Chapter 1309: Church Reform, Initiated
The next day.
Joseph realized his planning from the previous day had been somewhat flawed, as his conversation with Lavoisier had concluded in just forty minutes.
It wasn't that he hadn't wanted to elaborate, but rather that he simply didn't know the production process for vulcanized rubber.
Therefore, the information Lavoisier received was essentially just this: thoroughly mix sulfur and rubber, then heat them, and you will obtain a product that is hard, elastic, and wear-resistant.
As Lavoisier departed from Versailles, his expression was solemn. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince expected him to complete the research and development of vulcanized rubber within a year, yet he had received no technical guidance whatsoever.
Yet, at the same time, his heart was alight with excitement. Every task the Crown Prince had assigned him previously had brought him immense prestige and wealth.
This time should prove no different.
'Hmm, if I can complete this task on time, perhaps my noble title will be elevated.'
Meanwhile, Joseph noted it wasn't yet half past nine, so he instructed Eman to prepare a vehicle for Notre-Dame de Paris.
Onlookers then watched in astonishment as Pope Pius VI, clad in solemn vestments, hurried out to greet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince as he alighted from the railcar. They exchanged greetings and walked into the cathedral side by side.
Pius VI displayed no airs whatsoever this time, maintaining an amiable smile as he personally escorted the French Crown Prince to his guest suite.
Joseph surveyed the suite, casting an approving glance at Archbishop Beaumont, who had accompanied them. It was a comfortable suite, undeniably luxurious, yet the kind any prominent noble could occupy. Clearly, no special accommodations had been made for the Pope.
Pius VI, evidently experienced in such matters, had a servant bring the finest Oriental green tea, served without milk or sugar.
Clauzel, however, showed no hesitation. He intercepted the servant, poured himself a cup, and after tasting it, nodded to the Crown Prince, signaling that it was safe.
Only then did Pius VI begin: "Your Royal Highness, ah, the Holy See has officially issued 'Cardinal Archbishop Appointment Letters' to Archbishops Obstern and Franz Egon, and has severely reprimanded Archbishop Maximilian for his improper conduct."
This effectively served as the Roman Curia's endorsement for the two archbishops France had cultivated in North Germany. Receiving a reprimand from the Holy See was an exceedingly serious matter for any clergyman; Maximilian could forget about wielding any future influence over Cologne.
Joseph, however, merely offered a casual "Hmm," appearing utterly unconcerned.
The Westphalian diocese had been established through his own series of diplomatic maneuvers; the Holy See had no choice but to recognize it.
Pius VI glanced at him, then cautiously added, "Your Royal Highness, regarding Muzzarelli... last month, the Holy See resolved that he has no authority to conduct any activities on its behalf. Do you not think that perhaps..."
Joseph picked up his teacup and stated calmly, "If I recall correctly, he holds a plenipotentiary letter issued by you."
Pius VI hastily explained, "That was merely for him to represent me in crowning the King of Baden. Yet, he arbitrarily detained Mr. Friedrich, then overstepped his authority to recognize the Osnabrück diocese, and performed the consecration ceremony for Archbishop Obstern..."
He had, in essence, acted with complete impunity under the banner of the Roman Curia, doing whatever he pleased.
Joseph waved a dismissive hand. "I, for one, believe Archbishop Muzzarelli has performed admirably."
He took a sip of tea, then remarked casually, 'I'm even considering supporting him as a candidate for the next Pope.'
Pius VI visibly flinched.
Presently, among the three major pillars of Catholicism, Austria had been utterly humiliated, and Spain appeared entirely subservient to France.
If France decided to back Muzzarelli, his ascension to the papacy would be virtually assured.
What Pius VI feared most was that someone might not wait for him to be called to God, but would actively "assist" him in vacating his position.
"This... *cough, cough*," he managed, forcing a semblance of calm. "Your Royal Highness, truly, the Holy See offers you its full support. You have no need to involve Muzzarelli any further..."
Joseph nodded. "Hmm, and how exactly will you offer this support?"
"Ah?" Pius VI was momentarily taken aback, then quickly offered, "Well, I understand the war has caused great suffering among the French people. The Holy See has resolved to donate two million Florins to assist them."
Joseph remained silent, evidently unimpressed by the sum.
Pius VI wiped a bead of cold sweat from his brow. "Or, the Holy See could bestow a saint's name upon Your Royal Highness..."
"Let us discuss something more practical."
Pius VI resignedly said, "In your opinion, what would be the most suitable way for the Holy See to offer its support?"
Joseph cast him a fleeting glance. "Firstly, my people have attracted nearly one hundred thousand loyal adherents to the Holy See in North America. The Holy See should appoint at least three Cardinal Archbishops there and provide one million Florins in aid."
"You are absolutely right; it should indeed be so."
"Secondly, do you not find that many clergymen today are preoccupied with secular matters, growing increasingly distant from theological doctrine? I propose that the Ecumenical Council establish a committee to examine the theological knowledge and moral integrity of the clergy, and conduct regular assessments."
The Ecumenical Council functions similarly to a papal parliament; all major legislation and structural changes within the Holy See require its approval. To a great extent, the decisions rendered by the Ecumenical Council hold more restrictive power than those of the Pope himself.
Pius VI blinked, then promptly nodded. "Your suggestion is excellent; it will surely encourage everyone to dedicate more attention to the Holy Bible."
Joseph continued, "Finally, this review committee must establish a branch in Avignon, with its personnel nominated by me. Furthermore, you must unconditionally sign off on all decisions made by this committee."
This time, Pius VI hesitated. The primary issue was that the "review committee" wielded far too much power, effectively reducing him to a mere instrument for signing its decisions.
Seeing his hesitation, Joseph smiled faintly. 'If you find this unacceptable, I can simply wait until Archbishop Muzzarelli becomes Pope and then inquire about his opinion.'
Pius VI immediately gritted his teeth. "All your demands shall be met!"
"I knew it; you are a devout and respectable man," Joseph said, raising his teacup to him. "I will advise Archbishop Muzzarelli to return to Rome as soon as possible."
"Oh, and the charitable funds you intended for the French populace should be allocated directly to the Industrial Development Fund, in my name."
Half an hour later, Joseph, a broad smile on his face, exited Notre-Dame de Paris alongside the Pope. He then publicly invited the pontiff to France to attend the World Cup football tournament, set to begin next month.
Indeed, his mood was exceptionally good.
Having secured the potent instrument of the "Religious Review Committee," France's church reform was already halfway to success.
One should note that while the high-ranking officials of this institution were all his own appointees, it was nominally established by the Holy See. Thus, even if the reforms displeased French clergymen, their only recourse would be to vent their frustrations to the Holy See in Rome.
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