Re: Imperial Diet II
A messenger rushes into the Diet and hands Gunther a letter. After reviewing the contents, Gunther reads the contents to the Diet:
Electors, I have spent much time trying to figure a way out of our current Papal Impasse.
The Empire has great influence in the College of Cardinals with three votes, but the other powers of Europe have shown they will not vote for an Imperial candidate. The late Kaiser Heinrich's plan is flawed and will not work without a great deal of bloodshed.
Yet for those calling for negotiations with the current Pope, I would remind you that Chancellor Leopold has already tried the same approach. Even if we gave them all our florins and a few territories, I doubt Filippus would agree to peace. The price might be so high, we would be unable, even if willing, to pay it.
Yet, there might be a third way, something we haven't tried yet. We have one remaining ally in the Catholic Realms, Sicily. We have stood by each other resolutely through the years. If the opportunity comes, why not vote for a Sicilian Cardinal as Pope?
At best we will be reconciled, at worst we will have greatly improved our standing with a new Pope.
A Sicilian Cardinal, Niccolo Amocacci, currently stands 6th in the College. He is a missionary near Tunis. I'm sure his work makes him a rising star in the Church. We could have the opportunity to elevate him, the time it takes would depend on the approach the Diet adopts toward the current Pope. Still he is 53, so we can't wait too long.
This is not a vague promise or a rhetorical smoke screen, I offer a new way to gain peace and reconciliation for the Reich, I ask that you let me achieve it.
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