The Olympics

In Catholicism, homosexuality is theoretically considered a serious sin. If confirmed, it would absolutely warrant excommunication. However, in reality, homosexuality is quite common, even semi-open, among high-ranking nobles and clergy. In fact, almost no one really takes it seriously. Therefore, the Pope's sudden dispatch of an investigation into this matter is truly intriguing.

Because if someone with ulterior motives wants to frame someone, being gay is a very common and effective accusation. For example, when King Philip IV of France wanted to get rid of his creditors and also rob them of their money, he used Pope Clement V, who was residing in Avignon, to declare his creditors Knights Templar, to be heretics who had committed the crime of collective homosexuality. He then had the Knights Templar burned at the stake. Since then, accusing someone of being gay has become a common method of framing them. Especially for the France, it's practically a traditional skill.

Austria reacted immediately, with Emperor Fritz issuing a statement declaring it utterly shameless slander and an insult to Austria. His Majesty Emperor Fritz stated that he believed the Pope must have been misled by his advisors to make such an absurd decision. To prove his innocence, and for the sake of God and justice, he decided to immediately...

They dared not immediately launch a military campaign to purge the Pope's inner circle, at least not now. Although directly launching a military campaign to purge the Pope's inner circle could be considered a traditional skill of the Holy Roman Empire Emperors, they were currently separated from the Papal States by the France Italian Legion. In addition, some nobles within the country seemed to be insecure and were quite inclined to take this opportunity to cause trouble. Therefore, Emperor Fritz II had no choice but to immediately send Archduke John as an envoy to the Pope to plead with him to rescind his order.

According to historical records, Archduke John had an unpleasant argument with the Pope, and naturally failed to persuade the Pope. Instead, the Pope was forced to face what was not very sufficient so-called "evidence" and hastily concluded that Fritz II had apostasy.

Of course, this is the most reliable account from history books. However, some less reliable rumors describe the event in a different way.

According to some conscientious historians, after Archduke John met His Holiness the Pope and completed his greetings, the Archduke John dismissed his attendants, leaving only the two of them in the drawing room. Archduke John then said, "Your Majesty, that * the Sun * is a lowly tabloid, utterly despicable and shameless, rarely seen in the world. But His Majesty is devout and noble, as clear as the sun and moon. How could Your Majesty, because of..."

Before he could finish speaking, the Pope suddenly closed his eyes, wept, and sighed, "Your Grace need not say more. I know that what the Sun said should not be taken seriously. However, investigating this matter was not my intention... The Holy See had no other choice; otherwise, how could it have come to this? But Your Grace need not worry about His Majesty the Emperor. There will be a day when His Majesty will be exonerated. And His Majesty will surely see that day."

Seeing the Pope's pitiful state, Archduke John knew that the matter was not orchestrated by the Pope. After receiving Metternich's letter, they naturally knew it was all a France conspiracy. Therefore, he didn't know what to say and could only sigh, "Your Majesty, when will the results of this investigation be available?"

Archduke John knew that the Pope had little say in this matter, since none of them could defeat the France. Indeed, truth always lies in the hands of the mighty.

Since the Pope cannot make a decision on this matter, the outcome of the investigation is naturally uncertain. Now, all we can do is try to slow down the investigation process a little.

"Alas, Your Grace, you are aware of the current situation at the Holy See, so I will not conceal anything from you. They have already written down the investigation findings and punishment decisions, only the dates are still blank. However, I have heard that the France are preparing for a truly serious blasphemy, and the investigation findings and punishment decisions will be announced when that matter is completed. However, Your Majesty need not worry too much, as the decision to exonerate will also be made soon after this matter is completed. The time frame will not exceed one month."

Now, the Pope has shown his sincerity to the fullest extent possible. And Archduke John has no choice but to lament in this situation.

The France were preparing for something big, and Duke John knew what it was. Napoleon was known throughout the world for his ambition and love of grand achievements. Recently, he proposed a brand new plan: to promote world peace by reviving the ancient Olympic Games, a tradition that had been interrupted for over 1,400 years.

The ancient Olympic Games were inextricably linked to the traditional religions of Greece and Rome. They were part of the rituals performed to worship Zeus, the king of the gods. Therefore, after Rome Theodosius I declared Christianity the state religion in 393 AD, the Olympic Games were deemed a pagan activity and were abolished.

Now these France people are openly declaring that they want to revive this pagan activity. If this isn't apostasy, then what is? If this isn't heresy, then what is?

However, this is not apostasy, nor is it heresy. Whoever dares to say this is apostasy or heresy, the devout France people, who have always insisted on persuading others with the truth, will certainly persuade him without hesitation with the truth of democracy and freedom.

Therefore, even the Holy See had to acknowledge that the France idea was excellent, especially the Olympic Truce. Cease all acts of war during the Games demonstrates God's love for humanity and is an expression of God's love for the world. So, if you were to ask His Holiness the Pope whether he supports it, how could he not? Does the Pope think the scenery in Avignon is more beautiful?

Therefore, His Holiness the Pope will not only support the Games, but will also personally bless them on behalf of God when the Games open.

Of course, considering that the Games themselves require a lot of preparation, estimated to take at least two years, Emperor Fritz II still has enough time to make the necessary preparations.

After his brief but frank conversation with the Pope, Duke John didn't linger in Rome for even a second longer. He left the Palace of the Popes in the Vatican, immediately boarded a carriage, and departed Rome, heading back to Austria overnight.

Metternich then began a frenzied campaign in France, and in a short period of time, France reached a series of cooperation agreements with Austria.