The Fox of France - Chapter 390: Preaching

“Bishop Leonard, welcome. Your presence makes this humble office of mine shine brightly.” In his office, Lucien welcomed Bishop Leonard.

Lucien’s claim of simplicity in his office wasn’t mere modesty. Most of the time (rarely more than a few times a year), Lucien wasn’t present here. Thus, the decor and arrangements were of little concern to him. At times, this relatively plain office even helped showcase his integrity.

Of course, the people of France believed in the Bonaparte family’s integrity. Despite the high positions held by Napoleon, Louis, Lucien, Pauline, Jérôme, Caroline, Elisa, Carlo Buonaparte, and Letizia Bonaparte, their salaries were entirely donated to aid the impoverished in France. Besides, it was common knowledge that the Bonapartes excelled in business. With ample wealth, who’d resort to corruption?

Similar to a mayor in a later utopian society refusing a salary and even funding various projects with billions, the Bonaparte family not only forwent salaries but continually poured money into charitable causes. Their wealth multiplied during this process, much like the mayor’s. But theirs was a legitimate fortune, not from corruption. Adjusting policies and economic foresight could yield substantial legitimate earnings.

“Bonaparte Minister, I’m honored to be in your presence. May God bless you,” responded Bishop Leonard.

“Before your visit, Bishop, you must have known that after the Olympics, we’ll take action against the Barbary pirates to rescue the Catholic captives they’ve enslaved and sold. These people have suffered under North African bondage, hoping for liberation like farmers awaiting rain during a drought.”

Hearing Lucien’s exaggerated remarks, Bishop Leonard couldn’t help but inwardly scoff.

Indeed, for centuries since the 16th century, Barbary pirates had raided ships and coastal towns, enslaving around 800,000 to 1.25 million European coastal residents and selling them as slaves. By the mid-17th century, their audacious attacks peaked, severely affecting coastal villages in Spain, Italy, and others, causing inhabitants to move inland, returning only in the 19th century.

The French hadn’t played a glorious role in these disasters. In fact, the Barbary pirates’ rise was significantly aided by France’s support—providing military ports, laundering their loot, aiding in shipbuilding and repairs, selling weapons, sharing intelligence, and even allowing the use of Catholic churches for prayers by non-Christians. Without France, the pirates wouldn’t have posed such a threat. Now, the French were attempting to pose as saviors, which was… the height of shamelessness!

Perceiving Bishop Leonard’s thoughts, Lucien continued, “During the reign of the Bourbon kings, not only did they not stop such atrocities, but they tarnished their souls for the pirates’ loot, betraying God and the pious French people. They don’t deserve to call themselves Catholics. The Holy See should consider this and excommunicate the remnants of the Bourbon family in exile.”

“The Bourbons were indeed no saints, but aren’t you currently maintaining an alliance with the Ottoman Empire?” Bishop Leonard thought but replied, “The Church is merciful and just. We’ll investigate the exiled Bourbons only with concrete evidence before taking such extreme actions.”

Lucien understood this and added, “Though the support for Barbary pirates stemmed from despots, the French Republic’s government never indulged in such blatant violation of conscience. However, we still feel a moral responsibility in this matter. Therefore, we hope to collaborate with the Holy See to free the God-fearing people enslaved in North Africa.”

“But, Minister, these distressed Christian captives have lived in North Africa for so long, with their properties there. Forcing them to leave would be irresponsible. Besides, North Africa belongs to the Ottoman Empire. France doesn’t seek territorial expansion, violating our principles.”

“So even if we free these Christian slaves, they’ll remain in North Africa. But these unfortunate Christians, our brethren, have suffered under non-believers for centuries. They maintain their faith in Jesus Christ, but lacking guidance, they may stray or have doubts. Hence, we need to establish a proper Church in North Africa to guide these children of God.”

This was crucial, and Bishop Leonard asked, “The Holy See is willing to assist these lost souls. But on foreign, non-Christian land, what can the Holy See do?”

“We’ve negotiated with the Sultan. France has rights to lease ports, mine minerals, and build railways in the former Barbary nations. Along these leased areas, France will build new churches and station troops.”

“Our Church would have wanted to shoulder this responsibility, but France is honest. As per our agreement with the Holy See, our Church won’t spread outside France and its territories. North Africa, legally leased and not French land, is beyond our Church’s jurisdiction. Therefore, our Church won’t evangelize there. Hence, it’s the Holy See’s responsibility to guide these lost sheep. If the Holy See needs anything during this mission or faces trouble with non-believers, we’re here to support. Do you understand our sincerity, Bishop? This is our most significant gift to the Papal Crown.”

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