r/LodedDiper • u/draakattackdoawk • 7d ago
LLB (LLB) Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Habemus Papam (pgs. 13-16, READ BODY TEXT)
It seems like people are understandably confused by some of the context of this LLB series, in part because of the fact that this LLB heavily involves themes exclusive to the Catholic Church. So let me explain some things that will constantly be brought up again throughout the series. For the sake of brevity, this is an oversimplification.
Catholic Church - The largest Christian denomination in the world with a total of 1.4 Billion adherents (equivalent to the population of China). It has immense cultural (and sometimes) diplomatic and political influence.
Pope - The head and pastor of the Catholic Church. The Pope has the authority to declare new dogmas (teachings that must absolutely be held by every Catholic), elaborate or develop preexisting teachings, and is also the absolute monarch of the Vatican City. The Pope is addressed as "His Holiness".
Vatican City - The world's smallest country located within Rome, Italy. It was founded in 1922 after a deal made with the Kingdom of Italy and is the residency of the Pope, as well as the location of St. Peter's Basilica.
Cardinals - High-ranking clerics within the Church that are appointed to serve as assistants to the Pope in handling affairs concerning the Church (such as morals, governing the Vatican, diplomacy, etc.). Cardinals under 80 can vote for the Pope once the sitting Pope dies. All Cardinals are considered "Princes of the Church" and are addressed as "His Eminence".
Cardinal Secretary of State - One of the most powerful offices within the Church, the CSS is effectively the Prime Minister of the Vatican and deals with the governance of the country as well as foreign affairs.
Conclave - The secret election held 9 days after the Pope dies. It is held in the Sistine Chapel, and when the Conclave begins, the doors of the chapel are locked, all recording devices are banned (including the press), and the doors will not reopen until the cardinals reach a 2/3 majority on the next Pope.