From Rome to Ayutthaya

[Tokugawa Empire]

In Rome, Pope John Paul I has died of a heart attack, just 4 months into his term as pope. Catholics around the world are shocked at this news, and many have come out to mourn the deceased pope. Cardinals from around the world are called to Rome to participate in the election of a new pope.

---

Following the death of Pope John Paul I, The Republic of Korea and Otomo Daimyo of Kyushu, both Catholic realms in Asia, announce that they are switching their allegiance to the Pope in Ayutthaya. Discussions arise over this move, but both nations state that they made the switch in order to strengthen ties with other nations in Asia. Uncertainty remains over what other Catholics in Asia, especially those in the Philippines, will do.

The People's Holy Tai Empire and more specifically Pope Boon-nam would invite the leaders of Korea and Kyushu to a holy mass and to discuss the betterment of relations in Asia.

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

The government of Korea states that with recent legislation, the government no longer has any say in the religious choices of the people, and has withdrawn official support for the Pope in Ayutthaya, instead allowing the Koreans to choose which pope to follow themselves. The government instead defers to the regional religious authorities. The Catholic population still chooses to lean heavily towards the Tai Papacy, with the Korean Archbishops meeting in Seoul to discuss the matter. Archbishop Eoh Min-Gyu is selected to go to Ayutthaya to meet with Pope Boon-nam.

Daimyo Otomo Yoshihisa of Kyushu informs Pope Boon-Nam that he and Archbishop Uda Bakin will both also be travelling to Ayutthaya for this meeting.

[Tokugawa Empire]

An invitation to the Sunday service is also sent out to "Snake King".
Pope Boon-nam would write:
"To "Snake King"
I am pleased to hear about your recent turning of a new leaf and commitment to your people. I would love to have you join other members of the Catholic community that like Ayutthaya's religious policies better than Rome. We hope thst you join us at service in the name of the Lord.
Sincerely
Pope Boon-nam Chaiprasit
PS: If you would like to be baptized to consecrate your new dedication to your beliefs and your people do let me know. It would be a good showing to your faith."

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

Snake King, hisses at the idea of a baptism, informing Pope Boon-nam that he would "boil" if he were to be baptized, politely refuses that invitation. However he sees the opportunity to meet with a fellow "true socialist" nation as valuable, and accepts the invitation, asking if he could visit the Tai Premier afterwards. If the answer is 'yes', he would depart for Ayutthaya immediately.

[Tokugawa Empire]

Pope Boon-nam laughed at the idea of "Snake King" boiling upon contact with the holy water.
"Ah, my friend. Your actions show that the Lord does forgive and you are saved. And in response to your question regarding meeting Premier Songwut, absolutely. He will be in attendance as well."
He responds as soon as possible.

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

Pleased with the answer, but still questioning the push for conversion, Snake King departs for Ayutthaya with two guards. Upon arrival, he would head to the designated church, alongside those from Korea and Kyushu.

[Feel free to skip to the church service]

[Tokugawa Empire]

---The Boiling Point---
The events of the day were pretty routine, except with hightened security. Premier Songwut met with the other leaders before entering The Chapel of The Holy Cross where Pope Boon-nam started the service.
It wasn't until after communion that Premier Songwut was pulled aside out of ear reach of the other leaders and debreifed on the explosion Rach Gia.

Upon the explosion in Rach Gia, special forces began to reinforce Ayutthaya in secret in the case that danger was eminent. The Ayutthaya quick response force was also readied and awaiting word from the Premier or Pope. Two Mi-24s with ground attack layouts begin to fly circles as a show of force around Ayutthaya.

Premier Songwut would order his secret service member to have the AIB (Ayutthaya Intelligence Bureau) to look for someone who was willing to accept the terms for the Buddhist if the current Buddhist leadership won't, get Thích Hoằng Thâm and Maha Ghosananda to my office now, and prepare for me to address to the nation after the service. With that he returns calmly to his seat and telling the rest of the visiting leaders "There has been an incident in Rach Gia. I is under control and we are safe, if that changes however my guards will take us to safety."
He says quietly.

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

Snake King frowns upon hearing this. "What is this incident? Please, tell us more so that perhaps we can assist you." The others nod, though they express their desire to pray for intercession about the situation.

[You'll have to make a post in the other thread where you attempt to bring the two leaders to your office by force]

[Tokugawa Empire]

Premier Songwut says a quick prayer before making the sign of the cross and turning to the other leaders. In a quiet voice he explains the situation.
"About thirty minutes ago a Sunday mass was letting out in Rach Gia, and a group of Buddhists extremists carried out a massive bombing. I'm having my guards take you to The Grand Palace where Pope Boon-nam will meet with you all first." He stands as mass is dismissed. He gives a serious look to Pope Boon-nam who realizes something is wrong, and with a stern expression gives Songwut the sign of the cross.

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

Snake King frowns, "This is why religion has no place within communism. No one can be equal if there are religious differences, nor can true socialism exist if people are beholden to their religious beliefs. Your nation would be better off without religion.

The others look at Snake King sceptically, being Christians themselves. They too cross themselves, before following the guards to the Grand Palace. Snake King also follows the guards to the Grand Palace.

[Tokugawa Empire]

Songwut turns to Snake King and squints his eyes.
"We are all capable of great things, with or without religious guidelines. We will continue this conversation after I address this situation." He says before heading with his guards to the waiting motorcade outside.

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

Once they are in the palace, Snake King sits off to the side and begins gathering his thoughts, preparing for the next meeting of the Tai Pope, worried about the state of socialism in Asia.

The Catholics from Korea and Kyushu, likewise sit by themselves, both questioning why the Tai government invited this heathen to the meeting, one who clearly wants to get rid of religion.

[Tokugawa Empire]

Pope Boon-nam would enter the chamber with a long table in the center. He offers the Christians the sign of the cross before shaking everyone's hands.
"Please take a seat, I belive there is much to talk about here today." He says before taking a seat at the head of the table.

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

Snake King begins, "As I was saying earlier, the events of today are why religion has no place in true socialism. Religion divides people and fosters dissent and division. Socialism is meant to make all people equal, something which can not be done with religion. So tell me, why is it that you have invited me here to meet with you? I know you invited the Koreans and Kyushuans to discuss religion with them, but why me?"

[Tokugawa Empire]

Pope Boon-nam smiles warmly at Snake King.
"You are smart my friend, and you are brutally effective in how you govern. We do follow socialism as Jesus taught it. To love your neighbor as you love yourself and to serve the people is to serve God. You made a joke about being set aflame if you were baptized, when in reality your work is holy onto itself. We sit here as the world around us judges our actions and our people for rising to greatness! They seek damnation against us all for what we believe. And should we stand divided we will all be crucified by the powers that test us."
His eyes fall on each of the leaders before him.