The Sun Never Sets In Spain

Although the Pope is willing to say a few words to Alfonso, the old man is not very energetic.

This conversation came to an end after he praised Alfonso and Henry.

Neither side was in a hurry to negotiate terms. Alfonso had to stay in Rome for several days, and the Papal State didn't seem to be ruined yet.

In the next few days, Andrew led Alfonso to meet many of Rome's dignitaries, including bishops, army and navy commanders, and some city-state lords.

The Papal State is not a single centralized state. As a **** state, its power mainly comes from the church and comes from foreign support.

The local system is therefore very backward, and the small papal state is full of various semi-independent city-states and aristocratic territories.

However, many of these semi-independent city-states have disappeared recently, not because of the completion of centralization, but because these territories were taken by Italy.

Most of the nobles who lost their territories are now in Rome. They may be in desperate medical conditions. They attach great importance to any foreign power that may help. The continuous dances and salons have made Alfonso feel their enthusiasm.

Apart from these eliminated nobles, the army commanders are worthy of attention.

The Papal State is not a military power, but as a country of the Catholic Church, it has never lacked foreign volunteers with its own dry food.

In addition to the famous Swiss Guard, the main armed force in the country is the Zuav Army, with more than 10,000 people.

This volunteer army is mainly composed of young unmarried Catholics, the most important being Dutch and French. In addition, the other members are from Spain, Belgium, Ireland, Poland, South American countries, Britain, Prussia, Canada, etc. more than 20 nation.

In addition to the Zuaf army, there are noble guards and Paladin guards and so on.

The total number of various armed forces is close to 16,000, so don’t ask the Pope how many divisions he has. At any rate, the Pope has one and a half divisions.

In addition to the army, the Papal States also bought several steamships from Britain and also had its own navy.

However, the army still has some combat effectiveness relying on city defense, and the navy should not report any expectations.

Alfonso saw most of these army commanders, and it was regarded as the support of the people.

Many armies do not pay wages, but only pay a small amount of allowances, and rely on love to generate electricity. This kind of military discipline is naturally looser, but with faith in the heart, the will to fight is more tenacious.

In addition, in the Battle of Mentana two years ago, they had just defeated Italy with the French army.

How to be upright and confident to protect the Roman church.

Apart from the problem of the army, the industry of the Papal States is also considered to be improvised. Since the spring of 18.48 million nations, the pope was driven out of Rome, Rome’s freedom of thought has been spreading.

Affected by popular thoughts, the original reactionary policies of the Papal State have gradually improved, and the industry has moved forward steadily. Although the military industry is lacking, the light industry is not weak. Helping them to station troops should be able to afford military expenses.

This kind of experience has gradually changed Alfonso's attitude. He feels that the Papal State is not so unbearable, and there is still value in helping.

Finally, in the conversation a week later, Alfonso made his own terms:

"In the future, if the Spanish army is needed to help defend the city, I hope the Catholic Church can recognize my inherent sacred power over Spain and declare Carlos rebellious."

"Yes." Pius IX agreed without thinking: "The orthodox heir of the Bourbon dynasty should be the King of Spain."

That being said, the church was not willing to participate in these political struggles in the past. To make such remarks would naturally offend a group of nobles who supported the Carlos faction. If they offend more, the sanctity of the church will be weakened.

Moreover, if the party declared as rebellious wins, don't expect him to respect the church.

Alfonso nodded. There is no possibility of rejection for this kind of trivial matter. What he really wants to talk about is the other one.

"The priests have worked so hard. I hope to register the priests and give them allowances and mission bonuses." He said sincerely.

Just looking at his expression and words, he thought he really wanted to give benefits to the priests.

"What!" The pope was surprised and angry: "Impossible!"

Born in a middle-class family, Pius IX, who worked hard step by step, was obviously not a fool, and immediately discovered Alfonso's intentions.

Isn't this an alternative civil servant to register in the state and the state grants subsidies? At that time, will the priests listen to the Spanish government or the Roman church?

This is just the first step, and then gradually expand until the church's income is nationalized, and then the state will issue subsidies. The Spanish church really has nothing to do with Rome.

Alfonso was not surprised when he heard the pope's refusal, and he was even overjoyed.

Judging from the Pope’s attitude, there is a play. Even if he is angry, as long as he is not driven out immediately, it shows that there is a possibility of accepting this condition.

It's just that Rome is not willing to abandon Spain before the most critical moment.

He respectfully said: "I just want to be considerate of the priests for their hard work.

Seeing that Alfonso didn't force him, the Pope's expression was a little slow, but the negotiation was obviously impossible to continue, and the conversation was hurriedly ended with a few words of greeting.

Although he was ruthlessly rejected, Alfonso had already made up his mind to protect the Papal State. When it came time to lose Rome, the other party would agree no matter what conditions were offered.

It is naturally unrealistic to preserve Rome all-inclusively, but as long as Spain assumes a posture and negotiates with France, it can intimidate Italy, and finally arrive at a result acceptable to all parties.

Even if it is a dichotomy of Rome, it is better than the Vatican Pope.