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Apolistic Relations
Topic Started: Jun 6 2014, 11:40 PM (363 Views)
The Papal States
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Apostolic Palace
Salveon, The Papal States


Pope Leo IX sits in his private study, analysing various news articles from around the world and letters sent to him. Many of the letters offered him thanks for helping to depose Dawinia’s illegitimate ruler. But, as is expected, some critiqued for involving himself in another country’s affairs. A knock at the door interrupts his thoughts.

“Your Holiness, Archbishop Mihail is here to see you,” said a cleric, as he poked his head into the room.

“Ah yes, please send him in right away,” responded Pope Leo, as he stands and moves to the front of his desk.

The cleric quickly goes to get the Archbishop, leading him into the room, closing the door behind him. Mihail Demetriou, the current Roman Catholic Archbishop of Rotunville, proceeds to the Pope, genuflects, kissing his ring, and rises.

“Your Holiness, I thank you for meeting with me, with such short notice,” said Mihail.

“Of course,” responds Pope Leo, gesturing for him to sit, returning to his seat. “What brings you all the way to Salveon?”

Taking a seat, Mihail starts.

“I’ve come to speak of the state of New Vasconia, Your Holiness.”

“Please, go on.”

“It’s more specifically about our Orthodox brethren. Just earlier this week, I had the most pleasant conversation with His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Michael. He spoke of your bravery towards Charles, the excommunicatis, and how you helped to liberate the Dawinian people of his most horrid, and illegitimate rule.”

“Ah. I did only what anyone else in my position would have done, for it is not to be, for one so evil to rule over such a most faithful nation. But please, do give my regards to His All Holiness.”

“I believe he would like to tell you in person, Your Holiness.”

Pope Leo manoeuvres in his seat before responding.

“Oh really? And why is that?”

“Well, in those talks we had, he expressed his vision to see New Vasconia independent once again and the challenge that we all face as native Vasconians to obtain such a feat.”

Pope Leo leans back in his chair, thinking.

“His, and your, plight is arduous. However, I believe that the cause is righteous and, would like to have a face-to-face meeting with him; perhaps together, we can achieve this feat.”

Pope Leo proceeds to open his drawer and retrieve a sheet of paper, embossed with the seal of The Papal States, as well as a pen.

“Would you mind taking this letter to His All Holiness himself, when you make your way back to Vasconia?”

“Of course not, Your Holiness. It would be of no problem”


Message To Michael I Keroularios
 
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To His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch of Routunville, Michael I Keroularios,

We have kept an eye on the affairs of the world, in its atrocities and all, especially of your people’s occupation. Upon hearing from His Grace, The Most Reverend Mihail Demetriou, Archbishop of Rotunville, earlier this day, We have felt it would be of great importance for to meet.

The current situation of the Vasconian people is most unkind, being the result of a late, ruthless dictator. However, We do believe that together, that we may restore Vasconia to its independence, and perhaps, make some strides to mend our differences.

Hopeful,
Pope Leo IX

Given at The Apostolic Palace at Salveon, on the Seventh day of May, Two Thousand and Fourteen of the Incarnation; in the first year of our pontificate.
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The Sovereign Pontiff, His Holiness, Pope Leo IX
Sovereign of The Papal States
Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church
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New Vasconia
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New Vasconia
Patriarch Michael I is in his office and makes sure his things are in order.

Just in case the Austianese try anything, he thought, not knowing what to expect from Austiana's unstable political climate.

As he hides the last of his collection of works--John Locke's Tabula rasa--he hears a knock at the door. He stiffens up, fearing the worst. However, when the door opens, Catholic Archbishop Mihail Demetriou walks in.

"Oh, thank God," Michael said, "I was worried..."

"Nevermind," he continued, "what can I help you with?"

"Your All Holiness," Mihail replied, "I have a message from the Holy Father in Salveon."

He gave Michael the letter.

After reading it, he was ecstatic.

"I must respond immediately," he said.

He pulled out a stationary from his desk drawer.

To Leo IX


To His Holiness Pope Leo IX,

Thank you so much for your concerns. These are grave times indeed in our homeland, and having a friend makes it all the more bearable. You were the inspiration for my words, and so I am glad that you are aware of our plight and sympathise with our situation.

A meeting would be a most joyous occasion for us in the East, and I greatly await the details of such an event.

Your Friend,
Patriarch Michael I Kerouliaros
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Posted Image

Superintendent Charles M. Korvey
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The Papal States
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Apostolic Palace
Salveon, The Papal States


As Pope Leo IX returns from morning mass at Saint Peter’s, a woman, dressed in the attire of a nun, approaches from the opposite direction.

“Holy Father, this has come for you,” she says, giving a letter with the seal of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Rotunville on the outside in wax, and begins to walk in the opposite direction, to attend to her duties.

“Thank you, sister,” simply responded the Pope, breaking the seal, beginning the read what was enclosed.

After a few moments, he becomes joyful for the warm reception of his letter to the Ecumenical Patriarch.

“Please excuse me, brothers. I must attend to pressing matters.”

The people accompanying the Pope offered their salutations and he continues onward, probably to his office, leaving them behind.

Message To Michael I Keroularios
 
Posted Image


To His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch of Routunville, Michael I Keroularios,

We are most elated of your acceptance for Our assistance. As stated previously, a meeting would be most helpful and necessary, and as such, do invite you to join us in The Papal States, to discuss the issue of New Vasconia. Usually, We would make the journey ourselves, however, due to the delicate situation and possible threats to you, think it best to journey.

We would prefer to conduct this as soon as possible, for the purpose of maximum effectiveness., and will so conduct the necessary preparations for such.

Graciously,
Pope Leo IX

Given at The Apostolic Palace at Salveon, on the Sixteenth day of May, Two Thousand and Fourteen of the Incarnation; in the first year of our pontificate.

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The Sovereign Pontiff, His Holiness, Pope Leo IX
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New Vasconia
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New Vasconia
Reply to Pope Leo IX
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The Patriarch could only think about the future as the plane touched down in Salveon. This was a landmark meeting between the leaders of the two oldest branches of Christianity, and one that was long overdue, it seemed. The two men were to discuss the Papacy's support for Vasconian independence, and how it can best be achieved via the least amount of bloodshed for either side.

Due to "Superintendent" Korvey having a large amount of control of New Vasconia back, restrictions had been lifted considerably, and many former civil rights being restored (of course, this didn't stop the anti-Austianese sentiments, or the use of force by liberation groups--many of whose attacks on Austianese soldiers and police went largely ignored by Vasconian officials, who privately held the same animosity).

As the plane came to a stop, the Patriarch was escorted down the stairway from the door (being an older gentlemen, it was necessary to help him in any way). He was greeted by a crowd of people, who came to witness to this historic event (though the majority of the crowd was Catholic, which Michael felt made his reception all the more grand). After giving waves to the crowd, he made his way into the parked limousine, which would take him to his meeting with Pope Leo.
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The Papal States
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Apostolic Palace
Salveon, The Papal States


St. Peter’s Square is filled with throngs of people from around the world. They made pilgrimage to Salveon just to hear of the outcome of a meeting between the heads of the Eastern and Western Church that hasn’t even began, but so it will.

Both spiritual and temporal matters were to be discussed between the Pope and Ecumenical Patriarch, with the number one item on the list as the status of New Vasconia. Perhaps a sound resolution could be sought, and perhaps great strides could be made to begin to mend the “East-West Schism;” time will only tell.

Pope Leo IX, in his pastoral white unique to the Papacy, as well as two cardinals, stand at the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica, facing the square and people, as they see the vehicle which is transporting the Patriarch. The car makes its way around the people via the cordoned-off path, to the steps of the entrance to the basilica. As it reached the base of the steps, the Pope and cardinals, in that order, descend down to meet the Patriarch, amid the loud cheers taking place.

The door to the car is opened and steps out Ecumenical Patriarch Michael.

“Welcome to Salveon, Your All Holiness,” greeted Pope Leo with a hug of welcome and peace.
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The Sovereign Pontiff, His Holiness, Pope Leo IX
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As the Patriarch stepped out of the car, he was met by the loud cheers of the crowd, and by the Pope and Cardinals.

"I am happy to be here," he replied, after his embrace with the Pope.

"I am looking forward to starting the meeting as soon as possible, Your Holiness."
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The Papal States
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”As am I, Your All-Holiness,” replied Pope Leo, “please, right this way.”

Pope Leo gestures to allow Patriarch Michael passage up the stairs. As they both ascend and reach the top, they momentarily stop and turn, giving a wave to the crowd before entering the Basilica. As they are led through to the Papal Apartments to the Pope’s study, he made some conversation to hasten the journey there.

“I trust your journey here was without delay or issue?”
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The Sovereign Pontiff, His Holiness, Pope Leo IX
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"Indeed," he replied, "it was quite pleasant."

"I spoke with the Superintendent, in private, before I came here, and he wanted me to tell you how much he appreciates you hearing us out."
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The Papal States
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"Ah good, and of course," said Pope Leo, "after all, we are all God's children, are we not?"

The two make it to the Pope's study, entering while leaving their escorts outside.

"Please, sit," said Pope Leo gesturing to a seat, as he took one slightly adjacent to his. The area was in front of a dormant fireplace, with a embroidered carpet underneath the chairs. A table in front of them had pitchers of both water are freshly squeezed orange juice, along with a platter of assorted fruits.

"Help yourself to anything here. One does tend to get a little peckish which having discussions."
Edited by The Papal States, Jun 25 2014, 04:57 PM.
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"Thank you," said Michael.

He then poured some water into his glass and took a drink of the water. He ate a couple pieces of fruit, which he washed down with another sip of water. Refreshed, he then set the glass down.

"Shall we begin," he asked.
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"Yes, let us start," Leo responded as he took some fruit from the tray, eating a small peace before continuing.

"I think it would be wise to start off with a brief of the situation of Vasconia, as of late. Is it what they news outlets say it is?"
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"Things have become slightly better since Klink has gone," Michael replied, "however, the people are still unhappy--losing your sovereignty will do that to you, you know."

He stopped to eat another bit of fruit.

"The people cannot go on like this," he continued, "the laws of Austiana are too restrictive and conservative. We are a people accustomed to our freedoms.

"For so long we lived under brutal kings, followed by an even more brutal oligarchy, but then we finally had a taste of what it meant like to be free. Elections, free speech, a constitution that was more than simply words on a paper. After centuries of repression, we finally had a better life to pass on to our children. And then, in the blink of an eye, we lost it. Austiana's imperialism destroyed what we had, and now the king justifies his occupation with the barbaric 'right of conquest.'

"Every day, people die. Whether it be the Austianese soldiers killed by the Resistance or the Resistance killed by the Austianese soldiers. Many times, civilians on both sides get caught in the middle and pay the price with their lives. Why, one time--"

He stopped mid-sentence, to take a sip of water, and gasp his breath.

"One time, I even saw a mother of four, and her children, get blown to pieces by a bomb planted in a local Austianese-run post office."

He began to sob, "They weren't even inside, or going in; they were just walking past it when, all of a sudden, they were gone. Nothing was left but ash."
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"Oh, dear heaven," replied Leo,as he crosses himself, as he whispers, barely audible , "Requiem Aeternam dona eis, Domine. Requiescant in pace. Amen."

He quickly ate his last piece of honeydew melon and had some orange juice he'd poured earlier.

"I had heard that Vasconia had seen better days," continued Leo, "however not to this extent. For what it is worth, I am sorry that you not only were exposed to such horror, but that it was able to take place."

"No longer may this continue. Independence has been earned by the Vasconian people and it shall be realized again, dear Brother. This, I do assure you."

Leo shifts his sitting position before beginning again.

"And how are the faithful fairing?"
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Michael wiped his eyes and straightened up when he heard the Pope's declaration of support.

"Thank you, brother," he replied.

"The faithful are...fairing," he replied, trying to find his words, "the Austianese have not attempted to overimpose their religion, however, many of their laws are seen as too socially restrictive."

"The guarantee of freedom of religion is not there like it was under our Constitution. I fear that, in their eyes, they will never be free."
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