M2 HRE Test Imperial Diet Deliberations

[Strappy Horse]

I am afraid I can give little aid to the German Dukes, tied up as I am by Papal matters.

Speaking of which, Chancellor Diettrich, I think our disputes with Pope Gregory should be resolved on a short term. I understand his worldly envoys are enroute to Bologna as you read this message, and I fear they only spearhead the ecclesiastical envoys.
The sooner we get rid of that powergrabbing usurper, the better.
I believe our own Cardinal Peter, known as the Rightious for good reason, would be a far better occupant of St. Peter's Throne.

With this in mind, what are your thoughts on a campaign against Florence?
It is still an independ republic, with no ties to either Milan, Venice or the Papal States, and even more convenient, it would give us an excellent excuse to have an army at a day's march from Rome.
I'v received reports that both the Duke of Milan as the Doge of Venice are looking outwards of Italy for expansion, so if we strike within two years, we should be able to take Florence without much trouble.

By the grace of God,
Emperor Heinrich