Talleyrand paused for a moment, then a flash of fanaticism and expectation crossed his eyes, but he kept his head slightly lowered and said in a probing tone, "Your Highness, how do you plan to handle this unexpected event?"
A smile appeared on Joseph's face. "The Holy Father is coming to France to seek refuge. To be precise, the entire Holy See is moving to Avignon."
"This is simply wonderful." Talleyrand's voice rose by an octave in excitement. "Thank God, the Holy See will gain long-term peace and stability. Our country will also be able to better fulfill its duty as the protector of the Holy See!"
As a top-tier diplomatic expert, he knew all too well how much benefit the Holy See's move to Avignon could bring to France.
He had just been worried that the Regent would consider the opinions of the Holy See and devotion to God, and thus be unwilling to "receive" the Pope.
Now it seemed there was no need for him to advise at all; the Regent was clearly much more enthusiastic about this matter than he was.
From now on, the center of Catholicism would come to France. At the same time, based on its huge influence over the Church, the means available to France in politics, diplomacy, and culture would also become extremely rich.
For instance, the image of the "European Arbiter" that France had been working hard to shape could henceforth bring along a papal decree of peace when mediating wars in other countries, and no matter who it was, they would have to give some face.
Even the diplomats responsible for mediation could directly hold the identity of papal special envoys.
There was also the appointment of archbishops in various countries, especially in some small nations, where the Holy See