That thread was inspired by a small event that took place on the last wednesday. The french presidential plane suffered some reactor problem right before taking off (no consequences)..., our president was really angry about that, and what if...
The plane crashes but the french president survives from the crash. Many important government members died, however, along with his wife. On the next day, the french president make a speach on TV where he declares that those responsible for this action will be found and punished.
However, The investigation proves with no doubt that no terrorist action was involved. It also proves that the crash was simply the result of an accident. A french bishop goes on TV where he explains that "the accident must have been a holly punishment". On the next day, the frensh president gets on TV and claim that "If that was the will god, god will have to pay". A week later, a law is voted by the french parliament, in name of liacism, that confiscate what is left of Vatican's properties in France, ban the catholic church and call for the expulsion of all priests.
This can't be ignored by the Pope and he excommunicate the french president, the government and any french that is involved in any action against the Catholic Chruch.
The french Muslims support their government but Israel, concerned by such an extreme path of action, support the Pope. The US and China follow on while Russia and Germany state that they will side with France if any offensive or political action is to be taken against France. On the next day, the Pope goes on TV and ask the true catholic of France to unite against that government of evil. As a response, the french presidency states that if this statement leads to violence, retaliation will be ordered agaisnt the Vatican and the Pope. Most french catholics don't get involved but a small number of catholic's extremists, getting support from foreign catholics, launch a bombing campaign that targets a large number of state administrations. Even the hotel of Matignon (siege of the prime minister) is hit while over 2000 french state workers are killed.
Two days after the first arrests, among which there are 2 bishops, true to his word the french president gets on TV again and declares that the true center of evil is in Vatican City. At the end of the speach he declares that he just ordered its destruction. Ten minutes later, a nuclear missile, launched by a Rafale from the Charles de Gaulle, destroys Vatican City and a good part of Rome.
Several countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal among the first) immediately declare war on France...
Of course, this is absolutely silly but who knows?...
If anyone of you has some more silly idea for a twilight war starting point, feel free.
