Catholic Church
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Church Goals And Objectives
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The Holy Catholic Church is the institution responsible for the guidance, protection, and administration of the Christian faith on EarthMC. The Church represents both a living community of Christians on the server and an essential roleplay organization that engages in geopolitics in the sandbox that is EarthMC by guiding nations and their leaders towards peace and harmony. While there are many varying denominations of Christianity in real life, Christians on EarthMC from all backgrounds, who share the same morality and mission, have united together under the Holy Catholic Church to maintain a strong Christian community and root out toxicity on the server.
Our Discord Server
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๐. The Holy Catholic Church in EarthMC does NOT exist to function as a roleplay group, but rather to serve as a welcoming community for the Christian player base of the server.
๐๐. The Holy Catholic Church shall provide refuge to all players who find themselves in a state of mental distress in an effort to give guidance to vulnerable players in what is sometimes seen as an apathetic server.
๐๐๐. The Holy Catholic Church shall assist players on EarthMC who find themselves without the necessary materials to provide for themselves on the server.
๐๐. The Holy Catholic Church shall inspire the greater EarthMC community to adopt the values of Christianity.
๐. The Holy Catholic Church shall strive to achieve peace in all regions of the server and ensure proper justice is served to those who wish to create unwarranted conflict.
๐๐. The Holy Catholic Church on EarthMC shall remind the Christian players of the server of their real life and that, even in virtual communities, Christians must abide by the teachings of Christ and His Church. Love and compassion trump hate and wrath. The Christians of EarthMC should speak out against heresy on the server in defense of their faith and spread the gospel of Christ, but the Church does not intend to preach the real canonical religious stances or laws of the Roman Catholic Church.
Canon Law
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The Code of Canon Law is a series of books that establish the laws, functions, procedures, customs, and behavioral guidelines all faithful members should follow on EarthMC. This document serves as the backbone of the Church as it guides its day-to-day operations. To understand the nature and purpose of the Church, it is recommended that one reads the document.
Click Here To Read The Canon Law
Church Hierarchy
The Pope: The EMC Vicar of Christ, The Holy Father, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Patriarch of the East and the West, Successor to the Prince of the Apostles, Archbishop of the Greater Roman Province, Bishop of Rome, Barer of the Ring of the Fisherman, Servant of the Servants of God. (His Holiness)
Cardinals: Only clergy eligible to become Pope in succession of the last. Leaders, representatives and voices of the Church. (His Eminence)
Archbishops: Leaders of large ecclesiastical territories. They are sometimes given the honorary title of Patriarch, depending on the region they lead. (His Excellency)
Auxiliary Archbishops: Assistants to Archbishops who hold their authority in times of vacancy or haven't yet been promoted. (Most Reverend)
Bishops: Leaders of smaller ecclesiastical regions. (Most Reverend)
Priests: Representatives of the Catholic Church. Tasked with spreading the word of Christ. (Father)
Nuns, Missionaries & Deacons: Tasked with helping other clergy members and spreading the word of Christ. (Mother, Sister, Brother)
Holy Orders
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Holy orders, or religious orders, are direct subcategories of the clergy that allow clergymen to choose their role within the Church. The main clerical holy orders of the Holy Catholic Church are the following:
๐ฟ๐๐ค๐๐๐จ๐๐ฃ ๐พ๐ก๐๐ง๐๐ฎ: Ordinary Priesthood - The Diocesan Clergy are ordinary clergy members that attend to the needs of their local assigned parishes. They obediently follow the assignments placed by their Bishop and live a regular apostolic life.
๐ ๐๐จ๐ช๐๐ฉ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ง: Society of Jesus - The Jesuits are scholars of the Church. These clergymen take to the studies and procure the education of other clergymen regarding Canon Law. They are mainly tasked with the recruitment of more priests and are characterized by their obedience to the Pope.
๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐๐๐จ๐๐๐ฃ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ง: Order of St. Francis of Assisi - The Franciscans are the de facto missionaries of the Church. These are clergymen who frequently travel to evangelize nations out of the main influence circles of the Church to further the borders of Christendom. They are characterized by their humility in the usage of different attire from the rest of the clergy and bear the special title of Friar.
๐ฝ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ง: Order of St. Benedict - The Benedictines are the artisans and workers of the Church. These members are notable for their building skills, map art creation, and collection, their passion for architecture and the churches they build across Terra Aurora.
๐ฟ๐ค๐ข๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ฃ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ง: Order of Preachers The Dominicans are the defenders of the faith. These hardcore members of the clergy pride themselves on their commitment to promoting the moral principles of the faith, giving fiery speeches and lectures to the faithful, and eradicating all threats to the Church.
Popes:
His Holiness, Saint Alexander IX - Supreme Pontiff, (former) leader of the Catholic Church.
His Holiness, Saint Benedict XVII - Supreme Pontiff, (former) leader of the Catholic Church.
His Holiness, Clement XV - Supreme Pontiff, (former) leader of the Catholic Church.
His Holiness, Pius XIII - Supreme Pontiff, (Emeritus) leader of the Catholic Church.
His Holiness, John Paul III - Supreme Pontiff, current leader of the Catholic Church.
Cardinals:
His Eminence, Cardinal Albani - Dean of the College of Cardinals, Secretary of State, Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith.
His Eminence, Cardinal Awuzup - Secretary of the Economy, Congregation for Culture, Dicastery for Communication.
His Eminence, Cardinal Quarox - Congregation for the Clergy.
His Eminence, Cardinal Luke - Cardinal Vicar, Prefect of the Papal Household.
His Eminence, Cardinal Randov- Archbishop of North America.
Archbishops:
His Beatitude, the Patriarch of Russia, _TNTBlake_
His Excellency, the Archbishop of Western Europe, FarryHatcher
His Excellency, the Archbishop of Australia, GamingToast
His Excellency, the Archbishop of the Philippines, 1lum1nat1
His Excellency, titular Archbishop in Rome, CreeperRCS
Auxiliary Archbishops:
His Excellency,Auxiliary Archbishop of Eastern Europe,Omega
Bishops:
The Most Reverend, Bishop Henricky
The Most Reverend, Bishop 32Bguns
The Most Reverend, Bishop S11Daniels
The Most Reverend, Bishop Virelie
The Most Reverend, Bishop ColtonTopGun
The Most Reverend, Bishop Hambellux
The Most Reverend, Bishop Backinblack240
The Most Reverend, Bishop FleischKiste144
The Most Reverend, Bishop oGMJ
The Most Reverend, Bishop Xixios
The Most Reverend, Bishop Indigo
The Most Reverend, Bishop Bryan
The Most Reverend, Bishop Michael
The Most Reverend, Bishop TGST
The Most Reverend, Bishop MakRouss
The Most Reverend, Bishop Zmeus
The Most Reverend, Bishop Ruben
The Most Reverend, Bishop Sinelin
The Most Reverend, Bishop Vladie57
The Most Reverend, Bishop Atti
The Most Reverend, Bishop RandomGuy
Dioceses and Archdioceses
Archdiocese of Rome
Archdiocese of Africa - College of Cardinals
Archdiocese of Australia - Archbishop GamingToast
Archdiocese of the British Isles
Archdiocese of Jerusalem - Cardinal Quarox
Archdiocese of Eastern Europe - Cardinal Luke
Archdiocese of Western Europe - Archbishop FarryHatcher
Archdiocese of North America - Cardinal Randov
Archdiocese of the Philippines - Archbishop 1lum1nat1
Archdiocese of Russia - Patriarch TNTBlake
Diocese of Antartica
Diocese of Antipolo
Diocese of Brazil
Diocese of Baltics
Diocese of Central America
Diocese of Poland
Diocese of Scandinavia
Diocese of Korea
Diocese of Genoa
Diocese of Siberia
Diocese of Greece
Diocese of West Levant
Diocese of East Levant
| Archdiocese of Jerusalem | Archdiocese of the Philippines | Archdiocese of Eastern Europe | Archdiocese of Western Europe | Archdiocese of Russia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of East Levant | Diocese of Antipolo | Diocese of Poland | Diocese of Genoa | Diocese of Siberia |
| Diocese of West Levant | Diocese of Korea | Diocese of Greece | Diocese of France | |
| Diocese of Baltics | Diocese of iberia |
Historia Ecclesiae
The Roman Catholic Church of EarthMC has existed for over 5 years on the server and has seen many Cardinals, Archbishops, and Clergy alike. Its composition of over 700 faithful members makes it one of the biggest and most united communities on EarthMC to date. The purpose of this Wiki page is to document and share the rich history and founding of the EMC Vatican.
Undergoing many accounts of public scrutiny since its founding, the RCC has continued to be a beacon of hope in EMC's toxic environment. Hosting regular RP events, the Church is often mistaken as a RP (Roleplay) group on this server. Instead, it is a united front of all faithful members who gather to share their faith and beliefs under our Church, consistently proving the values of love for one another.
"๐๐ค๐ซ๐ ๐๐จ ๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐; ๐ก๐ค๐ซ๐ ๐๐ค๐๐จ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ ๐๐ฃ๐ซ๐ฎ ๐ค๐ง ๐๐ค๐๐จ๐ฉ; ๐๐ฉ ๐๐จ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ ๐๐ง๐ง๐ค๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐ค๐ง ๐ง๐ช๐๐. ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ค๐๐จ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ ๐๐ฃ๐จ๐๐จ๐ฉ ๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐ฉ๐จ ๐ค๐ฌ๐ฃ ๐ฌ๐๐ฎ; ๐๐ฉ ๐๐จ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ ๐๐ง๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ค๐ง ๐ง๐๐จ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ช๐ก; ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ค๐๐จ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ ๐ง๐๐๐ค๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐ง๐ค๐ฃ๐๐๐ค๐๐ฃ๐, ๐๐ช๐ฉ ๐ง๐๐๐ค๐๐๐๐จ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ง๐ช๐ฉ๐. ๐๐ค๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐๐ง๐จ ๐๐ก๐ก ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐จ, ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ซ๐๐จ ๐๐ก๐ก ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐จ, ๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐จ ๐๐ก๐ก ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐จ, ๐๐ฃ๐๐ช๐ง๐๐จ ๐๐ก๐ก ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐จ."
๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ 13: 4โ7
De Tempore ALEXANDRI P. P. IX .
The Beginnings of the Church
Pope Alexander IX was the first Supreme Pontiff of the EarthMC Roman Catholic Church who served as the head of the Church and the Vatican City from February 10th, 2020 until his resignation on March 3rd, 2020.
(Note: Pope Alexander IX's reign was before the establishment of proper documentation, most of the following information is from witness accounts, and therefore, is without detail)
Election
Pope Alexander IX was elected in a private ceremony between Cardinal Alastair, Cardinal Angelo, Cardinal Albani, Cardinal Raphael, and Cardinal Smirnov where Cardinal Smirnov was elected to serve as the first Pope.
Creation of the Church
Pope Alexander IX was the Pope during the very early days of the EarthMC Roman Catholic Church and was responsible for overseeing the construction of the Vatican City and laying the foundations for the Church itself for many months to come as a movement, not a structure.
Pope Alexander IX used his leadership skills to ensure that the EarthMC Roman Catholic Church started on the right foot towards success. Once the Church began to gain recognition from the Greater Roman Empire, Pope Alexander IX believed that he had done his duty and wished to hand the responsibility off to new blood.
End of Papacy
Pope Alexander IX announced his resignation from his position as the Pope, Supreme Pontiff, Holy Father, and Bishop of Rome on March 3rd, 2020 privately in a group chat with the College of Cardinals. No ceremony was held for Pope Alexander IX due to the Church being in its state of youth.
Position of Cardinal
Pope Alexander IX, now Aleksey Smirnov, wished to hold the position of Cardinal prior to his resignation and was appointed by Pope Benedict XVII (his successor) after the Second Papal Conclave on April 11th, 2020.
Resignation
On the 28th of September, 2020, Pope Alexander IX, now Cardinal Smirnov, announced in a letter to the clergy that he was leaving the EarthMC Roman Catholic Church.
De Tempore BENEDICTVS P. P. XVII .
EarthMC's Longest Reigning Pope
Pope Benedict XVII, previously known as Angelo_Cardinalis, was the 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.
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. Letโs try to keep it at that. Letโs keep the peace between players, and letโs 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 wonโt 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.
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.
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
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
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 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 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
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.
The Funeral of Pope BenedictXVII
On Monday, July 4th, at 11:26 AM UTC Pope Benedict XVII was pronounced deceased and delivered his final message to the people of EMC. During his time he completed the greatest feats of all EMC Pope's including the biggest non-staff related event, as well as one of the most grand structures of EMC, St. Peter's Basillica.
His commitment and dedication to peace and love for all players stands as a beacon of hope for all those lost in sin and need the love of God. His funeral was the biggest event on Terra Nova and was attended by many players and past enemies of the Church.
Being EMC's longest reigning Pope of 2 years, he showed true exemplitory acts of kindness and compassion, rest in peace.
Canonization as Saint of the Church
Due to the many achievements of Saint Benedict XVII he was declared a Saint of the Church on Sunday September 8th 2022 by Pope Clement XV.
Current EMC Pope
The Current Pope is John Paul III (formerly known as PerseusV), elected at the start of october. After his election, he started the activities of the Petrine Ministry, and he also started various works of renovation in Rome.
2024 Conclave
The Conclave of 2024 has been the longest in the history of the EMC Church, with 2 days of votes and 2 weeks of Sede Vacante.