The entire meeting was stunned by Anthony's words. After a considerable silence, Tyrone finally said weakly, "How could we vote on internal matters of the Church of Light? Any decisions made won't be binding."
A slight smile swept across Anthony's face, "That's why it's not about dismissal, but denial, denial of his status as a Pope, and shifting all contact with the Church of Light to me."
Guliani's face darkened, realizing that Anthony had come fully prepared.
Power consists of several facets: internal personnel and finance; external diplomacy, trade, and war. If these are taken away by others, ostentatious titles would mean nothing but an empty shell.
By causing division, Anthony seized the personnel and finance of the Eastern Diocese. And now, he intends to seize diplomatic power?
As long as he, the Pope, is alive, there would be no re-election. But if the power of diplomacy was deprived, it meant the Pope's role would be hollowed out, bearing a title but no real authority.
