The location of the Pope during the Twilight War

[helbent4]

Originally Posted by Snake Eyes

I originally went with Switzerland but I really think at the first sign of nukes, the pontiff would be moved by submarine to his secret hollowed-out volcano lair.

At least that's how I'd play it.

That gets my vote for sure!

While not changing my vote from Switzerland to relocating within Italy, there's nothing to say the Papacy could not move around.

The Pope could be evacuated by helicopter, because even civilians ones can be hardened for EMP or simply use a very old model. Possibly to Switzerland for a short period. Fallout is something that could be dealt with in that time (it's very short-lived), and the Swiss are quire knowledgeable about the hazards. Worldwide communications would be possible using radio; although EMP is a considerable hazard it's not insurmountable and some kind of papal bunker would at least have spare radio sets and comms equipment. It's not like there wasn't enough warning!

Afterwards, he could relocate to Perugia once the Vatican is re-established there. If Venice is the only non-nuked city, it's hard to see why the Vatican wouldn't relocate there. As for the man, if he dies with Rome, another pope would be chosen.

I do like the possibilities in having the Pope's body tour Poland. I could also see the French providing logistical support or transportation to gain favour with the world-wide church. As well, a relocation to the USA for some reason is interesting but not likely-seeming.

Tony

[firewalker]

dang ya know I’ve been kind of poking away at this for years know (show's me about keeping up with the boards) if i can find the time from work I’ll see if i can through something more thought out up here.

Till thin i got a couple of quick questions. We have some canon on Italy not real detailed about what’s happening during the war true but what's happening in Switzerland?

Also i wonder if we could do with a little more of a time line in regards to this poll.

1.the start of the war and it's build up to true twilight war (nuk escalation primarily). At first not that deferent than standard business with an increasing amount of politics of the "encouraging peace" type.

2.the lat stage grind. primarily the bit just before and right round the last grate push before the final calapas of the ability to support modern cvilation. Same as every body else stay alive and maintain as much functionality as possible.

3.aftermath (standard game setting). assessment and rebuilding especially of the churches communications ability’s. one thing this could defiantly included if the holy father has passed is an attempt to gather enough cardinals to hold a conclave.

[natehale1971]

There was a movie on Scy-fy (why the hell did they change it from Sci-Fi, i don't know) that had James Brolin in it as a father of two sons who were salvaging cities that were now under water due to the rising water levels that was putting most of the world under the sea.

The reason i bring this up, was the fact the Vatican was located at 'New Rome' (up on the higher ground near the original Rome) with the new Vatican compound able to look down on the Bay of Rome where the old Vatican was still under water...

The new Vatican had as much of the old Vatican feel that they could get. Not just the Swiss Guard in their distinctive uniforms, and architecture that looks so much like the original. I don't know where the monestaries or historically significant locations in the Roman Catholic church. But places like this, would definitely be possible evacuation locations of not only the Pope... but other members of the church leadership.

And we have to look at the kinds of things the church would be doing to help survivors get back up on their feet. The Church would be a good thing for communities to rally around, and it would be one of the things the Church leadership would know and try to use.

The church would more than likely be the FIRST to get a stable communications network set up... namely because the church has proven itself excellent at setting these up.

[Fusilier]

Originally Posted by natehale1971

And we have to look at the kinds of things the church would be doing to help survivors get back up on their feet.

Up on their feet, implying of course that is where they want them to be.

[natehale1971]

Originally Posted by Fusilier

Up on their feet, implying of course that is where they want them to be.

I think they would... having people who are able to feed themselves, means that they will be able to give extra to the church to feed the church leaders or even send it to other communities to help them get back on their feet.

[firewalker]

Originally Posted by Fusilier

Up on their feet, implying of course that is where they want them to be.

Why not even with a full dose of cynicism the deference between well feed organized powerful followers and a rabble of starving defenseless sad sacs is pretty easy? Even if were talking about the dud that look's around at his 100 loyal shooters and decides he wants’ to be pope (as well as secretary general of the UN and prince of the moon while he’s at it) is probley going to won’t to build up his "resources".

Any way there's a couple of things to keep in mind about the organization of the Catholic Church (some of this would also probley apply to other NGO typ's) first of its actually fairly decentrized at lest in a lot of the nut's and bolt’s type of things that would be mostly of interest to PC. Bishops and cardinals are generally in charge of there own arrears with the hiarcy providing an avenue for resource sharing and off course doctrinarian over site and frankly the last isn't going to be having much effect on the PC (even if your running a catholic PC group). Think of the pope more as a source of basic policy direction and final arbitrator.

That being said there is a level above which ONLY the pope can do things. For example no pope no new bishops/cardinals even the ability of bishops to ordain regular priests is in fact done in the name of the pope.

So a church with a sitting pope, John Paul or who ever would be (depending on the point in the timeline)

1.reastabling communication among dioceses and parshirs. This would also included providing pastoral care (priests and deacons) to places with out.

2.using the rebuilt network to agine shear recourses across dioceses in aid of the church aim's


Were as a church with out a sitting pope (almost surely do to John Paul's death) would be.

1.atimpting to gather enough cardinals (there is a specific quorum requirement) for a conclave. Also indecently thay are going to want the prelates of the non-roman right's there if possible as well.

2. sucuring and escorting the new pope (assuming he an't there) to were ever he wants to be. as an aside there's nothing that say's somebody has to be in attendance at the conclave to be raised to the papacy....in fact the only actual requirement is that he be a confermind adult catholic (of any rite).


On a slightly related note what about the Dalie lama (sp?) ? On one hand Tibet is by default free (China not really existing as such anymore) however “free” probley dose mean more likely in anarchy.

[mikeo80]

Along the lines of JPII visiting various parts of Europe when the balloon goes up....

What if JPII, The Dali Lama, ArchBishop of Cantebury, and others were meeting in Switzerland (Nice, neutral country). Trying to calm everyones nerves. The Balloon goes up. Now the scurry as the various prelates, their security and the Swiss Army all try to secure the safety of these religious leader. Inject a team of Russian Spetznatz to try to decapitate the various religions mentioned. Followed by a team of American Delta, British SAS, and who knows who else to "save the day". Heck even the Mossad might come to the party.

I would think this kind of "keystone cop" scenerio would devolve into a major shoot em up in the middle of Geneva. And Just where ARE the various religious leaders???

Another two cents

Mike

[Legbreaker]

My understanding is that organised religion was heavily suppressed in the USSR. As they were the major partner (only one with any actual power really), I don't see religious leaders being in a position to apply any influence of note on the PACT. They would though hold significant sway on the west in my opinion, sway which while well intended, could interfere with the political preparations required for effective war-making.

[Raellus]

Originally Posted by mikeo80

What if JPII, The Dali Lama, ArchBishop of Cantebury, and others were meeting in Switzerland...

Sounds like a set up for an off-color joke.

Seriously, though, it's a really interesting idea and it has a nice edge of plausibility. I wonder what they would do once the the war went nuclear and it became clear that their appeals were falling on deaf ears.

[Legbreaker]

Originally Posted by natehale1971

The church would more than likely be the FIRST to get a stable communications network set up... namely because the church has proven itself excellent at setting these up.

And (hopefully) nobody is shooting at them all the time...