Stop the Pope - For Good?

[agvkrioni]

I don't think its a glitch. Or maybe it is. Who cares, it worked for me and I'd like to see if people can duplicate this in v1.1.

Playing as the Italian faction, I took over Rome and the Papal States (unknown to me the Pope would make his return shortly). In my gave save it was the year 1140 and he would come back 1143 or 1145.

Since, despite all my attempts I couldn't stop him in battle, I got angry and razed the Papal States to the ground; destroyed all the buildings and only had one unit on the map, the duke or governor (whatever the title).

In Rome I have armed forces, a castle, all that (I don't know if forces in Rome affect it or not).

But after I did this, the years past. Now its around year 60 or so and he never came back. Maybe he doesn't want to go into a destroyed territory with no place to live (no castles or fort to hide in).

In any case, the land makes 157 monies a year, and that pays for the unit on it and more so, I'm making out. Plus no pope screaming at me that I'm raping France.

[Adrian II]

I don't think its a glitch.

Neither do I, and I don't think it is exceptional either, I am sorry to say.

I have seen the gentleman in skirts disappear for over forty years underneath a phat layer of Rebels in Rome and the Papal States, only to re-emerge in full strength after that.

If he remains in limbo for a hundred years or more, then I think you should report back to us...

[Aenarion]

I don't think its a glitch. Or maybe it is. Who cares, it worked for me and I'd like to see if people can duplicate this in v1.1.

Playing as the Italian faction, I took over Rome and the Papal States (unknown to me the Pope would make his return shortly). In my gave save it was the year 1140 and he would come back 1143 or 1145.

Since, despite all my attempts I couldn't stop him in battle, I got angry and razed the Papal States to the ground; destroyed all the buildings and only had one unit on the map, the duke or governor (whatever the title).

In Rome I have armed forces, a castle, all that (I don't know if forces in Rome affect it or not).

But after I did this, the years past. Now its around year 60 or so and he never came back. Maybe he doesn't want to go into a destroyed territory with no place to live (no castles or fort to hide in).

In any case, the land makes 157 monies a year, and that pays for the unit on it and more so, I'm making out. Plus no pope screaming at me that I'm raping France.

That's odd. Once I tried that, I destroyed all buildings and left nothing standing in Rome. I also had some units in the state, but still the Pope showed up.

I wouldn't be too sure about this. The Papacy is a hard-coded faction and can't be modified. Still, I would like to know if the Pope has appeared after a couple of more turns. Keep us updated!

Thanks,
Aenarion

[Martok]

It's not the first time players have reported the Pope not showing up for extended periods of time. His extended absences generally seem to occur after his re-emergences have been defeated 4-5 times in a row. It's almost as if he gives up after that.

I've not experienced the phenomenon myself, but it's been reported often enough for me to believe it's not just a random fluke. Something is keeping the Pope from reappearing in their games; I'm just not sure what it is.

[professorspatula]

The Pope cannot be stopped!! He is an undying killing machine that knows no mercy or remorse. He shall always arise from the ashes like a phoenix from the flames, with destruction and vengeance on his mind. God bless the leader of the Catholic church!

Disclaimer:
This is all as far as MTW is concerned. I've heard no evidence of recent Popes amassing armies with the intent to kill great masses of people.

I have to add that so my conscience is clear when I pop my clogs.