The Vatican Observer
September 1516

Advancements, temporal and spiritual

The start of September brought cooler weather to Rome, as well as the men of the 3rd Coalition who seemed only too pleased to return. However, despite the myriad dangers of Istanbul and the praise that awaited the Borgia for their deft handling of the situation, not all of the faction chose to return to the safety of the Eternal City. Bishop Gagliardi seems to have decided that the Papal Scholars were in need of assured leadership, and bravely remained in Istanbul at their head. The Scholars also attracted the services of Captain Amendola of the Swiss Guards who laid aside his services as Captain of the Papal Escort for a time in order to volunteer as a lay reader.

Captain Amendola’s cohort, Captain Poliponi also decided that his time could be better spent, as he offered his allegiance to the Also-Brandini who were all too happy to accept the young guard into their embrace.

Archbishop de Gregori is a man who no one could ever accuse of sloth, and whilst many would believe that his duties as Councillor to His Holiness and Etiquette Instructor showed industry enough His Grace still sought more. After some discussion with Patriarch Dolio, who also received visitations from the Commissioner for Archaeology Domenico Facente, Archbishop de Gregori was appointed as Fourth Coalition Leader and made his plans to leave Rome for Istanbul. One of the Archbishop’s first actions in his new office was to appoint Padre Caminetti as his Adviser. The Padre, who gained quite a reputation last month as a most generous host, had only just gained the rank of Priest after Padre Toto left the priesthood suddenly for reasons as yet undisclosed. The Archbishop’s second action was to volunteer the Coalition to join him in Istanbul.

Also stepping aside this month was Archbishop di Vitelli, but the Archbishop was merely laying aside the responsibilities of the Papal Legate to the Orient in order to take up a position as a Papal Councillor. No doubt His Holiness will benefit from such wise council as di Vitelli delivered in Istanbul.

But not all in Rome were so fortunate in their applications this month, Johesy Rodriguez dela Vegas presented himself to the Barberini seeking a place amongst their ranks but was sadly turned away. At least the suggestion that he might return when he was a little more settled may offer the young man some comfort.

Around the markets

With the return of the Mission, and the departure of another, the tailors of the strada de'Giubbonari have been busy replacing worn robes and fitting new clothes for those about to leave. Indeed, it has been a welcome influx of money for satori, calzettari, calzolari, and cappellari who, with the harvest, may now see to their own households for the winter.

Maestro Facente and his servant Marco Gallo, as usual, were seen in most purchasing those goods which make the Maestro's palazzo one of the most comfortable and inviting homes in the Banchi district.

And, as merchants and vendors have come to expect, no bill goes unpaid. The Maestro conducts his affairs with such regularity, and with the same vendors, that most anticipate he will buy the same amount of candles, oil. pasta, and other essentials for his home and writing that they set aside a portion of their stock. Some may have wondered why a man so young taught Administration so well. His conduct, and the administration of his own household are a demonstration of how one lives well, but not foolishly.

Arcivescovo di Vitelli upon his return engaged several orefici and sediari to produce new luxuries of gold and fine woodwork for his residence. The craftsman of the strada de'Vascellari also received many orders for vases, and the like, as were the clothiers of the strada de'Giubbonari. It must also be said that the Arcivescovo's staff did not want; the evening repasts were wonderful. From highest to lowest, it is said, none wanted for wine or meat of the best quality. Padre Condottiero also indulged to a degree beyond the usual fare of a man of his position. The marcellari and vinitari were happily supplying the Padre with the best cuts of meat and the finest wines that could be procured. One can find little fault in this when one considers that all returning have had to forego wine, spirits, and most meat for months. This was not a matter of simple respect for foreign custom, but could result in arrest and execution.

Padre Clementi, likewise, indulged in the best that Roma has to offer. Although he preferred to dine in the finer places of public access, such as those offered around the Piazza del Paradisio. Signor Leone, who is well known to be a man of wealth and taste, also availed himself of the finer things in life spending on wines of various regions and meats of the best cut. He also visited the strada de'Vascellari and the strada de'Coronari to purchase vases and decorative objects as well as a new rosary and other religious items.

Diacono Lombardi, who has endured a difficult time while on Mission, sought to revive both body and spirit sought peace in the Monasterio attached to Chiesa di Santa Lucia in the rioni Monti. Yet, to his great credit he appears to bear no malice having found the Tales of the Arabian Nights of great interest. One may surmise that Diacono Lombardi understands that a Ruler is not the people, or the culture. Therefore, while seeking to renew himself he has undertaken the task of translating some of the stories. Quite to the surprise of the monks he has sent them to buy not only the best parchment and vellum, but has also purchased inks, pigments, gold, and a small quantity of jewels to illuminate his work. Quite rightly he has paid for all of this himself, neither imposing on the monks or his friends for support in this work. It does great credit to his character to see beyond any injury done unto him and find the beauty of another people.

Special recognition

"Sancta Maria, succurre miseris." (Holy Mary, help the wretched) is a line in a prayer that is recited daily in Roma. Indeed, many among the more affluent give more than tithe. However, the actions of Padre J. Ficolo has demonstrated the conviction of Our Saviour by donating an estimated 500 Ducats to the feeding of the poor, elderly, and orphaned of Roma. The grain was purchased from various merchants of the vicolo de.Granari and ground into flour at the mills of the vicolo delle Mole, and thence distributed to those Chiesa that had the means to bake bread, regardless of affiliation.

While others have made donations of equal, or greater, size to the impoverished of the City none in our recollection have done so without regard to Faction or association. We, at the Observer, are humbled by such an act of generosity.

Fall Begins With Rise and Fall

With the return of the cooler weather and the Summer Mission, Roma is even more a place to see and be seen than it was in the, admittedly, busier than usual Summer.

Gatherings

There was only one hosted gathering in the third week of September, but it was very well attended. The Capitoline saw recently ordained Archbishop Enzo di Vitelli and Fiammetta hold forth at a Third Coalition homecoming dinner.

Attending upon them were Swiss Guard Captain Andrea Poliponi and Luisa, Barberini Subdeacon Edward L'Inglese and Anna, Farnese Priest Girolamo Alessandro Condottiero, Borgia Deacon Giano Lombardi, newcomer Johesy Rodrequiz Dela Vegas, Farnese Deacon Marcantonio Colonna, relative newcomer Ronaldo Vincetti, and Borgia Priests Valentino Clementi and Vincente di Scotti, the latter with Lucia.

Many artists do not wish to discuss or reveal anything about works in progress. A refreshing change was Ronaldo Vincetti, who talked about a new work of art still to come, a painting of the Vatican.

Farnese Deacon Marcantonio Colonna attempted to broach the topic of the recent events in Constantinople, wondering how the faction could have done better. Certainly, some seemed of the opinion that it could not have fared much more poorly, and that it was only through deft leadership that no others were harmed or disgraced. Adroitly, Colonna steered away from that sombre topic and then displayed a few of the better icons from that city and announced that he intends to attempt to paint an icon of St.Helena, the mother of Constantine, who discovered the True Cross. He also asked if there was any intention of the Farnese volunteering for another mission soon, and found that minds were focussed on the return to Rome rather than a return to mission.

Deacon Lombardi diverted himself at the gaming tables, splitting his wins and losses evenly at once each. As will be seen, this merely whetted an appetite that was later satiated.

Clubs and Masses

Clubs

The Viminal played host to Swiss Guard Captain Andrea Poliponi and Luisa at the outset of the month.

At the Aventine, Vincenzo Raimundo Leone and Lusanna were seen in each other's company in the first two weeks of September. In the latter week, the Aventine was also attended by Chigi Deacon Umberto Tarentella and Francesca at the Aventine. Deacon Tarentella seemed still to be maintaining a quiet demeanour after an unsuccessful debate with Borgia Bishop Bartolomeo Gagliardi at the start of the month The Esquiline was visited by Gonzaga Priest Jerome Ficolo and Sofia partway through the month.

The second week of September saw Johesy Rodrequiz Dela Vegas at the Quirinal, solo.

However, the place to be in September seemed to be the Celian! The second through fourth weeks found Borgia Subdeacon Alfredo Ricardo Pazzi esconced there, in solitary contemplation. He may have been noticed by Borgia Canon Cesare Salieri and his new companion Costanza, in the third week and again in the fourth, when they returned to become part of a crowd that also included Borgia Deacon Giano Lombardi. Although none of them had thought to coordinate their efforts-- else this might have become a social gathering known to the cognoscenti as a "party", with benefits for all-- nonetheless, the evenings there turned out to be more active than many gatherings! Canon Salieri's wit had everyone laughing and Deacon Giano Lombardi once more tried his luck at the tables, making two series of passes and losing both times. He then decided to consult Bacchus regarding strategy, and after lengthily imbibing advice, tried again and lost several times more, scattering his monies with a fine disdain for filthy lucre. Certainly a good time was had by all-- save, perhaps, Deacon Lombardi.

Church

Several of Roma's well-known stored up riches in the afterlife this past month: Maestro Domenico Facente and Claudia, Barberini Subdeacon Edward L'Inglese and Anna, Gonzaga Priest Jerome Ficolo and Sofia, a weary Chigi Deacon Umberto Tarentella and Francesca all attended mass. Bene! Optime!

At the Papal Palace

Interestingly enough, there were somewhat fewer persons of note in attendance at the first Papal Grand Dinner to be given in a while, though these events are always magnificent. Much in evidence, however, was the new Papal Councillor, Archbishop Enzo di Vitelli, who attended with Fiammetta. His knowledge of courtly protocols and behaviour was found to be impeccable, and Fiammetta was all smiles. It is likely that we will be hearing a great deal more about his star's ascent.

Ineamus Ad Discendum Exeamus Ad Merendum

The Scuola Cicero reinstated Vescovo Magliano as instructor of Oratory and apologized for the error. Apparently, a secretary recorded the appointment as Vescovo Milano, who is all of fifteen years! All parties in this affair were wounded by the simple slip of a pen. To his credit, Vescovo Magliano did not call for the dismissal of any administrators or secretaries, stating that imperfection and error are to be expected in the affairs of men; for we are all imperfect. The return of many from last season's Mission and those who remain in Roma availed themselves of the opportunity to improve their skills.

The return of Vescovo Magliano to the Scuola Cicero, who did teach for a week, drew several students to study the most important ability of Oratorical argument. Diacono Colonna spent the majority of the month in intensive study of this vital aspect for any member of the Holy Church. Capitano Poliponi and Signor Leone also attended for briefer periods of time.

At the Scuola Horace Maestro Facente and Padre Ficolo both improved their etiquette and courtly manners. As it has been seen, the Papal Court is most unforgiving. The slightest misstep is subject to criticism often beyond the offense. Quite honestly, personal animosities reveal themselves in the course of Papal events.

The Scuola Juvenal had several notable students improving their wit. It is well known that this a very difficult and demanding subject; only a single week of study is allowed by the Scuola. Arcivescovo di Vitelli, a person of substance and reputation, saw fit to improve his skill in extemporaneous argument. It is also somewhat surprising that notable men of the Holy Church such as Canonico Salieri and Padre Clementi attended classes. Indeed, Signor Leone sought instruction to improve his skill.

Subdiacono L'Inglese studied eloquence at the Scuola Martial. The Subdiacono has steadily improved his Italian over the previous months, demonstrating a determination most admirable. Meanwhile, the Scuola Cato had two students of note; Signor Dela Vegas, newly arrived in Roma, and Signor Leone.

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

As the 3rd Coalition departed from Istanbul, with as much haste as propriety would allow, they left behind a fledgling agreement to release Christian slaves. But the full extent of the Turks benevolence, and how generous His Holiness would have to be in return, had yet to fully defined. This task would fall to the 4th Coalition and the missionary factions.

Archbishop de Gregori waited to greet the fourth coalition, and his new advisor, so that negotiations could begin. However as the conclave gathered events were to take a most unusual turn. As the Turkish delegation gathered it soon became clear that they deferred to, and would be led by, a woman!

Archbishop de Gregori made it very clear that by sending such a representative the Turks were treating the delegation, and thereby His Holiness, with the utmost disdain. Furthermore by sending such a representative the Sultan was turning the negotiations into nothing but a jest. In reply the woman, who introduced herself as Beria Nazan Kekilli stated “Forgive me My Grace, but the negotiations are over. All that remains now is haggling over the price, and here in Istanbul haggling is woman’s work”

Despite further protestations of the Archbishop it soon became clear that Beria carried with her the Sultan’s full authority in this issue and that the delegation must either accept her as his spokesperson or withdraw. In the end, for the sake of the enslaved Christians, the Archbishop chose to continue.

As the month continued de Gregori may have regretted his decision as the woman defied the limitations of her sex to prove herself a most vexing opponent. On more than one occasion she allowed the Papal delegation to gather in full before declaring that the Court Astronomers had declared the omens inauspicious and that the talks would have to be suspended. At other times she would chose the venue so that whilst she reclined in shade and comfort the clergy found themselves discomforted by wind, or sun. Then on one terrible day she chose to receive the Sforza whilst observing the barbaric punishments meted out by Islamic law so that the Bishops had to deliver their speeches whilst assailed by the smell of blood and burning flesh and the screams of the condemned.

Throughout such an onslaught the Archbishop maintained his composure and whilst little headway way made in the month, for Beria’s arguments and oratory proved to be as strong as her showmanship, he at least maintained a semblance of order and received some acknowledgement of success from the Sultan’s woman. For such measured service it is understood that His Holiness is to elevate de Gregori to the ranks of the Patriarchs.

Whilst de Gregori was so engaged the Ludovisi were ever present by his side ready to provide well researched arguments or counter outlandish Turkish propositions. But whilst the faction seemed calm and collected in public it faced a sea of troubles behind the curtains. Bishop Blatti had to act quickly to minimise disruption when one of his Padres was taken with ill humours and forced to take leave of the city, leaving his faction dangerously short of leadership. The Bishop decided that Padre Cozzi was a man whose hour had come and assigned him to the role of Canon.

Shortly thereafter the Bishop found himself covering up the small indiscretion of a Subdeacon, but his greatest challenge was yet to come. Deacon della Zucca, incredible as it seems, seems to have made the decision that a more personal approach might grease the wheels of the negotiations and attempted to pay Beria a private visit. What exactly occurred is not, and may never be, known and all that can be said with certainty is that della Zucca left for Rome with much alacrity. Whilst gossip began to circulate that had it been but a few years earlier Rome might have gained a useful castrato, such rumours are completely unproven.

Unfortunately Bishop Blatti proved so effective at keeping such issues out of sight that Archbishop de Gregori assumed all was well and whilst Blatti received a very small purse as a reward from the delegation treasury there are some who believed it undervalued his contribution.

Deacon Novelli at least caused the Bishop no hardship, despite the fact that the young man seemed quite unprepared for the mission having made a number of arrangements in Rome for the month. I am sure, however, that the gifts he received, along with a reputation for fine public speaking, will go some way in soothing any feelings of disappointment the young man may harbour.

The Sforza Bishop faced many trials of his own in a most difficult month, and could do little to prevent the loss of a Canon, Priest and Swiss Guardsmen. It seems that Istanbul still hungers for the careers of Catholic Clergy.

Archbishop Cinci arrived from Rome to lead the missionaries, a role he performed adequately though not outstandingly. Despite the great deprivations the faction has suffered in recent months the missionary faction soon refilled its ranks with new volunteers. The new missionaries seem to have learned from their predecessors’ mistakes however, and whilst none earned great praise, or great reward, during the month they at least avoided censure.

In such a sea of mediocrity, the Papal Scholars were blessed with the assured leadership of Bishop Gagliardi. Whilst their work in cataloguing and translating a number of Islamic texts proved a gruelling task, the Bishop kept the Scholars together well. Whilst a couple of his flock refused the work, believing the content endangered their souls, most were assured by Gagliardi’s assurances and strengthened by the regular confession and vigil he insisted upon. Deacon di Gregori proved most enthusiastic in the task, which will no doubt bring him to the attention of those who look for such a virtues, and Captain Amendola proved to be as proficient in the quill as he is in the halberd. A skill that will no doubt prove useful to him in his when he takes up his new position as Major in the Guards.

For leading the Scholars so competently and thus reflecting some of His Holinesses glory, Bishop Gagliardi was recognised by the granting of an Archbishopric. A most suitable reward for such a loyal subject.

In all it was a most trying month for the delegation in Istanbul, no less than we have come to expect. Yet the city had not yet finished spreading its woes. Having stood beside Archbishop de Gregori all month, the absence of Padre Caminetti was soon noted. Investigation by the Swiss Guard revealed nothing of his movements or whereabouts and it fell to the Sultans forces to uncover evidence to show that the young Priest had been captured by Mameluk forces. Whilst they could not explain, or understand, why the Priest would be meeting with forces opposed to the Sultan’s rule they gave their word to do all they could to secure his release.

Debates

My dearest readers, we have but one debate this month, but it is a choice one. Those fine gentlemen Bishop Bartolomeo Gagliardi and Bishop Ugo Blatti, respectively of factional rivals the Borgia and the Ludovisi, met this past month to discuss the acquisition by Bishop Blatti of the consultative services of the brilliant and influential Francesca. The two gentlemen both presently reside in Constantinople, and so it was there they met in the square outside the Hagia Sophia which was once of course one of the most glorious churches in Christendom.

The topic at hand was why G_d would permit the fall of such a great city to the Moorish foe, and with that fall bring all Europe into danger from them. Bishop Blatti opened, proposing that it was hardly surprising that the Orthodox should not receive protection given that they had split from the True Faith and refused to rejoin it. Gagliardi had no immediate response, and the remark was judged by those attending a successful one that Galgiardi clearly had no good answer to. Regathering himself, Bishop Gagliardi sought to move the debate on to more fertile ground, jesting that as Divine Providence works outside human comprehension, a mere sixty years or so from the loss was far too early a time with which to call the matter at all. Rather, they should postpone the debate until 600 years had passed and see then how matters stood. Blatti clearly had not expected Gagliardi to so utterly avoid the argument at hand, and so had no quick response of his own. His silence counted against him, and those present considered that each man had found his rhetorical mark.

Bishop Blatti took a moment's pause, then sought to correct Gagliardi stating that though Divine Providence was unknowable still something of the divine purpose could be determined, and that as Bishops it was their joint duty to bend their efforts in such direction. Though doubtless correct, it was found a dull point and few considerd it as having great force. Gagliardi responded by saying that Divine Purpose was all very well, but that he divined Blatti's purpose as being to bore all present into submission, and that he at least was ready to concede rather than be lectured further. All present laughed, to Bishop Blatti's discomfiture. His gambit of making reasoned and learned arguments holding no sway against the force of Bishop Gagliardi's pointed ridicule. The debate was considered won by Bishop Gagliardi, though afterwards some did comment that though the victor he had not so much advanced arguments in counter to those of Bishop Blatti as talked over him until victory was his.

No matter, the debate resolved the two men went their ways, and Francesca remains attached to the Ludovisi. Let us hope both men show the same skill with the Turk as they have with each other, and let us also hope that debate stirs once more back in Rome that all may enjoy this most manly of pursuits.

Court Companionship

With the air of Roma now beginning to clear with the end of the heat of Summer, and the return of much of the Delegation to the East, activity begins to increase.

At the beginning of the month, Borgia Subdeacon Alfredo Ricardo Pazzi, Farnese Priest Girolamo Alessandro Condottiero and Ronaldo Vincetti all attended the salons. One must assume they learnt much in gossip from their visit.

At the same time both Borgia Canon Cesare Salieri and Borgia Priest Valentino Clementi sought to approach the Influential Costanza. Padre Clementi wisely stood down to his superior, rather than cause a schism in the Order. The Canon having spent both wisely and lavishly was invited in by Costanza to discuss the affairs of Roma.

Meanwhile civilian Johesy Rodrequiz Dela Vegas approached the Brilliant and Wealthy Laura, but without success. It may be that Laura seeks a man of more intellectual type, and Senior Dela Vegas may do better if he joined the Priesthood.

Later in the Month Farnese Priest Girolamo Alessandro Condottiero approached Antonella, spending much on Papers, Inks and Quills, but was rebuffed.

At the end of the Month, Archbishop Enzo di Vitelli, the newly appointed Papal Legate to the Orient, asked his long time court companion, the brilliant Fiametta, to become his confidante. Full details of the proposal are not known, but it can be imagined that a grand meal at his Fine Palazzo preceded the actual words. His month, already filled with success, was no doubt topped off by her acceptance.

Finally, we can report that no important person of Roma has failed to seek out the advice of a Companion this month.

Papal Calendar

The Pope will host the following events at the Medici Palace, Florence
In the first week: None
In the second week: None
In the third week: Grand Ball
In the fourth week: None

Upcoming Debates

UT with RC over Bianca

Positions Vacant

Director of the Collegio Romano
Eloquence Instructors