Franz and Pius IX's conversation left everyone around them utterly bewildered. Weren't these two supposed to be mortal enemies?
Weren't they supposed to be trying to force the other to yield? So why were they singing the same tune now? And how had the crisis in Rome suddenly become Austria's crisis?
"Your Holiness, I have always believed in God and in your virtue. Someone must have falsely claimed to speak in your name, trying to shake our faith in the Lord."
Franz's words only left everyone more confused. Pius IX had openly declared war in the Vatican. How could that possibly have been faked?
Just then, Pius IX spoke.
"My child, it was the devil's scheme. They have occupied the Holy City, and even the soldiers on the front lines have been bewitched by them!"
Inadvertently, Pius IX revealed several things with those words: he had not only lost Rome, but also lost command of his army.
Franz was somewhat speechless. To be honest, he hadn't expected Pius IX to have lost control of the troops as well. But even if Pius IX still had an army, without food or money he would still have come to Franz for help.
"Your Holiness, please rest assured. The House of Habsburg and Austria have always been the most devout believers.
"But I need you to issue a decree, allowing us to help you return to the Holy City."
"No problem, my child. I've already prepared everything!"
Pius IX produced a parchment scroll and handed it to Franz with great ceremony.
April 21, 1848.
Pope Pius IX officially declared that the Roman government were followers of the devil, and announced that he would support Austria's just war against evil.
At the same time, the Pope issued the Proclamation to the People of the