Ecclesiastical Synod of 1578

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COLLEGE OF CARDINALS

Cardinal Yaroslav, Prefect for the Causes of Saints

Cardinal Fabian the Lesser, Prefect for the Doctrine of Faith

Cardinal Godwin, Pontifical Chamberlain

Cardinal Idelfose, Apostolic Nuncio

Cardinal Bernard, Vice-Chancellor

 

Within the great hall of the Cathedral of Saint Thomas, the five gathered cardinals sit solemnly in grief with the death of the Vicar of God. Funeral processions are organized for the late pontifical head as the five red-clad holy men shuffle into the secluded room, closed and locked till the next successor is chosen.

 

The Cardinal Fabian opens with prayer, all heads bowed low:

 

"In nomine Patris, et Orenius, et Exaltus Honorem,

"Heavenly Creator, walk with us as our mediator and judge to endow us with a sound mind and contrite heart in the election of the next Vicar of God. Grant, we pray, that by your infinite wisdom and omnipotence that whomever is chosen shall reflect Your mercy, compassion, strength, and duty in the exercising of this great Holy Office. This we ask in prayer, in the name of all Aenguls, all saints, and the universal church,

"So say we all."

 

And so the deliberation began, each Cardinal speaking their mind if needed and placing their written votes into the lock-box one by one.

[VIROS 2915]

Cardinal Fabian the Lesser rises from his seat, recently reinvigorated at the hands of a Canonist doctor of medicine. "Your Eminences, in my time on this earth I have served in the synod of more High Pontiffs than any other. I have thrice attended ecumenical council before the Holy Emperor, and seen the movement of our church across two continents. In this time I have always been a faithful advisor to whomever held the laurel of Horen; I believe now it is the will of God that I take it up myself. Thank you, and Lord bless us all."

 

Cardinal Fabian casts his vote.

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Cardinal Bernard stands soon after, clearing his throat with a loud gurgle. He speaks out,

 

"Dearest brothers in faith, our Most Holy Church has seen such a terrible loss this past eve, the death of His Holiness will be remembered in the annals of history for all eternity. Despite such a saddening occasion, it is our duty to choose a new Vicar among ourselves in order to continue to lead the faithful upon the path of righteousness. Of course, this is easier said than done.

 

"A Pontiff must be strong in faith, strong in will, and loyal to God's Law above all else. It is no secret that our Church has seen better days, the old days of Lucien I to the more recent Everard II, may they post rest in the skies, are long gone. Our influence is waning, our clerical body has fallen into degeneracy and disrepair. We clamor to our sacred throne yet what have to show for it? Man marries elf by Canonist priests' hands, heretical beliefs are freely shouted in the streets before this very cathedral. We have fallen, my brothers, fallen from what the Church should be.

 

"That is why I, the Creator's most humble servant, place myself forward as candidate for the Pontifical Throne. And I pray, that with God's help, I will be able to help correct the path of our Church."

 

He places his vote into the lock-box.

[Gnomistry 1115]

Cardinal Yaroslav stays seated for a while in contemplation, he listens to the words of his Brother Cardinals reflecting on the past two Pontiffs. After a long while of reflection he rises with a ballot sheet in hand.

 

“Almighty Father, enthroned at the peak of the Seven Skies. Ruler of all, if it is your plan, strengthen our new Pontiff. Allow him to emulate you in all ways possible. May your will be done. Amen.”

 

Yaroslav then slides the ballot into the box and returns back to his seat.

[The Great Mongol Khan 1110]

Godwin Rothgard casts his vote, "Despite our sorrow, the future shall be filled with strength and steadfast action. Blessed be this vote I cast in favor of the Vicar of GOD. LORD guide us as we walk our next path."

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A monk reads the votes out to the gathered cardinals after each has given their lot, his voice echoing throughout the chambers:

 

"Cardinal Fabian,

Cardinal Bernard..

Cardinal Bernard,

Cardinal Fabian, and..

 

Cardinal Bernard."

 

The monk bows his head low, the doors unlocked. The College has selected their new Pontiff.