Agree with Lukasa. Bribe the pope. It doesn't cost so much to stay at outstanding or perfect all the time.

Actually, the game would be a LOT harder if the pope acted like the other nations (i.e. refused to accept peace with, or trust, anyone they didn't like). Surely not EVERY conflict should be as hard to resolve as the Middle East or Northern Ireland? But all I ever seem to get when I offer ceasefire is a virtual shout of "No Surrender" or "Ye can tak' our laives but ye'll never tak' our freedom".

Mel Gibson's got a lot to answer for.