I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 1309 Church Reformation, Initiation

The next day.

Joseph realized that his plans from yesterday had gone awry, because his conversation with Lavoisier had ended in just 40 minutes.

It wasn't that he didn't want to go into too much detail, but rather that he simply didn't know the production process of vulcanized rubber.

Therefore, Lavoisier's information was basically limited to the fact that by thoroughly mixing sulfur and rubber and then heating it, a product with high hardness, good elasticity, and wear resistance could be obtained.

Lavoisier left Versailles with a somber expression. The Crown Prince had hoped he would complete the development of vulcanized rubber within a year, but had not provided any technical guidance whatsoever.

At the same time, he was also very excited. Everything the Crown Prince had asked him to do had brought him great prestige and wealth.

This time will probably be the same.

Well, if I can complete the task on time, my title might change.

Meanwhile, Joseph saw that it was not yet 9:30, so he asked Emmanuelle to prepare a car to go to Notre Dame Cathedral.

Just after 10 a.m., a steam railcar stopped outside Notre Dame.

Then, to the astonishment of those around, the Pope, dressed in a majestic robe, hurriedly came out to greet them. He exchanged greetings with the Crown Prince, who alighted from the car, and then walked side by side into the church.

Pius VI was completely unpretentious this time, and with a kind smile, he personally led the French Crown Prince to his guest room.

Joseph surveyed the suite, glancing approvingly at Archbishop Beaumont who had accompanied him—it was just an ordinary suite, though luxurious, the kind any nobleman could stay in, not giving the Pope any special treatment.

Pius VI was clearly experienced; he had a servant bring him the finest Oriental green tea, without milk or sugar.

Ksorde, however, had no qualms. He first stopped the servant to pour himself a cup, drank it, and then nodded to the crown prince to indicate that he was safe.

Pius VI then got to the point: "Your Highness, ah, the Papacy has officially issued the 'Cardinal Cardinal Commissions' to Archbishops Opsteren and Franz Egon, and has severely reprimanded Archbishop Maximilian for his misconduct."

This can be seen as the Vatican endorsing the two archbishops that France had supported in northern Germany. Being reprimanded by the Vatican is a very serious matter for clergy, and Maximilian can forget about having any influence over Cologne afterward.

Joseph simply gave a casual "hmm," seemingly unconcerned.

The Westphalian diocese was established through a series of diplomatic maneuvers, which the Vatican neither wants to nor can recognize.

Pius VI glanced at him, then cautiously said, "Your Highness, as for Muzarelli… the Vatican made a decision last month that he has no authority to represent the Vatican in any activities. What do you think, perhaps we should…"

Joseph picked up his teacup and said calmly, "If I remember correctly, he holds the power of attorney you issued."

Pius VI hurriedly said, "That was merely to have him represent me in the coronation of the King of Baden, but he arbitrarily detained Mr. Friedrich, and then overstepped his authority to recognize the Diocese of Osnabrück and to consecrate Archbishop Opsteren..."

This is tantamount to doing whatever they want under the guise of the Vatican.

Joseph waved his hand: "I think Archbishop Muzarelli did a very good job."

He took a sip of tea and said casually, "I'm even thinking of supporting him in the race for the next pope."

Pius VI immediately shuddered.

Of the three pillars of Catholicism today, Austria has been utterly defeated, and Spain appears to be completely subservient to France. If France decides to support Muzarelli, he will almost certainly become pope.

What worries Pius VI most is that someone might be impatient for him to be called by God and would voluntarily "help" him make room for someone else.

“This… cough cough,” he said, forcing himself to remain calm, “Your Highness, in fact, the Holy See fully supports you, and you have absolutely no need to go through Muzarelli anymore…”

Joseph nodded: "Hmm, how can we provide support?"

“Huh?” Pius VI was taken aback for a moment, then quickly said, “Well, I know the war has hurt many French people, and the Papacy has decided to provide 200 million florins to help them.”

Joseph didn't reply, clearly not caring much about the amount of money.

Pius VI wiped away a cold sweat: "Or, the Holy See could bestow a holy name upon you..."

"Let's talk about something more practical."

Pius VI then asked, "In your opinion, what would be the most appropriate way for the Papacy to support you?"

Joseph glanced at him and said, “First of all, my men have recruited nearly 100,000 faithful for the Vatican in North America. The Vatican should appoint at least three cardinal archbishops there, as well as 1 million florins in aid.”

"You're right, that's exactly how it should be."

"Secondly, don't you think that many clergy are now busy with secular affairs and becoming increasingly unfamiliar with theological theories? I hope that the Ecumenical Council can set up a committee responsible for reviewing the clergy's theological knowledge and moral standards, and conduct regular assessments."

The Ecumenical Council is similar to the Papal Council; major legislative and structural changes to the Papacy require its approval. To a large extent, decisions made by the Ecumenical Council have more binding force than those made by the Pope.

Pius VI blinked, then nodded and said, “Your suggestion is excellent. It can encourage everyone to focus more on the Bible.”

Joseph continued, "Finally, this review committee will set up a branch in Avignon, with the personnel nominated by me, and you will have to sign the decisions made by the review committee unconditionally."

Pius VI hesitated this time, mainly because the "review committee" had too much power, and he had become nothing more than its signing tool.

Joseph smiled and said, "If you find this unacceptable, I can ask Archbishop Muzarelli for his opinion after he becomes Pope."

Pius VI immediately gritted his teeth and said, "All your requests will be fulfilled!"

“I knew you were a devout and respectable man.” Joseph raised his teacup to him. “I will advise Archbishop Muzarelli to return to Rome as soon as possible.”

"Oh, then please allocate the charitable funds you prepared for the French people directly to the Industrial Development Fund in my name."

Half an hour later, Joseph walked out of Notre Dame Cathedral with the Pope, beaming with smiles, and publicly invited the latter to come to France to watch the World Cup football matches that would begin the following month.

Yes, he is in a very good mood right now.

With the powerful tool of the "Religious Review Committee," France's church reforms were essentially halfway to success.

It's important to understand that although the top brass of this organization are all his people, they are nominally appointed by the Papacy. Even if the reforms displease the French clergy, they can only vent their frustrations to the Papacy in Rome.

(End of this chapter)