Rome, Meeting of the Papal Enclave
There was an odd number of Cardinals for this very reason. For days, the Enclave had been deadlocked between two candidates. One, an Italian from Florence, the other a Portuguese man from Oporto. One man was now going to be the sole decider, one Cardinal from Sardinia who had been selected to this Enclave at the last minute....a choice made purely because the one in his place had suffered a heart attack and died.
The reasons for thier selections was clear. An Italian cardinal would bring instant credibility towards the Papal attempts for a unified Italy. The man was known as a charismatic statesman (and was not even 50 yet) but with a clear disdain for the policies shown by Pope Innocent XIV. He was once quoted as saying,"If Papal security can only be secured by working with heathens, then I would rather have no security." when questioned about diplomatic ties with the Ottomans.
The Portuguese man was obviously a neutral candidate. Portugal itself had been largely neutral, an ally to Spain but not a very public one. It kept largely to itself but made no real enemies doing this. The same for this Papal candidate. He was an aging man who had been a Cardinal for over 40 years of his life. He definately had greater experience, and would cause no controversy with his selection. A nice, safe, pick.
All eyes were on him. Angelo Braschi was a levelheaded man, but this kind of pressure wears away on even the mentally toughest of men. Beads of sweat trickled down his wrinkled face. Right now his eyes were covered, contemplating the decision.
A Cardinal from the end of the large rectangular table spoke,"Braschi, half is in favor of Corzetti, the other half for Rodrigo. Your vote is the deciding one." Braschi faked a grin. He knew this already...why did Cardinal Giovanni insist on pounding it into his head?? HIS decision would mark the path of the Papal States, Italy, and Catholicism.
Braschi stood suddenly, opening his eyes and wiping his forehead clear. Sweat had stung his eyes so he wiped them to be able to survey the Enclave. "I am sure you men are all tired of this by now. As you know, I am the deciding vote. This is what I have decided to do." Braschi then took out a coin, placing it on his thumb, "heads is Corzetti, tails is Rodrigo. Giovanni, call it in the air!"
*****************
Official Statement from the Papal Enclave
After weeks of deliberation, the Enclave has decided upon the new Pope, the new leader of Catholicism.
Tomorrow, the Italian born Cardinal Zerano Corzetti will be officially titled as Pope Leo XII.
There was an odd number of Cardinals for this very reason. For days, the Enclave had been deadlocked between two candidates. One, an Italian from Florence, the other a Portuguese man from Oporto. One man was now going to be the sole decider, one Cardinal from Sardinia who had been selected to this Enclave at the last minute....a choice made purely because the one in his place had suffered a heart attack and died.
The reasons for thier selections was clear. An Italian cardinal would bring instant credibility towards the Papal attempts for a unified Italy. The man was known as a charismatic statesman (and was not even 50 yet) but with a clear disdain for the policies shown by Pope Innocent XIV. He was once quoted as saying,"If Papal security can only be secured by working with heathens, then I would rather have no security." when questioned about diplomatic ties with the Ottomans.
The Portuguese man was obviously a neutral candidate. Portugal itself had been largely neutral, an ally to Spain but not a very public one. It kept largely to itself but made no real enemies doing this. The same for this Papal candidate. He was an aging man who had been a Cardinal for over 40 years of his life. He definately had greater experience, and would cause no controversy with his selection. A nice, safe, pick.
All eyes were on him. Angelo Braschi was a levelheaded man, but this kind of pressure wears away on even the mentally toughest of men. Beads of sweat trickled down his wrinkled face. Right now his eyes were covered, contemplating the decision.
A Cardinal from the end of the large rectangular table spoke,"Braschi, half is in favor of Corzetti, the other half for Rodrigo. Your vote is the deciding one." Braschi faked a grin. He knew this already...why did Cardinal Giovanni insist on pounding it into his head?? HIS decision would mark the path of the Papal States, Italy, and Catholicism.
Braschi stood suddenly, opening his eyes and wiping his forehead clear. Sweat had stung his eyes so he wiped them to be able to survey the Enclave. "I am sure you men are all tired of this by now. As you know, I am the deciding vote. This is what I have decided to do." Braschi then took out a coin, placing it on his thumb, "heads is Corzetti, tails is Rodrigo. Giovanni, call it in the air!"
*****************
Official Statement from the Papal Enclave
After weeks of deliberation, the Enclave has decided upon the new Pope, the new leader of Catholicism.
Tomorrow, the Italian born Cardinal Zerano Corzetti will be officially titled as Pope Leo XII.
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