Pius VI froze for a moment, but soon puffed out his chest and declared proudly, "The Holy See will attest before everyone, on God's behalf, to the legitimacy of the Bourbon family's royal authority. I can travel to Paris personally to anoint His Majesty Louis.
"Oh, and if you need to suppress certain 'heretics,' the Tribunal will be ready to draft an encyclical for you at any time."
When Joseph remained silent, he gritted his teeth and lowered his voice. "And, whenever you require it, crown a member of the Bourbon royal house Emperor of the 'New Roman Empire.'"
Joseph smiled faintly. "The legitimacy of the throne, even the title of emperor, can only come through my own efforts, not through the Holy See's 'grace.' I don't want to hear about such nebulous things. I want tangible benefits that can truly help France advance."
Pius VI blinked in astonishment. What else could the Holy See do besides these things? Invite Jesus to perform a miracle? If I could actually do that, would I still have to sit here bowing to your whims?
Joseph glanced at him again. "Do you know what makes the Holy See most valuable at present?"
"Naturally, its role as Jesus's spokesman."
Joseph waved a hand. "No. It is the vast church network, and the faithful's immense dependence on the Church in their daily lives."
"So the first thing the Holy See must do is become France's 'liaison' and 'messenger.'"
Pius VI had already grown accustomed to his overbearing attitude and merely asked, "Your Highness, what do you mean by 'liaison' and 'messenger'?"
Joseph said, "As I said earlier, the new Roman alliance will be bound together by trade and finance. And the Holy See is the ideal intermediary to connect countries with differing interests."
The Pope