Yeah I started as Italy and my main goal was to unite the peninsula. I took over Rome and the Papal States but the Pop came back about 40 years or so later (I don't really know, I know the year he comes back is anywhere from 1143 to 1146). His army is usually 2800-4500 strong depending on how many states he tries to take.

If he only goes for one state, the army is usually 2800+ units. Now I can do a mad scramble starting at my last save til the time he comes and amass usually around 2900 forces or more. It always seems that no matter how many forces he has in one state, I can do about 200-700 more. Doesn't matter though, no matter how many forces I have, even if I use my highest valor princess and my one general with 5 stars, the pope always defeats me.

I always do autobattle because I haven't really mastered even the most novice parts of manual battle.

Helps me, oh Lord, helps me.