BenedictXVII
Pope Benedict XVII
Pope Benedict XVII, previously known as Angelo_Cardinalis, is the current 2nd Roman Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Archbishop of Italia under Pope Alexander IX and was later appointed as Secretary of State of the Holy See by the later.
Pre-Papacy & Election
Angelo Cardinalis de' Medici was among the first in-game apostolic leaders to fully commit to an organized and institutionalized evangelization mission in EMC. He participated in the first Council of Bishops that would see the creation of the modern day EMC Holy Catholic Church and participated during the election of Pope Alexander IX.
Pope Alexander would entrust now Cardinal Angelo to the Archbishopric of Italia, appoint him as Secretary of State for the Holy See, and ask of him to design Vatican City. Duties which he attended until the resignation of Pope Alexander.
Cardinal Angelo oversaw the planning and preparations for the 2nd EMC Conclave that was celebrated soon after on the day of April 11th, 2020. For which he emerged as Pope, taking the papal name of Benedict XVII.
History & Achievements
First Policies
Pope Benedict's papacy began with a vigorous evangelization stance to open the Church to the world. Having organized the conclave event himself as Cardinal, Pope Benedict XVII ensured that this event attracted the attention of nations beyond the roman borders, ensuring and securing their allegiance and the legitimacy of the Church with it. The papacy would transform from being a mere spiritual-regional authority in Italia, to the global authority it is today, thanks to these efforts which led to the rapid and exponential growth of Christian nations.
Coronation of the Kaiser
On April 23rd, 2020, the then Kaiser of the unified German Empire, Heiniken34, converted to Christianity along with his nation, and thus requested the Pope to coronate him. The coronation took place in St. Peters Square in Vatican City where Heiniken34 swore allegiance to the Church and the Christian Faith.
Apostolic Visit to Rio Grande
On April 24th, 2020, the majority leader of the Rio Grande senate, North Paso, formally invited Pope Benedict XVII to visit the nation and address its senate. This was the first time the Pontiff would visit the new world. Upon arrival, a large sum of players greeted him and his diplomatic entourage as he headed for the senate building in which he delivered his first Papal Address to a foreign nation, titled, "My Address to the Rio Grande Senate". Pope Benedict XVII then toured the nation and met with players of different religions where he led a prayer in unison with them.
"We must remember, this is a community server, where we do geopolitics. Let’s try to keep it at that. Let’s keep the peace between players, and let’s be friendly to one another. No matter religion, country or age." - Pope Benedict XVII on his address to the Rio Grande senate.
The First EMC Crusade
Dawn & Beginning of the Conflict:
By April 25th, 2020, Pope Benedict XVII had been briefed by roman officials on a developing situation that was concerning to the Christian world. The pagan nation of Ancient Egypt had begun invading Holy Land territory that was, at the time, under control of the Greater Roman Empire (GRE). Seeing this as an imminent threat to Christianity in the Holy Lands, Pope Benedict XVII officially declared the first EMC crusade on April 25th, 2020 at 7:56 AM, time of Rome, in an official document titled "The First EMC Crusade: Official Declaration".
With the initial support of Italia, SPQR, Germany, and Spain, Pope Benedict XVII appointed the Roman Emperor, CorruptedGreed as the main commander of the conflict. This lead to the creation of one largest and strongest military coalitions the server had seen yet. Countries began to declare their allegiance and support the cause due to its popularity and religious connotations.
"For we're called by God as his people to defend the Sanctity of the Church and the Holy See. The Church will not stand silent in these times of great threat to the doctrine of Christ. This Church will stand behind the faithful, Knights of Templar, we will stand behind justice and liberty and we will stand on principle, or we won’t stand at all." - Pope Benedict XVII on his Holy Crusade declaration.
Belligerents:
- GRE (SPQR, Italia, Russia, Aegyptus, Persia)
- Germany
- Spain
- Siam
- Switzerland
- France
- Yemen Empire
- NorthTerritory
- Antarctic
- Japan
Digging in:
Due to the stagnating nature of towny conflicts, the crusade would be a conflict of patience and attrition which would last for a prolonged period of time. However, thanks to the popularity of the declaration and the conflict itself, the nations of Spain, France and Switzerland converted and adopted Christianity as their main religion. Other nations that participated in the conflict would recognize the existence of the Holy See and engage in friendly diplomatic talks for the first time.
Apostolic Visit to Aegyptus
On May 10th 2020, Pope Benedict XVII and other Vatican Officials visited the sprawling city of El Dabaa in the roman province of Aegyptus, at the hight of the 1st Crusade. Pope Benedict visited the town located within the war region and met with its citizens and the mayor, whom he exchanged gifts with, including a stack of quartz pillars from Vatican City, needed for a local project in El Dabaa. However, during this meeting, the city began to be raided. Roman legionaries quickly joined the server and began the defense of it. Pope Benedict was asked to leave and return to the Vatican, however, he refused and stayed to donate potions to the combatants.
Inauguration of "St. Marvin" Cathedral
On May 18th, 2020, the Pope was invited to inaugurate the new grand cathedral of "St. Marvin" located in Napoli that would serve as the new See for the Archbishop of Italia. A large gathering of european christian players would be attending the event, however, concerns arose when a members of the Pontifical Guard discovered mass amounts of TNT rigged under the cathedral after glitching through the floor. Pope Benedict and the College of Cardinals were then swiftly briefed on the situation. It is unclear as to why, but Pope Benedict ordered the mass to carry on. Fortunately the TNT was never activated during the large event, but trolls did force the Pope to return to the Vatican as he was endangered when they started fish rodding people up into the roof of the cathedral. Cardinal Aleksey Smirnoff carried on with the mass and concluded it.
Apostolic Visit to Maluku
On May 29th, 2020, the Pope and the College of Cardinals visited the Asian nation of Maluku, marking this as the first time the Pontiff visited the continent. During this visit, the Pope presided over the inauguration of the new grand cathedral which would serve as the See of the Archbishop of Asia. He then toured the famous Maluku museum and spectated a firework show dedicated to his visit and the opening of the cathedral.
Apostolic Visit to Germany & Coronation
On June 25th, 2020, the Pope visited Germany for the first time to coronate the new Kaiser, SerGreek. This was done outside the massive Ulm Cathedral, See of the Archdioceses of Germany.
The First Reform
On July 7th, 2020, the Pope implemented his first official reform to the governance of the Church by implementing the "Codicis Luris Canonici". A document which would define every aspect of Church doctrine, governance, hierarchy, clerical authority, and inner workings within EMC and furthermore, establish an internal legal system. In addition to this, this document acts as the main guideline for all EMC Christian players and reflects the main beliefs of the EMC Catholic Church, all put in writing.Most importantly however, the publication of this document marked the official consolidation of Christianity in EMC under one institution, the EMC Holy Roman Apostolic Catholic Church. This document recognized the Church as the sole Christian community in EMC due to the last remnants of Orthodox players in Russia agreeing to co-exist with catholic, protestant and atheist players within the EMC Catholic Church, all to advance the goals of promoting judeo-christian values in the server, looking past real life differences and once more attempting to congregate within one Church.
"With this document, as I told the clergy, the Church secures its future until the end of times in Terra Nova, for it will guide my successor, and his after him, as so forth." - Pope Benedict XVII's official announcement in the Church's discord server
First Vatican Council
Although the second Ecumenical Council in theory, the Pope called for the "First Vatican Council" on July 14th, 2020 in which he ordered all clergy members at the time to return to Rome to an unfinished St. Peters basilica in which they would meet to discuss the first reform and the current status of the Church. Bishops and priests attended the meeting in the Vatican where several key issues were discussed. This event would refine the implementation of the first papal reform into the actual global Church.
The First Archbishop
By the end of July more bishops began to appear within the ranks of the Church, leaders who led town sized ecclesiastical territories who were directly reporting to the Vatican. This sparked the necessity to upscale their authority in order to fit the growing demand of the Church in EMC. On July 22nd of 2020 the Pope appointed the first Archbishop who was not present during the original ecumenical council, Archbishop Einarr, tasking him with leading the Archdioceses of Africa, with its See in Madagascar.
Evangelization in Spain & Russia
On August 21, 2020, the Pope appointed the first Archbishop of Russia and the first Archbishop of Spain, establishing archdioceses in both the Christian nations.
Coronation of Rio Grande Emperor
On August 24th, 2020, the Pope coronated the second emperor of Rio Grande, North Paso, visiting the nation for the second time in his pontificate.
Coronation of Italian Emperor
On August 30th 2020, the Pope was invited to inaugurate the new grand colosseum in his own city of Rome, by its leader and architect, 32Ogre. The roman emperor of Italia, Ogre, took advantage of the situation by asking the Pope to coronate him during this same event which was going to be filled with nation leaders and christians from all the corners of the server. The Pope coronated his old time friend, and then proceeded to officially open the colosseum, where a pvp tournament would be hosted.
"Let the good spirit of sportsmanship always prevail within its walls [the colosseums], and let it always stand for friendly tournaments and for the enjoyment of the people. It is the intent of the Church and Italia, to bring people closer together and make of this community a player friendly one. It is important to always stick to these values of friendship and community, for only then we will truly find the leisure we're looking for in EMC." - Pope Benedict XVII on his inauguration speech
Terra Mariana Heresy
On September 9th, 2020, the state controlled sect of the Church of Terra Mariana adopted a set of theological laws that defined their religious leader as the "Supreme Pontiff" a title that would imply their leader to be the universal pope of christianity, like Pope Benedict XVII was. This sparked outrage in the Vatican which led ecclesiastical officials to speak against this new potential antipope. The existence of a separate christian sect that was alienated to the universal authority of the Holy See was also in direct opposition to the clear terms posed during the first reform.
Ultimately the Church of Terra Mariana opted to remove these terms from their theological laws in an effort to compromise with the Holy See. While they still continued to undermine Church authority in direct opposition with the first reform, Vatican officials turned the other way when it was soon realized their church was lacking activity and morale. Eventually the Church of Terra Mariana went silent due to inactivity and ceased operations. The Pope did not express hostility with the nation of Terra Mariana who were still skeptical in recognizing the authority of the Church, instead opting to calm the roman curia and creating friendly diplomatic channels between the Holy See and the nation.
"The Church of Terra Mariana, while continuing to use Catholics terms such as "Supreme Pontiff" which belongs to the Bishop of Rome and calling themselves Catholic while serving a state, will be referred to as an institution of Heresy." - Cardinal Bernard Albani, Dean of the College of Cardinals
Apostolic Visit to New York
On September 11th, 2020, Pope Benedict and his diplomatic entourage visited for the first time the city of New York, where they visited the 9/11 memorial. The Pope prayed in real life.
Evangelization in France
On September 12th, 2020, Pope Benedict officially appointed the new Archbishop of France, Archbishop Karnakus. Thus creating the new Archdiocese of France. This marked the beginning of a new friendly diplomatic chapter between the nation of France and the Holy See who up to that point had been engaged a reluctant and tense diplomatic policy between each other. France was now allowing the Church to operate freely within its borders.
The Second Reform
On October 18th, 2020, a conference of bishops was held in Vatican City, hosted by the Pope himself. From this conference, the second papal reform emerged. Pope Benedict XVII pledged to open the Church even more so and decentralize it so that the papacy didn't have to micromanage it as much, he also allowed the public to access the Codicis Luris Canonici that up to that point had been reserved for clergy view only. Several key minor reforms and discussions were also held during this event. But most importantly and notably, was the agreement in declaring the end of the first crusade.
"After the Bishops of the Catholic Church from around Terra Nova congregated for the first Episcopal Conference of the Church in the Vatican, the Church has opted to reform itself to be more open and inviting to new members and the public, establishing new edicts and reforms." - Pope Benedict XVII in the Second Papal Reforms
The End of the First Crusade
After months of holy crusade, the nation of Ancient Egypt eventually fell into inactivity. No enemy was left to fight, and the offensive campaigns on the Holy Lands were abandoned by the pagans. During the last month of the crusade, no significant battle was fought. This led the Pope to finally declare victory on October 18th, 2020 at 6:17 PM, Rome time.
"Seeing as our pagan and invasive enemies have fallen into inactivity, disorder and insignificance after months of crusade and war, the last of these seeing no combat at all in a lack of enemies to fight, I declare the first crusade as a triumph of the Church and her allies. This demonstrating the unison of the Holy See and its people, the faithfulness of the members of the Church, its clergy, and the EMC christendom world overall." - Pope Benedict XVII in his victory address
First Christmas Address
On December 24th, 2020, on Christmas Eve, Pope Benedict XVII was broadcasted live by the Associated Press TV giving his first Papal Christmas Address to EMC. In which he spoke about the importance of respecting one another, being at peace with fellow players, and remembering the importance of faith during Christmas.
Apostolic Visit to Corsica
On December 28th, 2020, Pope Benedict visited the island of Corsica where he was given a tour of allegedly the oldest chapel in EMC, and gifted ancient maps of Italy during 2018.
Coronation of Egyptian Monarch
On December 29th, 2020, Pope Benedict traveled once more to the roman province of Aegyptus, this time to coronate its new king, Alsjad.
Excommunication of Thomasfake
The Pope banned a specific player for the first time on January 15th, 2021. Thomasfake, who was previously a deacon in the Church was accused and found guilty of having scammed other players in EMC among other crimes committed against the Church.
Establishment of Vatican News
On January 19th, 2021, the Pope authorized the creation of a new branch within the Vatican that would aid in delivering news and information, Vatican News, which serves within the Church's discord server to this day and delivers news to a handful of other discord servers.
Apostolic Visit to Vinland
On January 25th, 2021, Pope Benedict XVII traveled to the nation of Vinland with his diplomatic entourage to coronate the King of Vinland. During this visit he was given a tour of the nation and a gifted a winter residence.
Apostolic Visit to France
On March 8th, 2021, Pope Benedict XVII traveled for the first time to the nation of France where he was received by the large amount of faithful players of the nation, the majority of which would later on go to create the nation of Francia in open rebellion of the established French monarchy in the future.
Beginning of French Civil Crisis
By March 23rd, 2021, France found itself completely divided and in civil war. The Pope would go on to recognize the nation of Francia as a legitimate separate kingdom from France by coronating its king, this in an effort to achieve a temporary ceasefire and the sit down of both parties, managing to maintain a brief cease fire. On this same day, the Pope officially visited the roman imperial museum in Rome where he pledged to donate artifacts and items.
The Creation of the Jesuit Order
On June 14th, 2021, the Pope authorized the creation of the Jesuit Order, which would be led by the senior Archbishop Einarrr.
Breaking ties with the Francian royalty
On June 23rd, 2021, having been briefed in Vatican City by his security advisors of attempts of espionage and manipulation campaigns at the hands Francia in an effort to shift Church support for them in their civil war, Pope Benedict XVII publicly warned and sent an ultimatum to the Francian leadership ordering their repentance.
"I have been recently made aware of plans of schism and high treason against christendom and the Church. For more than a year now, we christians have prevailed in unison. If the royalty of Francia continues to threaten and attempt espionage against the Holy Catholic Church, I will be forced to the call of action in defense of the Faith. Let this be an ultimatum to the leaders of Francia and those in France who threaten christianity and our quest for a toxic-free server. Repent now... or face the consequences." - Pope Benedict's ultimatum to Francian royalty
The Excommunication of Thanamos
Francia's King, Thanamos' reaction to the ultimatum was the complete denial of Church authority and the breaking of diplomatic ties. In response, Pope Benedict XVII finally excommunicated him. The heresy that Thanamos would unleash in France would later result in the plunging of France into one of the bloodiest conflicts in EMC history.
"I hereby excommunicate Thanamos from the Holy Catholic Church on the basis of heresy, treason, espionage, and the literal denying of Christ by stating "The reality of the world is a temporal world, not a spiritual one", The Holy See no longer recognizes Thanamos as the legitimate catholic King of Francia, as he has broken sacred canon law." - Pope Benedict XVII on the excommunication of Thanamos
Apostolic Visit to the Philippines
On June 24th, 2021, Pope Benedict XVII and his diplomatic entourage visited the nation of the Philippines, who by this point had become the hub of Christianity in Asia, thanks to the efforts of Archbishop Murphy. The Pope celebrated mass.
Elevation of Archbishop Karnakus
On June 30th, 2021, Pope Benedict XVII elevated Archbishop Karnakus to the cardinalate, in direct defiance to Francia who had long rejected his authority and demanded he'd be sent back to Rome.
Completion of St. Peter's Basilica
1 year, 4 months and 14 days after laying the first sandstone, St. Peter's Basilica, the heart of Vatican City and the headquarters of the Catholic Church, was finally complete at the hands of its architect, Pope Benedict XVII, on the day of June 30th, 2021. Pope Benedict would later be quoted saying this was his magnum opus above all else and all other achievements in EMC.
Apostolic Visit to Russia
On July 2nd, 2021, Pope Benedict XVII traveled to St. Petersburg alongside his diplomatic entourage to meet with the Tzar, the Russian clergy, and Russian citizens.
The Funeral of Cardinal Raphael
Cardinal Louis Raphael, original member of the first Ecumenical Council, left EMC for good. On July 3rd, 2021, Pope Benedict himself hosted his funeral in St. Peters Basilica.
The collapse of Francian - Papal relations
On the 3rd of July, 2021, Francia had by this point created a separate christian cult that was under the control of Thanamos, the Pope issued a final ultimatum to Francia to abandon these heretical ideas and repent before it was too late.
"This is the final warning I'm giving Francia, repent now and return to the righteous path before it's too late and I respond in defense of our faith." - Pope Benedict's final ultimatum to Francia
The Second EMC Crusade
Soon after the Pope issued his ultimatum, Francia retaliated in hostility. Pope Benedict XVII would go on to declare the 2nd EMC Crusade on July 3rd, 2021, at 7:33 PM, Rome time. He delivered his official declaration document to the public alongside his statement in the Church discord server.
Belligerents:
- GRE (SPQR, Italia, Aegyptus)
- Zaporizhzhia
- Spain
- Vinland
- Russian Empire
- France
- Victoria Land
- Grand Pueblo Empire
- CSA
- Ohio
- Great Southern
- Omani Sultanate
- Guam
- Minnesota
- Duchy_of_Izhevsk
Just like last time:
Church leadership opted to, like last crusade, combat the heresy with attrition, patience and covert operations. Time would only tell if this was to be an effective strategy.
First Abdication of Thanamos
Thanamos, mounted by tremendous diplomatic pressure, abdicated on July 6th, 2021.
First Official Mass in St. Peter's
On August 2nd, 2021, the inaugural mass of St. Peter's Basilica took place, although an only-clergy reserved event.
The Opening of St. Peter's Basilica
On August 20th, 2021, Pope Benedict XVII stepped out into the balcony which he had stepped out when he was first elected more than a year prior, only this time he had the largest and most detailed structure in the server behind him, as well as the largest and most organized institution behind him too, all this while at the height of support for the crusade. Pope Benedict delivered a speech and then ordered the seals of the Basilica to be removed. Sand doors fell and the project that had remained hidden to the server was now open. The dozens of faithful players that were spectating from the square poured into the basilica, flood the global chat with amazement. Fix himself expressed his amazement to the Pope.
Titles
- The EMC Vicar of Christ
- His Holiness / The Holy Father
- The Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church
- Patriarch of the East and the West
- The Successor to the Prince of the Apostles
- The Archbishop of the Greater Roman Province
- The Bishop of Rome
- The Barer of the Ring of the Fisherman
- The Servant of the Servants of God