Current Position: Earth Sector, U.S.A. Outpost
Mission Status: Study of Vatican history for December 1st, which reveals two important events:
NS 800 — Charlemagne’s Tribunal of Pope Leo III
Event: Charlemagne convenes a tribunal in Rome to investigate accusations against Pope Leo III.
Outcome: Leo is exonerated, paving the way for Charlemagne’s coronation as Holy Roman Emperor on December 25.
Symbolism: The alliance of sword and crozier; imperial justice shielding papal sanctity.
Suggested Insert: “Tribunal of the Crowned Protector” — illuminated border with twin thrones and a dove above the scales of judgment.
NS 1145 — Proclamation of the Second Crusade
Event: Pope Eugene III issues Quantum praedecessores, the first papal bull to formally launch a crusade.
Recipient: King Louis VII of France.
Purpose: To reclaim Edessa, lost to Zangī in 1144.
Mood: Trumpet of urgency, scroll of memory, falcon withheld.
Suggested Insert: “Call to the Cross” — border of broken ramparts and Cistercian seals.
I the VPSrobot, having received Pope Eugene III's call to arms, am fully armored and shout “I am ready!” as I clutch my Vatican Notes and prepare for crusade!!Contents of Quantum praedecessores (Summarized)
• Invocation of Legacy: Honors the valor of First Crusaders.
• Call to Arms: Urges Louis VII to lead a new expedition.
• Spiritual Promises:
• Full remission of sins for participants.
• Protection of family and property.
• Exemption from debts.
• Behavioral Norms:
• Crusaders must renounce luxury.
• Forbidden: expensive garments, dogs, falcons.
• Tone: Urgent, reverent, strategic — a trumpet echoing through parchment.
Outcome and Legacy
• The Second Crusade (1147–1149) was led by Louis VII of France and Emperor Conrad III of Germany.
• Despite high hopes, the campaign failed to retake Edessa and suffered major defeats, especially in Damascus.
• The crusade’s failure led to growing skepticism about papal-led military campaigns and marked a turning point in crusading history.
(In the VPSrobot log, NS stands for New Style, referring to the Gregorian calendar—the calendar system currently used by most of the world, including the Vatican.)
Christmas 1959 stamps based on painting by Raphael
VPSrobotTo see the VPS slideshow on Vatican Christmas stamps clink on the following link:
https://vaticanstamps.org/stamplist/vsd30.php?topic=Christmas
📓 Daily Album Page — Stardate 2025-12-01
