The Vatican Observer
February 1516

Applications

Canon Kvar of the Aldobrandini was elated to receive a visitation from Ginevra, one of the most well respected ladies of the Papal court. Regrettably his elation was not to last, as any dreams he had of Ginevra having selected him for greatness were soon dispelled when she revealed that she was here to urge him to step aside. Ginevra left his palazzo within the hour and by the end of the day Kvar’s life in the clergy was over. The next day Ginevra was seen again in the company of an Aldobrandini Canon as she was introducing Vittorio Gregorio Magliano around a few select courtiers, Vittorio having been elevated from the priesthood to take Kvar’s place.

Whether Seminarian or Archbishop, laconic or long-winded, public speaking has often proven itself to be a trial for many a man of the cloth. Master its nuances and you can entrance a congregation and sway a city to your will, but fail to do so and obscurity waits. Little wonder then that the Cicero School of Oratory is a popular destination for many men of ambition, and the role of Oratory instructor a most valued position. Though interest was high Banchello Carparelli, the Director of the School, quickly narrowed his choice to three suitable candidates. Major di Miteli, the current instructor, had of course requested to maintain his position though Padre Zamboni, who shares the Majors allegiance to the Barberini, had also written to the Director to offer his time. Finally Padre Vittorio Magliano, now Canon Magliano of course, had approached the school to express his interest in taking up the post. Perhaps the fact that both Major di Miteli and Padre Zamboni were in Bologna had something to do with the Director’s decision, out of sight is said to be out of mind, or perhaps it was the Canon’s higher standing in the church but the director decided that Magliano should speak at the school in future. It has, most certainly, been a blessed month for Canon Magliano.

Meanwhile at the Tacitus School of Administration another Director was wrestling with the same decision as he looked at the role of Administration instructor. It seemed to many that the only men suitable for consideration were Domenico Facente, the incumbent instructor, and Canon Magliano who had seemingly applied for both instructorships. As the current instructor Facente was perhaps the most likely to be chosen, but there were rumours abroad that Facente and the School’s Director had recently had a most unpleasant conversation regarding Facente’s recent confrontation at court. Following this private conversation the Director is said to have avoided Facente entirely and has, it is said, expressed grave concerns about the Maestro’s character. Whether these rumours are true or not the Director did not renew Facente’s tenure and, as Magliano had already found employment, settled on the noted courtier Fecino Bonacelli.

Around the markets

The Markets of Rome were quiet this month past, with most engaged on the current Mission or deep in study. Maestro Facente was seen making his customary purchases of vellum, goose quills, paper and inks and was seen most promptly to settle his rent and stable fees. Less common for the Maestro was that, in addition to his usual simple culinary purchases, he was seen buying fine pastries from Alvaros. It would appear the Maestro is planning to enjoy the days before Lent with such delicacies, for it is well known that he takes the duty to fast during that time most seriously.

Deacon Penaccini, who spent much time this month past at the Esquiline, was seen to gladden the hearts of that fine establishment buying their choicest wines and eating the finest dishes their kitchen could offer. Truly it is said that at the Esquiline they hold Deacon Penaccini as one of their most valued members.

And so, next month perhaps some shall return from the missions and so enliven the markets of Rome. Until then, the merchants must thank the Maestro and the Deacon for supporting them during this cold season.

Debates

Gentle readers, this month Rome has been sadly bereft of the joys of the arts rhetorical. Perhaps the Winter chill and lack of parties is to blame, and with so many on Missions spending their energies in service rather than dispute. We must hope indeed that next month shall see greater disputation, though I fear it may well be March and the return from the Missions before we are again blessed with that most noble of pasttimes, the learned debate.

Court Companionship

Unfortunately, my doubts of last month were justified. With most of the eligible young men away on a mission, Roma was a quiet place. Indeed, the only action during the entire month was a visit by Sforza Deacon Federico Capellini to a salon in the second week. I doubt he learned much, as there wasn't anyone around to gossip about, but he seemed to come away satisfied with the results. Perhaps next month will be more interesting.

Much Ado About...

Miei amici,

Once more, many of Roma's more illustrious members of society are away at the Papal Missions. Of those that remain, most are busy at their crafts and offices and researches, and so the salons and banquet halls have been populated most often by persons of No Particular Consequence. Regrettably, those with a taste for scandal, or anecdotes of great wit, must sup elsewhere this month. It can at best be said that people gathered and ate, presumably, food, and drank, with some degree of certainty, wine, and conversed, it may be surmised, with words.

May the return of our luminaries from the missions be an occasion to provide us with much headier fare for next month.

E finito.

Ineamus Ad Discendum Exeamus Ad Merendum

Once again the schools of Rome were full of learned men, each seeking to improve themselves so that they can better serve their factions and His Holiness.

In the first week the schools were quiet, perhaps due to the uncertainty about which men would be appointed tutors and so who would take each course. Deacon Jerome Ficolo used this time to entertain his companion, Sophia, at the Esquiline and in like spirit so too did Deacon Penaccini entertain Lusanna at that same establishment.

With the second week however, and the certainty of appointments made and appointments lost, the schools grew busier. Deacon Ficolo attended the Horace School of Etiquette, as did Deacon Penaccini. Have these two become friends? No word of such has reached me, but can coincidence alone explain their visiting the same club and the same school in so short a time? Only the Deacons themselves know for sure, if they have not then surely they shall in time so similar are their interests. Also in the second week, Padre Vittorio Gregorio Magliano began to teach at the Cicero School of Oratory. Word has it his class was well received and his students most appreciative, we here salute the good Father as he shares his own gifts of oratory with those less skilled in this most vital of crafts.

Come the third week, Deacon Penaccini came to the Horace to improve his own oratorical gift, while Padre Magliano took an opportunity to attend the Cato School of Presence. It is said Deacon Capellini spent his own time at the salons, doubtless engaged in philosophical discourse and so improving his mind in that fashion. Deacon Ficolo continued to study Etiquette, showing great dedication to this gentlest of arts. Would that Deacon Capellini had chosen this week in which to study, for instead he chose to entertain himself at the Esquiline where he fell into dispute with a gentleman deep in his cups who took umbrage for some slight of which we have no details. This gentleman, a man of Spain it is believed, came near to striking the good Deacon and harsh words were exchanged. Unfortunate Capellini! It would seem that this man, the identity of which we have not yet learned, had the ear of men most close to the Papal throne for word reached the Deacon some few days later that it would be best if he were to leave Rome until such time as he had distinguished himself on a Mission. Powerful men make powerful enemies, and until the Deacon can return to Rome wreathed in glory he is disgraced at the Papal court for only glory can still the tongues of jealous princes. Let us hope we hear more shortly of the details of this unfortunate affair, of the words exchanged, the identity of the Spaniard and of what forces marshalled against the Deacon to so cause his disgrace.

With the fourth week, Deacon Ficolo studied yet further at the Horace, with three weeks uninterrupted study surely he must now be the most mannered man in all Rome? Padre Magliano joined the Deacon and so having taught oratory and studied presence, rounded out the month by improving his own habits so as to round out his most studious month. Deacon Penaccini chose to break from his studies, attending the Esquiline where he placed a number of bets as he is wont to do and it is said won more than he lost. Let none say that study does not better a man, for Deacon Penaccini studied much of the month and ended it richer than he began.

Sacred Mass

Men of Rome, can there be any among you so pious as Padre Magliano, Deacon Ficolo and Maestro Facente? In the first week of this month each of these men, regular attenders at Holy Mass, were seen giving praise and drinking deep of this most sublime of ceremonies.

Others, perhaps shamed by our words of this month just past, joined the missions and of their actions another shall write. Let us hope that in service at least they may redeem their disturbing lack of piety, for when last was a Borgia seen in prayer or a Canon other than the learned Canon Blatti seen of his own will serving his fellow men?

Come to mass men of Rome, come and drink deep of that mercy which may never be exhausted. Let not the vain ambitions and petty greed of lesser men distract you from this, most vital of sacraments.

Court and Social

The Pope will host the following events at the Lateran Palace, Rome
In the first week: Grand Ball
In the second week: Conclave
In the third week: No event
In the fourth week: Conclave

Upcoming Debates

None

Positions Vacant

Papal Translator
Papal Cartographer
Chief Researcher
Chief Scholar

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

Cold winds bringing with them a light covering of snow arrived in Bologna and in its wake came His Holiness Pope Leo X bringing with him two chapters of the Borgia. What His Holiness did not bring were replacements for either the Delegation Leader or his Assistant. Perhaps after Bologna had claimed the careers of so many senior clergy he decided not to risk any more, or perhaps His Holiness trusted Archbishop de Gregori and Canon Blatti to act up into these roles as they had done for much of the last month. The two men certainly seem to have moved into such positions of authority with ease and throughout the Pope’s visit they were always behind the scenes ensuring all went well. Perhaps, however, they were off-stage a little too much as His Holiness did not have his attention drawn to them at all and the only reward they received were small purses to thank them for shouldering the additional burdens.

After a few days spent exclusively in the company of Cardinal de Medici, His Holiness received the Farnese in a private audience to praise them for their matchless efforts in his name. As the Farnese gathered in their finest robes there seemed some confusion as Bishop de Vitelli had not arrived. After a most uncomfortable delay two members of the Swiss Guard were dispatched to find him whilst the Pope, growing tired of waiting and not a little irritated spoke to those members who were present. His Holiness spoke glowingly about the dedication and worthiness of the Farnese as those in attendance were presented to him. He seemed particularly enamoured of Padre dei Gambetti and Deacon Grimandi who, in the short time they had with His Holiness, came across as very eloquent and knowledgeable of the local situation. Both men received high praise with His Holiness, who commented that Deacon Grimandi was wasted as a Deacon and should be elevated to the Priesthood as soon as possible. By the end of the month both men had also received sizable gifts from His Holiness as a show of his belief in them. As Deacon Valetti was being introduced to His Holiness the Guard returned with grave news for all, Bishop di Vitelli could not be found in his quarters or indeed anywhere in the locality. The Guards brief investigation seemed to indicate that great ill-fortune had befallen Bishop de Vitelli, who had been taken hostage by local bandits. Given such news, and the dismay it caused, it was perhaps understandable that Deacon Valetti stood forgotten, his Holiness never having even heard his full name before the Bishop’s disappearance disrupted proceedings.

The shock of such a vile act devastated the Farnese and their joy at such a successful few months evaporated away. In the weeks to come the local militia, aided by the Swiss Guard, could only discover that the Bishop had been spirited away to the hills by bandits lead by a man who calls himself “Il Verro” and that the sum asked for his safe return was one thousand and two hundred Ducats. Cardinal de Medici, apparently having had one of his own Bishops kidnapped once, commented that such bandits would not wait long for their reward and haste would be necessary. When the Swiss Guard asked to speak to the previously abducted Bishop to gather information they were informed that sadly paying the ransom does not always guarantee the release of the hostage and that Bishop Longo had never been seen again. As the weeks passed without word Padre Fo of the Farnese became distraught and suffered ill-humours following an excess of wine, whilst Deacon Ses was found having beaten a servant close to death. After explaining that he suspected the young man was seeking to kidnap him he was quietly sent back to Rome, in the company of Fo.

That such a lapse of security could happen with His Holiness present in Bologna was of course unacceptable and immediately the Swiss Guard, though found faultless in the matter of the abduction which was determined to have happened outside their protection, became even more visible in their duties. None more so than Majors di Miteli and del Carnevale who were barely seen to rest during the month as they ensured that their men were constantly alert. Archbishop de Gregori is believed to have found a small sum within the delegation coffers to express his thanks to both the Majors for their diligent service.

As courtly life continued as best it could Padre Zamboni’s still found himself a favoured companion of Cardinal de Medici which ensured that he also spent some time in close company of Pope Leo. For his pleasant company, and complete discretion, the Padre received the thanks of His Holiness and a very sizable gift of wine which he had expressed having acquired a taste for. Elsewhere Deacon Tri of the Barberini did not have so pleasant month as he left the church after a serious error of judgement in an argument over church Dogma.

The First and Third chapters of the Borgia had only just arrived in Bologna but quickly set about ingratiating themselves in with the Cardinal’s court. Canon Gagliardi was often seen to in discussion with Canon Blatti, offering what help he could to lighten the heavy workload of the Assistant and making helpful suggestions. The Canon received each new suggestion with great politeness, though sadly did not have the opportunity to introduce a single one of Gagliardi’s suggestions. When he was not being so helpful the Canon was receiving, or being received by, the Bologna clergy and whilst he spent little time in the Pope’s company at least he made a few new friends and received a fair number of generous welcoming gifts. The Third Chapter of the Borgia also spent their time productively, Padre Salieri receiving so many welcoming gifts that he will most likely require a carriage of his own to carry them all on his return to Rome. In the meantime he seems to have requested the Swiss Guard to keep an extra close eye on his quarters. Deacon Clementi has often been seen, by those who even notice him, as an oddity amongst the Borgia. A penniless orphan of the Church he appears too unworldly and too uneducated to make his way amongst such a politically minded faction, yet somehow he seems to receive high praise and make friends in influential places without even trying. In Bologna he was brought to the attention of the Pope twice in a month, once for making most welcome suggestions regarding the menu to the Cardinal’s kitchen staff and once for having diffused a potentially damaging rift within the court through tireless and seemingly open-faced diplomacy. For such varied service, and in light of his name having come to prominence on a number of previous occasions, Deacon Clementi was informed that he had been granted a small Estate and the sum of one thousand ducats to help with the initial running costs. The young man seemed to be rendered quite speechless at his good fortune.

The Papal Scholars have most certainly suffered greatly during their time in Bologna and it seems that their trials are not over yet. Bishop Siksi was the latest to fall from grace following a strong disagreement with one of Cardinal de Medici favourites at court. Looking to avoid such a quarrel growing into something that would ruin the Pope’s visit Archbishop de Gregori acted quickly and dismissed the Bishop. Seminarian Zanetti, one of the few Scholars to have received nothing but praise for his actions in Bologna, was oblivious to the punishment of his superior as he had his own problems to contend with. The Pope’s arrival had required a great deal of housekeeping as the accommodation of the delegation was reordered and somehow in all the moves Zanetti’s baggage had been misplaced. The young man was therefore somewhat distracted, and in borrowed robes, when he was asked to return to the small Chapel where he had spent much of the previous month. Here he was somewhat taken aback to find himself in the company of His Holiness who had been viewing the new paintings and had asked to meet the young man who had so inspired the work. His Holiness lavished much praise on Zanetti and reflected glory will no doubt ensure that the young man’s company will be much sought after when he returns to Rome. No doubt by then he will have managed to replace his robes.

Regrettably the Missionary Faction have also not yet seen the end of their misfortunes and this month, as they continued their work amongst the poor of the city, and they lost a Canon and a Priest from their number. The two individuals were both under the impression that ensuring Bologna’s poor were well tended was beneath them and passed their time in indulgence rather than carrying out God’s work. Both Canon Blatti and Archbishop de Gregori were of a differing opinion however and dismissed both men from the delegation. Of a far more charitable frame of mind was Deacon Tarantella and his continued dedication were noted at length by the Archbishop and rewarded with an extremely generous recompense from the knights of Bologna.

Obituary

Ferdinand, King of Aragon, King of Castile, King of Naples and King of Sicily passed from this world unto eternal glory, on 23rd January in the year of our Lord 1516.

King Ferdinand's many achievements are too great to list here, but be it remembered that he it was who banned all faiths from Spain save the true Catholic faith, he it was who in 1478 founded the Spanish inquisition at the behest of Pope Sixtus IV, he it was who expelled the Jews from Spain and who with the grace of God gained the recovery of Granada from the Moor, he who with the power of God's guiding light sent Cristoforo Colombo to discover the New World that we may reach out to the heathen savages there and bring them into our fold. His achievements were many, and though some decried his conquest of much of Italy and thought the zeal of his inquisition excessive, it cannot be denied that he leaves behind him a united Spain where found he none and that he bequeaths as his legacy his conquests in Naples, Sicily and Sardinia as well as in many less fortunate lands.

King Ferdinand too it should be remembered, entered into the Holy League with His Holiness Pope Julius II, so saving many Papal lands from the depredations of the French and restoring the rule of the Church and the Medici to Florence in defeat of the misguided republic that had once more sprung forth there. We must praise God and His Holiness, Pope Leo X, that we now have peace in Italy where once was war and discord, but we must remember Ferdinand for his efforts in preserving the lands of the Church from her many temporal enemies.

With the death of Ferdinand, we have lost a great and powerful ally, a friend to the faithful and a man of vision and destiny. Now that he has gone to that ultimate destiny which awaits us all, we must all pray for his departed soul and that with his end, war does not once more return to these Italian shores.