Pope John III*, from where he stood, could make out the many faces of the believers of the faith in the large square below. It was a miracle that so many could be packed into the square without shouting or anger, but even though songs were being sung and laughter had, the pope knew that events in Caen was on the minds of the people.
It had been a traumatic year thus far. Texarkana has managed to keep its boys out of the fray in Vietnam and inked a peace deal with Japan, and to that end, the pope was grateful. The people below looked to him for guidance in these times, and Pope John III felt he served the people as much as he served God.
So, with the letter sent by the new mayor himself, Pope John III delivered the speech that would save the souls of hundreds of thousands.
******
Mayor Francis I smiled, and on the surface, it was friendly. That was the smile he flashed to his friends in the congress that played ball, sure, but it was the same smile he flashed to his enemies in the congress. It was the same smile, but somehow it was threatening. However, it did the job of disarming both friend and enemy, and for that reason, Mayor Francis I was miles and beyond the danger posed by Hannegan to his political enemies.
Not just political danger, but physical danger.
From the Mayoral Address to Congress, 3 May 2106
"My predecessor was a great man. There is a laundry list of his accomplishments, the most important of which is his handling of the pirates, establishment of Kingston, expansion of our borders, and the infrastructure work on the highways that have connected the far-flung possessions of the Mayornate.
But more must be done! We cannot look at our southern border and be complacent, for the threat of incursion will always be real. The people in the lands untouched by the New Civilization are, inherently, untrustworthy in their dealings into incorporated into the Mayornate.
I come before Congress today to ask for a declaration of war. The late mayor left behind a powerful army. With this army, Texarkana shall fulfill the Will of God and restore Mexico to the fold, bring civilization back to the locals, and restore the Faith to hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of adherents who have lost touch for a century.
The wars will bring wealth and prosperity to us; security and happiness to them..."
Editor Note: The Congress of Texarkana would approve war measures with a supermajority in support.
*New Rome [OTL: St. Louis] considers itself the successor to the Pope in Rome. While there may have been (very likely) a Pope John III in Italy, the global breakdown of communication meant that New Rome became divorced from the old system.
