Papal States (Merveiles du Monde Map Game)

Papal States ‎Status Ecclesiasticus (Latin) Stato Pontificio (Italian) Timeline: Merveilles du Monde (Map Game)
History: 754 - Present
Coat of arms
Capital (and largest city)		Rome
Official languages		Latin
Common language		Italian
Ethnic groups		Italian
Religion		Roman Catholic
Demonym		Papal
Government		Absolute elective thoecracy
-	Pope	Boniface VIII
Legislature		College of Cardinals
History
-	Established	754
-	Treaty of Venice	1177

The Papal States is a nation in Europe. It is considered the center of the Roman Catholic denomination of Christianity and as such is a major force in current European geopolitics. For much of Christianity's history the city has been considered the center of the faith and the Bishop of Rome, typically referred to as the Pope, as its leader. After the fall of Rome and the departure of Eastern Roman forces, the Pope managed to consolidate his power and began to exert his authority, first as an agent of the new Holy Roman Empire and eventually on its own.

For much of the Medieval Era the Papacy commanded considerable respect and influence, as faith was the guiding principle that united much of Europe at this time. The Pope regularly flexed its influence when able and willing, although the changing of keys did lead to considerable policy changes at times. Despite this, the Pope gradually won the battle for primacy against the Holy Roman Emperor, concluding that while the Emperor was the greater earthly authority, the Pope was the representative of God on Earth and therefore was the greater.

At other times, the Pope would listen to the appeal of other states and excommunicate those it felt had strayed from the divine path. Other times the Pope would declare a crusade against heretics and heathens who threatened the direct integrity of the faith or the safety of its holy places, most notably in the Holy Land of the Levant.

Foreign Relations

Positive Relations

Neutral Relations

• Aragon: Used to be excommunicated, now ally.
• Achaea: Archbishop of Patras elevated by Callixstus IV

Negative Relations

• France: Killed Callixstus IV
• Siena: Leaked the Papal monetary offer

Government/Divisions

1294-1303: Pope Boniface VIII

1304-1306: Pope Callixstus IV

1307- : Pope John XXI