Why would an Imam give a damn what the Pope says? Islam is an enemy of all christian religions (in the game ;). So when the Pope excoms someone, it doesn't affect Jihads. Nor does it affect orthodox christians. Excom is only important as when excomed, catholic factions attacking another catholic faction is fair game. if a catholic faction wages war on another without papal consent, they will worsen relations and sooner or later face excom. Also depends who of the 2 the pope like better...