papal armies

[CannonBall]

is there a way to stop/mod papacy from attacking & taking reb settlements?

[Ramses II CP]

Get there first. :yes:

:egypt:

[Old Geezer]

Or, move so as to block the Pope's men or ships. He does get ticked if you move troops into his territory, however.

[FactionHeir]

You could mod the files and make the pope passive.

[Rhyfelwyr]

In descr_strat (data/world/map/campaign/imperial_campaign) you'll see each faction has a title like "trader henry" or whatever, altering those changes the factions behaviour.