rulers."

Will you, as Pope, take an unrelenting and God-driven stand against all forms of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, as performed by homosexually oriented pedophiles against the innocent? As the temporal sovereign of the Borgian Papal States and multiple Italian realms, will you commit to enforcing death or life in prison against infiltrators that sexually abuse or rape children, or, subject to the laws of the Italian vassals and temporal rulers, prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law? Will you excommunicate these men from the Church if evidence exists that proves they have sinned?

"I find the idea of pedophile priests being tied to homosexuals as inherently the same to be repugnant and unbecoming of a civilized person, first of all, but I will seek to destroy this plague upon our church. It will be taken on a case-by-case basis, with a thorough legal examination of the parties in question, and if convicted they will be punished. They shan't be executed, however, but will serve in work and charitable camps to pay for this serious crime."

[Delmonte]

OOC: I wouldn't mind recognizing you as the papal states IC, but is it true you have had female popes? If so, there's no way the Delmontese Catholics could be part of that church.

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

OOC: I wouldn't mind recognizing you as the papal states IC, but is it true you have had female popes? If so, there's no way the Delmontese Catholics could be part of that church.

OOC: We've had two so far. Get over it.

[Lux Pulchrae]

The Kingdom of Lux Pulchrae and Amaglione Under the spiritual guidance of Archbishop of Amaglione and the Citta del Re Territories, Antonio d'Angeli da Tirezza, head of the Catholic Church in Lux Pulchrae, we give our support and vote for Cardinal Adriano Borgia. The Church in Lux Pulchrae subscribes heavily to old Church doctrines of the pre-Vatican II era, and feels that His Eminence will lead the Church to its formal and traditional glory. Long has Lux Pulchrae sat in silence and obedience with the Seat of Rome, believing anti-Christ forces have infiltrated His Holy Church, but never believing that Hell has prevailed against it. In great prayer, fasting, and devotion, we hope for prosperity of His Eminence Cardinal Adriano. Signed, His Most August Majesty, Cleone Tomas d'Angeli VIII

[A m e n r i a]

The Empire of Amenria
亚洲帝国
Yàzhōu Dìguó

---

Greetings. The Religious Ministry and the Ramadhan Family would like to offer support to Cardinal Adriano Borgia. We acknowledge the fact that religion must have as much say as possible in public and political life to ensure prosperity and happiness, both in this life and the afterlife. Furthermore, as brothers of the Abrahamic faiths, we would also offer cooperation in economics, politics, and security in the near future.

Heavenly Emperor Cheonsa, Patriarch of the Ramadhan Family

[Delmonte]

OOC: I wouldn't mind recognizing you as the papal states IC, but is it true you have had female popes? If so, there's no way the Delmontese Catholics could be part of that church.

OOC: We've had two so far. Get over it.

OOC: This has nothing to do with my feelings on the matter. The nation I've created have a very strong machismo. They simply would not acknowledge a female pope as legitimate and would have splintered long ago. Good luck, though.

[Bruke]

ብሩክ ካቶሊክ ቤተክርስትያን

Église catholique de Bruke

Iglesia Católica de Bruke

Brukean Catholic Church

To the Holy Borgian See:

We Catholics of Bruke are deeply saddened by the Holy Mother's passing, as she graciously encouraged us in our efforts to look outward towards the wider Church.

However, it would be remiss of me not to mention that the acceptance of a woman as Pope was very difficult for us, and there are still many- I may even venture to say, a majority- who consider the outcome of the previous conclave as illegitimate. I am thankful that such a dilemma is not present during this conclave.

With all that being said, after extensive consultation with Catholics all over the Royal Republic, and indeed throughout West America -speaking with both clergy and laity- I believe that Cardinal Francisco de Borja or Stefano de' Medici-Borgia, Grand Duke of Tuscany would be best suited to become Pope- and I have questions for each papabile, attached in a separate paper below.

ካርዲናል ካሌብ አስማሪየ የዱቡ ከተማ ሊቀ ጳጳስ የብሩክካን ካቶሊክ ቤተ ክርስቲያን ራስ
Cardinal Kaleb Asamenew, Archbishop of Dub City and head of the Brukean Catholic Church

Questions from the Cardinal, both of his own choosing and in consultation with clergy and prominent laity:

For Cardinal de Borja:

From what I could gather, much of your time in the Church has been spent in the Curia. What is your theological outlook, in general terms- and how has it been shaped by your time as Secretary of State?

What is your view on the prospect of positive relations between the Borgian See and non-Catholic states, such as the Royal Republic?

For Grand Duke Stefano:

From what I could gather, your most notable accomplishments have been as Grand Duke of Tuscany. What is your theological outlook, in general terms- and how has it been shaped by your time as Grand Duke?

What is your view of the relationship between religion -religion defined broadly to include non-Christian faiths- and the state?

For both men of God:

The Catholic Church of Bruke is a diverse body in a diverse land- for better or worse. Unfortunately, there is a painful history of sectarian conflict between Catholics and Protestants throughout West America, but especially here and in Western Section. I am afraid this Inquisition, supported by the Borgian See, has been used by Integralist paramilitaries to justify attacks on Protestant homes and businesses- inviting retaliatory attacks by Uniformists on Catholics. The Civil Guard was able to prevent much of the violence before it occurred, but several incidents have occurred in which there has been loss of life.

If you are chosen to be Pope, are you willing to take all necessary steps, up to and including ending the Inquisition, to prevent a re-ignition of sectarian violence in the Royal Republic of Bruke, Western Section, Roseland, and the Federal Republic of Regions?

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

For Cardinal de Borja:

From what I could gather, much of your time in the Church has been spent in the Curia. What is your theological outlook, in general terms- and how has it been shaped by your time as Secretary of State?

What is your view on the prospect of positive relations between the Borgian See and non-Catholic states, such as the Royal Republic?

"I've been Cardinal Secretary of State for more than twenty years, serving under two pontiffs, Clementia and Helius. I am the son of Pelagius III, and brother to both King Carlos and Cardinal Viracocha. The alt-right absolutist and the communist. I've seen two pontificates brought down by self-indulgence and familial shame, and civil war in Spain due to low cunning. My other two brothers, Pachacuti and Fernando are dead, brought down like Icarus flying too close to the sun. What I've learned that rocking the boat too much will end in disaster. Stability and the status quo is what our church needs now.

Of course we must endeavor to open ourselves to non-catholic states. No nation can survive by cutting themselves off from the wider world."~Francisco de Borja

For Grand Duke Stefano:

From what I could gather, your most notable accomplishments have been as Grand Duke of Tuscany. What is your theological outlook, in general terms- and how has it been shaped by your time as Grand Duke?

What is your view of the relationship between religion -religion defined broadly to include non-Christian faiths- and the state?

"It seems Francisco here doesn't have as fond a memory of our solar pope as I do. I'll be honest, I'm not a theologian. I'm a banker, entrepreneur, merchant and innovator. My duties to the mother church have been universal in one regard. Prosperity and advancement. I've made it my duty to see our holy mother church not only on stable financial grounds, but flying high in the sky when it comes to its wealth and prestige. Literally and figuratively. Our elevator is still under construction, and I'm afraid I won't be alive when its completed, but I'm happy to say it's my greatest accomplishment.

Religion is an invaluable asset to any state. It's a bastion of moral guidance, and an arbiter of prosperity and strength. It is the commodity of greatest good."~Stefano de Medici-Borgia

[Bruke]

OOC: The last question is not meant to throw anyone for a loop, per se- it's the consequence of tying the Church together in a region where paramilitaries kill each other and civilians on ethnic and religious grounds.

If the IC language, etc. seems arrogant or forward so that an answer to the question would not be recieved or rebuffed- let me know and I can edit said language.

[TURTLESHROOM II]

OOC: This has nothing to do with my feelings on the matter. The nation I've created have a very strong machismo. They simply would not acknowledge a female pope as legitimate and would have splintered long ago. Good luck, though.

{ OOC: TurtleShroom, whose Catholic Church is in Communion with the Borgian See, simply declared that Peter's seat remained in Sede Vacante while the "Popess" illegitimately took the throne. They based it not on being macho, but on the commands in 1 Timothy. Your nation could easily have done the same. }

[TURTLESHROOM II]

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

TO THE HOLY BORGIAN SEE:

We thank you for your prompt replies and issue a warning, consulting with the high-ranking clergy and prominent laity in the TurtleShroomer Rite, that Cardinal Viracocha is a false prophet who, by his own admission, explicitly states that he will not affirm or enforce the teachings of the Church on marriage, family, or abortion. The Bible's infallibility and accuracy cannot be questioned by mortal men. Only God Himself could possibly alter what it says. The Bible's canon was assembled by men guided by the Holy Spirit, once and for all time. No fallen human, dead or alive, can declare anything in the Bible to be untrue or irrelevant. What God declares sin is a sin. Period. Anyone who opposes this is a heretic at best and a blasphemer at worst.

Cardinal Viracocha should seek repentance with the Holy Church and right his heart on such a matter. The Bible declares the holiness of human families and affirms that homosexuality, and all other sexual sins, including fornication, adultery, or other forms of sex out of wedlock, are sins. Anyone who declares this not to be so is not a Christian, because they have created a god in their image who tickles their ears.

It is for this reason that we condemn Cardinal Viracocha, whodoes not believe in the teachings of the Bible on sins that he favors and has indicated that he will run the Church as a secular ruler. He has no interest in furthering the Great Commission. He is unworthy of both Peter's seat and inner membership of the Curia.

---

The following is a reply to His Grace, the Honored Duke Stefano:

"None. Science is best left unfettered."

Did you see our questions about artificial intelligence in our previous letter? Also, how far are you willing to go? As Pope, you have the responsibility to apply Church teaching to all fields, including your favored ones. This includes the essential opposition, as taught by the laws of God and the Church, to acts such as human cloning, embryonic stem cell research (where humans are killed), and "designer babies". Do you stand against these affronts to Our Lord and, if not, can you explain why?

We cannot do this by making the flock of Christ wholly dependent on our teat. Poverty is a Christian good, and such a good should not be interfered with on the church's part."[/i]

It is the stance of the TurtleShroomer Rite that dependency on the secular dole can lead to the sin of sloth, as well as destroy families and societies. However, the Church is commanded to honor its List of Widows who have no one to care for them, its care to orphans, its outreach to the poor, and the role of each church's Deaconate.

While the faithful poor are certainly rich in God, that doesn't change the fact that feeding the starving and protecting the innocent is a core mission of the Holy Church. We feel that you are confusing soup kitchens or disaster relief, etc., with a cradle-to-grave welfare state. Can you provide any clarification to your statements?

Also, I assume that your discussion of wealth and economic prosperity concerns the temporal governance of the Borgian Papal States. I take, then, that you believe Church-run enterprises should be generous to their employees and foster a truly free and open market that lowers the costs of luxury goods and staples alike, through the trickle-down effects of competition and increasing technological efficiency? After all, everyone owns a microwave and a radio: you can thank capitalism for that.

"The words of the pope himself are infallible, and my actions as Pontiff will be in accordance entirely with my own needs and that of the Christian faith."

The Pope's sermons are infallible, assuming they are true to the teachings of God's Word. The Pope's sermons and preaching are not be questioned unless they contradict the Bible, even if opinions differ on them or other interpretations exist. Even the Protestants do this! However, the Pope's secular opinions on secular matters, or temporal governance, are not infallible. Everything you do must be held before the Bible. You must "test the spirits" and discern them from good or evil.

The Bishop of Rome yields in authority to the Holy Bible, which is God's Word given to man, divinely inspired, and infallible in itself. Any action or decree undertaken by any clergyman, including the Vicar of Christ, cannot contradict the Bible. There are no exceptions. No man, no teaching, no decree, no opinion, nothing is to challenge or oppose the Word of God, as given to us by the Disciples and Church Fathers.

"We will always enforce papal power abroad and at home, and excommunication is ultimately our weapon of choice. It has been done before and will be done so again as needed. I'll admit I'm the one to use such weapons rarely. I much prefer economic cooperation and persuasion to alienation and anger."

The TurtleShroomer Rite generally deems this acceptable outside of gross, unrepentant mindsets. Since you are using persuasion and economic levers as tools of the Church to enforce Church discipline, do you commit to sanction or otherwise enact financial penalties on realms and people that constantly defy or sin against God and the Church without repentance, as a form of Church discipline?

---

The following questions are intended for His Serene Highness, the honorable Doge Francis Borgia.

Honored Doge:

• As Doge, you are an elected official trusted with maximizing the profits and trade prosperity of the Merchant Republic of Venice and all of its corporations and citizens. Furthering commerce and building fortunes is an explicit mandate of the office of Doge, required of him, and naturally effects all decisions made by the Venetian state. As a Christian and Cardinal of the Holy Church, what actions have you taken, as Doge, to conduct the pursuit of profit and capitalism in a honorable, Christ-following way? How do you amass wealth with dignity and avoid falling into the great sin of greed? Do you testify that your actions as Serene Doge of Venice, while rightly profit-motivated, nonetheless serve God and not Mammon?
• Does Venice contribute any tribute to the Borgian See? As Doge, how do you ensure this money is used for the benefit of the orphans, widows, and poor of Christendom, as so demanded by the Bible? Do you keep strict oversight of Church-run enterprises to ensure they conduct business in such a manner that is pleasing to God?
• Although the TurtleShroomer Rite in no way considers charity to be a duty of the state (as it leads to slavery on the dole), we nonetheless feel that a Cardinal should always serve and invest with the poor in mind. What private initiatives have you, as Doge, or any wealthy merchant families in Venice, done to serve the poor and honor Jesus' commandment of servitude to one's neighbor?
  
  
  Now come the questions we ask every candidate.
• As Pope, you will be in charge of shepherding all flocks in Communion with the Borgian See. You, as the Vicar of Christ, are supposed to be most invested in the Great Commission ordered by Our Lord. As a clergyman, pastor, and the Bishop of Rome, your duties are first to God and His Word's teachings. Will you, as Pope, continue to uphold, in a full-throat and Spirit-led endorsement, the teachings of Our Lord and His Apostles, divinely inspired by God, as outlined in the Bible? Do you, or do you not, consider the infallible truths of God's Word to be infallible and do you, or do you not, commit to upholding and enforcing God's explicit New Testament orders against all sins, including controversial sins like homosexuality and abortion?
• Will you, as Pope, enforce Church discipline and be willing to excommunicate powerful figures, such as celebrities, politicians, and noblemen if they act in defiance of the actions outlined in the Word of God? Will you, as Pope, ensure that clergymen and monasts under you will not be allowed to promote sin, particularly sexual sin, without being excommunicated and defrocked?
• Will you, as Pope, take an unrelenting and God-driven stand against all forms of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, as performed by homosexual-oriented pedophiles against the innocent? As the temporal sovereign of the Borgian Papal States and multiple Italian realms, will you commit to enforcing death or life in prison against infiltrators that sexually abuse or rape children, or, subject to the laws of the Italian vassals and temporal rulers, prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law? Will you excommunicate these men from the Church if evidence exists that proves they have sinned?

Thus conclude the questions to His Serene Highness.

We eagerly await the reply of these men, who are no doubt approved in the eyes of the Holy Spirit to shepherd the holy Catholic Church in the Borgian See.


May God bless you and God protect the Holy Catholic Church under the illustrious wisdom of House Borgia.
-HIS EMINICENCE, CARDINAL JASON ICFELLA OF TURTLESHROOM, NATIONAL CARDINAL OF CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY AND SPIRITUAL ADVISOR TO THE CROWN

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

"What is this? An interrogation? Bah! I mean what I say, and I say it explicitly. Is this cardinal from some home of the mentally deficient!? Science should never be restricted because of the moral qualms of inferior minds, nor will I ever piddle away the fortune I've spent the last five decades cultivating for this church on the unwashed masses! Begone from my sight. I grow tired of this line of questioning."~Stefano de Medici-Borgia (It should be noted that the old man threw a candle at the poor page who had borne the letter for him. Age has obviously tempered the Medici tact, but not the Borgia Bull's Fury.)

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

As a Christian and Cardinal of the Holy Church, what actions have you taken, as Doge, to conduct the pursuit of profit and capitalism in a honorable, Christ-following way? How do you amass wealth with dignity and avoid falling into the great sin of greed? Do you testify that your actions as Serene Doge of Venice, while rightly profit-motivated, nonetheless serve God and not Mammon?

"It should be noted, Cardinal Icfella, that the Doge no longer really oversees trade as he once did...and the position has become hereditary (and fused with the Primate's position) after Venice's annexation by the Borgine Papal States. Stefano and the Vatican Bank have overarching control of international trade. That being said, Venice is still the mercantile center of Italy, and the guardian of its merchant marine. I pledge that the people of Venice are always centered in god's light, that we've used our profits to further his glory and power and people on earth. Our profits go not only into our palazzos, but into Churches, monasteries, and great works of art like our reborn ancestors before."

Does Venice contribute any tribute to the Borgian See? As Doge, how do you ensure this money is used for the benefit of the orphans, widows, and poor of Christendom, as so demanded by the Bible? Do you keep strict oversight of Church-run enterprises to ensure they conduct business in such a manner that is pleasing to God?

"We indeed pay taxes, and tithes, to the see in Rome. As does every citizen under the aegis of this great family. I ensure my own private fortune is used for the benefit of the poor when possible, but such questions are really in the sphere of cantankerous Stefano."

What private initiatives have you, as Doge, or any wealthy merchant families in Venice, done to serve the poor and honor Jesus' commandment of servitude to one's neighbor?

"Simple enough. We invest in them. We the families of Venice maintain a universal charitable pool, our own dole separate from the nonexistent one in Rome, that benefits those as needed. Its shored up in, admittedly sinful ways, but for the greater good. Tax havens, offshore accounts, credit lending. That sort of thing. Stefano hates Venice because, besides that he's Tuscan, we know how to get away from his tax men and we do it for the working classes."

Will you, as Pope, continue to uphold, in a full-throat and Spirit-led endorsement, the teachings of Our Lord and His Apostles, divinely inspired by God, as outlined in the Bible? Do you, or do you not, consider the infallible truths of God's Word to be infallible and do you, or do you not, commit to upholding and enforcing God's explicit New Testament orders against all sins, including controversial sins like homosexuality and abortion?

"Full throated? No. That's not my style. Will it be enforced? As much as possible. I'm very fond of that quote 'Argue as much as you and like, and about what you like, but obey the laws'. So long as the flock of Christ obeys the authority of my pontificate in all ways good and holy, they'll not incur my fury. This should answer those following questions as well."

[Lux Pulchrae]

Archbishopric of Amaglione and the Citta del Re Territories Your Most Revered Eminence Cardinal Adriano Borgia What great Joy it is that I write to you, to hear that you are finally up for the candidacy. Steadfast has the Kingdom held onto to the faith in hopes of return to order, an end to the devil that has sat on the throne for over a hundred years! The hope that PETER will return to his throne, not any woman, corrupt magistrate or homosexual, but truly a man of men. Many have regretfully lost faith over these past years, but I have assured them that patience is truly a virtue and that it was only a matter of time for a return. If I may, I would like to ask questions to better gauge and affirm that you are truly what the Church needs: You claim to be traditional Your Eminence but how far? Will the Latin be returned to the mass? Will ad orientum be the mandate again? Communion NEVER in the hand, and always kneeling? Will the doctrine that no woman should be ordained in any priestly vocation return? Nor that any homosexual take up the vocation as well? I think I know the answer to this, but will the See remain tied to the Borgian bloodline? Signed, His Excellency, Antonio d'Angeli da Tirezza, Archbishop of Amaglione and the Citta del Re Territories

[Bruke]

ብሩክ ካቶሊክ ቤተክርስትያን

Église catholique de Bruke

Iglesia Católica de Bruke

Brukean Catholic Church

To the Holy Borgian See:

After much reflection and discussion, I have come to the conclusion that Cardinal Francisco de Borja is best suited for the papacy- contingent on his answer on our last question.

ካርዲናል ካሌብ አስማሪየ የዱቡ ከተማ ሊቀ ጳጳስ የብሩክካን ካቶሊክ ቤተ ክርስቲያን ራስ
Cardinal Kaleb Asamenew, Archbishop of Dub City and head of the Brukean Catholic Church

[Il Borgia Vaticano]

You claim to be traditional Your Eminence but how far? Will the Latin be returned to the mass? Will ad orientum be the mandate again? Communion NEVER in the hand, and always kneeling?

Will the doctrine that no woman should be ordained in any priestly vocation return? Nor that any homosexual take up the vocation as well?

"The answer to all these questions is an emphatic yes. I will pull this church back from the depths of depravity even if it kills me. The work of Claude d'Euse will not falter, and I will make sure I finish it by destroying and burning away all heresy wherever I find it. The dregs of humanity should forever be expunged from God's good earth. The only place homosexuals will find in the Vatican is within the Sacred Band, and even then they shall be relegated to glorified guard duty.

To answer your final question, the answer is also yes. The See shall remain Borgia. Forever."~Cardinal Adriano Borgia

[Lux Pulchrae]

Archbishopric of Amaglione and the Citta del Re Territories Your Eminence Surely you mean this in the subjective sense. God can take away the whole Borgia line if He pleases, and I am somewhat surprised He hasn't already, not to belittle your station Your Eminence. But this hold no weight in either faith or morals, and cannot be proclaimed ex cathedra. But, only time will tell. Anything you need of me Your Eminence, just say so. Signed, His Excellency, Antonio d'Angeli da Tirezza, Archbishop of Amaglione and the Citta del Re Territories