SS.MI DOMINI MOSTRI PII DIVINA PROVIDENTIA PAPAE IX

 RESTITUTIONIS IMPERII*

PIUS EPISCOPUS
SERVUS SERVORUM DEI

ON THE RESTORATION OF THE TRUE EMPEROR OF CENTRALSK

Ad perpetuam rei memoriam.   

In the name of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, Father and Son and Holy Ghost, by whose providence kingdoms are raised up and cast down, and by whose eternal counsel the nations of the earth are judged: it has ever been the office divinely committed to the Apostolic See, founded by the blessed Prince of the Apostles, to guard the deposit of the faith inviolate, to defend the flock of Christ from ravenous wolves, and to guide erring peoples into the way of salvation. For Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, did say unto Peter, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17), and did commit unto him and his successors the care of all who call upon His name, that they might not be led astray by the vanity of false doctrine nor be destroyed by the malice of ungodly rulers. From the beginning of Our Pontificate, We have not ceased to defend the liberty of the Church and the dignity of all peoples against the manifold assaults of error and cruelty, mindful of the words of the Apostle that “there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1). Yet when rulers, having received power, abuse it to the ruin of the innocent, to the destruction of the commonwealth, and to the scandal of the faithful, it is the solemn duty of the Apostolic See, which judges all but is judged by none, to reprove, to condemn, and to depose if need be, lest the sheep of Christ be consumed. And now, beloved sons and venerable brethren, a matter of such gravity presses upon Us that silence would be culpable and inaction would be a betrayal of Our divine charge. For in the East, in the lands once flourishing with the wisdom of the Magi and watered by the blood of martyrs, a grievous and unheard-of iniquity has arisen. The man Nero, styling himself Emperor both of Byzantium and of Centralsk, has dared to profane the name of the Cross by erecting a false and pernicious religion, deceitfully called Crusaderism, whereby he would subject the Gospel of Christ to the ambition of his dynasty. Not content with corrupting the faith, he has further decreed the utter destruction of the Persian people, whose only crime is that they refuse to bend the knee before his tyranny. Thus he seeks to stain the earth with blood as Cain once did, making himself an enemy alike of God and man. Therefore, with the authority of Blessed Peter, Prince of the Apostles, We must speak with a voice that shall not be silenced, to declare the truth, to defend the innocent, and to call forth that son whom Divine Providence has preserved for this hour: Nguyen of the House of Hameng, sprung from the noble line of Thach, whose memory remains ever glorious, and joined in holy matrimony to Giovanna, of illustrious birth among the faithful of Italy. For as once the Lord raised up Cyrus to deliver His people, so now He has appointed Nguyen to restore justice and to vindicate the oppressed.

PART I

OF THE AUTHORITY OF THE APOSTOLIC SEE OVER KINGS AND EMPERORS

From the first ages of the Church, it has been known to all that the Roman Pontiff, as successor of the blessed Peter, holds from Christ Himself the office not only of teaching and confirming the brethren in the faith, but likewise of judging between princes when their rule endangers the salvation of souls. For the kingdom of Christ is not of this world (John 18:36), yet it touches and illumines all worldly powers, so that none may lawfully oppose Him who is the true Lord of all. Thus it is written: “By Me kings reign, and princes decree what is just” (Proverbs 8:15). But if by their arrogance kings set themselves against the law of God, they forfeit the authority divinely entrusted to them, and it is the solemn office of the Apostolic See to declare them fallen, lest the faithful be deceived by a shadow of legitimacy.

The holy fathers, assembled in councils both general and particular, have borne witness to this truth. Pope Gelasius, writing to the Emperor Anastasius, distinguished the sacred authority of priests from the royal power, teaching that the former is weightier, for it shall answer to God even for the kings of men. Likewise Pope Gregory VII, of immortal memory, did not hesitate to depose the Emperor Henry IV, whose obstinacy and tyranny were a scandal to the whole Church. And in Our own times, the memory is fresh of Our predecessor, Pius VII, who in the face of the usurper Napoleon did not fear imprisonment, but by his constancy bore witness that the Vicar of Christ may not be enslaved to temporal violence.

Therefore the faithful must hold with firm assent that the Roman Pontiff, by virtue of his primacy, possesses authority not only to judge questions of doctrine and morals but also to correct kings and emperors when by their wickedness they imperil the salvation of souls and the liberty of the Church. For though civil power is established for the common good, it is not absolute but bound to the eternal law of God. Wherefore, when princes rise as tyrants, the Apostolic See, judging by the keys of heaven, may absolve their subjects from obedience, may anathematize their decrees, and may appoint, confirm, or restore rulers more fitting to the divine will.

And let none dare to call this a usurpation of earthly dominion, for the Pope seeks not crowns of gold but the salvation of souls. As Saint Ambrose withstood the Emperor Theodosius, saying “The emperor is in the Church, not above the Church,” so must We now bear witness that no mortal power is exalted above the See of Peter. For the Rock once laid in Zion cannot be moved, and the Church of Rome, by the promise of Christ, shall never fail.

PART II

OF THE CRIMES AND IMPEITIES OF NERO, WHO CALLS HIMSELF EMPEROR

Yet though the See of Peter hath ever labored to guide princes in righteousness, there arise in every age men of blood and pride who despise the law of Christ and oppress His people. Of such sort is Nero, sprung from a perverse union, who now grasps at the scepter of Byzantium and Centralsk, and in his arrogance calleth himself emperor of a new order. This man, swollen with fury like Pharaoh of old, hath hardened his heart against the living God, and hath stained the purple with crimes crying to heaven.

For he, forgetful of the commandment “Thou shalt not kill” (Exod. 20:13), did not scruple to shed the blood of his own father, Abraham II, whom he slew with parricidal hand, violating both nature and the command of God. And lest his wickedness remain hidden, he afterward made war upon Persia with a cruelty unheard of, sparing neither woman nor child, burning cities consecrated to the worship of God, and binding the innocent in chains heavier than those borne by the Israelites in Egypt. Thus was fulfilled in him the word of the prophet: “Woe to him that buildeth a city in blood, and prepareth a town by iniquity” (Hab. 2:12).

Moreover, he hath raised up slavery anew, as though the light of Christ had not banished such oppression from among the faithful. By his decree men created in the image of God are bought and sold as beasts of burden, and those who resist are slain without mercy. He rejoices in the bondage of souls as in the plunder of nations, blaspheming the Redeemer who made Himself servant of all to free us from the yoke of sin.

Neither hath he spared the household of the just. The family of Sutikno, who once governed Centralsk in equity, he treacherously murdered, seeking thereby to erase every memory of liberty and virtue. Like Herod of old, he stretched out his hand against the innocents, that no rival might live to question his throne. While Sutikno was a blasphemous man, he nevertheless gave the Centralskian people the right to choose and the right to seek the truth.

To these impieties must be added his insolent usurpation of the divine offices. He dares to meddle with sacred things, thrusting upon the people a counterfeit faith, which he calleth “Crusaderism,” compounded of profaned rites and mingled superstitions, despised alike by Catholics and by the Orthodox. He compels men to bow before this idol, and even in the holy liturgies he seeks to exalt his own name above the Name which is above every name. This is the spirit of Antichrist, who sitteth in the temple of God showing himself as if he were God (2 Thess. 2:4).

Nor is his tyranny satisfied with the present. For he pursueth with venom his own son Justinian, whom he hateth for no other cause than that the youth seeketh virtue; he casteth aside his son Constantine, who in marriage hath chosen fidelity to the Queen of the Percha despite his paganism and the Percha's atheism, over the empty pomp of a blood-stained throne; and against the noble Nguyen, rightful heir of the House of Hameng, he worketh snares unceasing, desiring that the lamp of justice be wholly extinguished.

Therefore, by these manifold crimes—parricide, massacre, tyranny, sacrilege, heresy, and blasphemy—Nero hath shown himself not a shepherd of the people but a ravening wolf, not an emperor ordained of God but a usurper and destroyer of nations. His rule is a pestilence upon the earth, his law a yoke of iron, his name a scandal to the faithful. Unless restrained by the hands of the Apostolic See and the Centralskian people, the whole flock is in danger of perishing.

PART III

ON THE LEGITIMATE SUCCESSION OF THE HOUSE OF HAMENG AND THE APOSTOLIC RECOGNITION OF NGUYEN

Therefore, venerable brethren and beloved children in Christ, having considered with grief the manifold crimes and sacrileges of the false Emperor Nero, and desiring with pastoral solicitude to provide for the peace, stability, and Christian order of the nations committed to our care, We turn now with fatherly affection to that noble house which Divine Providence hath raised up in the regions of the East for the defense of faith and justice.

For it is well known to all, and confirmed by the testimonies of both history and conscience, that the illustrious House of Hameng hath for centuries since the Great Interregnum been adorned with singular gifts of prudence, fortitude, and piety, shining forth most splendidly in the person of that renowned Emperor Thach, who, with wisdom surpassing his years, united under one sceptre many peoples of diverse tongue and custom. He it was who, mindful of his responsibility before Almighty God, upheld the dignity of his subjects, preserved the liberties of the Church, and governed with that equity which reflecteth on earth the justice of heaven. Wherefore, by the common consent of all who loved righteousness, he was hailed as father of his people, and his reign is justly remembered as a golden age of peace and order in the Orient.

Nor hath the blessing of the Most High departed from his posterity. For in his son Nguyen, preserved by a merciful Providence even amidst exile and peril, there remaineth intact the legitimate line of succession, both by right of blood and by the inheritance of virtue. This same Nguyen, taught in the discipline of adversity, strengthened by the counsels of the Apostolic See, and joined in holy matrimony to a noble daughter of Christendom, hath proved himself faithful to the traditions of his house and zealous for the honor of the Church. In him the memory of his father is renewed, and through him the hopes of a just restoration are quickened in the hearts of many.

Accordingly, by the plenitude of Apostolic authority, and in the exercise of that office whereby We are bound to confirm the brethren and defend the lawful rights of princes, We do solemnly proclaim and declare: that Nguyen, son of the late and most august Thach, is by divine ordinance and legitimate descent the true and rightful heir to the throne of Centralsk, and that no claim opposed to his, whether arising from usurpation, violence, or deceit, can be regarded as lawful in the eyes of God or of His Holy Church.

Nor do We restrict this recognition to the person of Nguyen alone, but extend it also to his lawful heirs of the House of Hameng, that the line founded in justice and sanctified in faith may continue, under God’s providence, to rule and to guide the nations entrusted to it. For it is fitting that a people so numerous, industrious, and faithful should not be left as sheep without a shepherd, but should find in their own prince a father, a defender, and a servant of the common good.

And that all may know that We speak not as private men, but with the authority of the Prince of the Apostles, We do further decree that whosoever shall obstinately deny or resist the just claim of the aforesaid Nguyen and his descendants, or shall persist in defending the tyranny and wickedness of Nero and his faction, is guilty of grave sin, and shall incur the censure of excommunication latae sententiae, unless he speedily repent and return to obedience. For rebellion against the order established by God is rebellion against God Himself, and no Christian may with impunity set himself against that authority which the Apostolic See hath confirmed.

Finally, to Nguyen and to his heirs We impart with paternal charity the Apostolic blessing, together with the prayers of all Christendom, that strengthened by heavenly grace, they may persevere in justice, defend the liberty of the Church, restore peace to the afflicted, and transmit to posterity an empire founded not in cruelty and oppression, but in faith, law, and concord. To all who shall aid them in this just cause, whether by counsel, by arms, or by prayer, We promise a share in the spiritual treasures of the Church, and We grant a plenary indulgence to be gained once, under the usual conditions, for the remission of sins.

So do We, in the name of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, confirm and ratify these things, decreeing that they remain firm and irreformable in perpetuity.

PART IV

THE CALL TO THE FAITHFUL OF CENTRALSK

Therefore, having weighed these matters with grave prayer and counsel, We now turn Our voice to you, beloved sons and daughters of the Centralskian lands, who have endured under the shadow of tyranny and the blasphemies of a false ruler. The authority of the Apostolic See commands you: rise in obedience not to violence nor rebellion for its own sake, but to the holy cause of justice, of the true faith, and of the rightful House ordained by God.

From the westernmost shores of Sumatra, where the waves of the great ocean crash, to the farthest islands of New Guinea; from the blessed colony of Tanabaru in the western seas, to the sacred river valleys of Southern China; from Timor and the spice-laden islands, to the ports and harbors of Semagon, Saigon, and Manila; from Taipei on high to Jakarta below; from Mandalay, which was wickedly renamed Mandalaeus by the usurper Nero, back to its true and ancient dignity — to all these peoples We proclaim: your Emperor is Nguyen of the House of Hameng, chosen heir of Thach the Great, defender of the Church, and beloved son of Our paternal heart.

Do not remain silent, as sheep without a shepherd. Rather, let every tongue proclaim the truth and every hand uphold it. Let the soldier turn his loyalty from the tyrant and bind it anew to the rightful King. Let the magistrate, the governor, the scholar, and the humble farmer alike bear witness to the divine justice of this cause. And let the faithful priests, bishops, and all clergy of your lands lift their voices with one accord, teaching and urging your people to stand with the Church and with the true heir.

To you, beloved people, We grant the assurance of apostolic blessing: whoever acts with fidelity to Nguyen and to the Catholic faith shall not stand condemned as rebel or traitor, but shall be numbered among the defenders of Christendom and the servants of God’s holy will.

Therefore, let no one delay. As the trumpet sounds, as the Gospel spreads, as the yoke of tyranny is cast off, let the Centralskian people rise as one body under one head, with faith in Christ and with justice as their standard.

PART V

ON THE PENALTIES AND CENSURES OF THE APOSTOLIC SEE

But lest any imagine that the Church speaks in vain, or that the words of the Apostolic See are but wind, We now solemnly declare before heaven and earth the penalties that shall befall those who, hardened in pride, resist the judgment of God and of His Vicar.

First, We decree and ordain: whosoever shall knowingly support, defend, or proclaim the false Emperor Nero, or his corrupt Palaiologan Senate, or shall deny the rightful authority of Nguyen of the House of Hameng, that person is by the authority of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul excommunicated, cut off from the communion of the faithful, deprived of the sacraments of life and salvation, until such time as they repent and renounce the false ruler.

Let no priest offer them the Body of Christ, nor absolve their sins, nor commend their souls in death. Let no Christian take them as sponsor at baptism or in marriage. Let them be as heathen and publican until they return to the unity of truth.

Furthermore, all who aid Nero — whether by arms, by counsel, by treasure, or by word — do incur the wrath of Almighty God, and unless they repent, their portion shall be with Judas the betrayer and with those who raised their hands against Christ’s anointed. The stain of their crime shall cling to them and to their house, and their memory shall rot in infamy.

But those who, though misled, repent and confess the true Emperor shall find mercy in the bosom of Holy Church; for the Lord is slow to anger and rich in kindness, and We, as His Vicar, are eager to forgive the contrite.

Therefore, beloved children, choose this day whom you shall serve: the tyrant Nero, condemned already by his crimes and marked for divine judgment, or Nguyen, the son of Hameng, confirmed and blessed by the See of Peter. One path leads to death and damnation; the other, to justice, unity, and eternal life.

PART VI

THE FINAL SEAL AND BENEDICTION

And now, having spoken with the fullness of Apostolic authority, We set Our seal upon this decree, that it may stand unshaken until the end of time. By the power given unto Us by Christ the Lord through His Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, We confirm, ratify, and command all that has herein been declared, lest any man presume to gainsay or diminish it.

We call upon the glorious Mother of God, the ever-Virgin Mary, she who crushed the serpent beneath her feet; upon Saint Joseph, guardian of the Holy Family; upon the Princes of the Apostles, Peter and Paul; and upon all the saints and martyrs who bore witness to the truth unto death. By their intercession, may the enemies of Christ be confounded, and may His faithful servants be strengthened in courage and unity.

We raise Our voice to heaven itself, entreating the Lord of Hosts not only to deliver the beloved peoples of Centralsk from the yoke of the usurper, but also to protect and guard the long-suffering Persian people, who groan beneath the sword of Nero’s cruelty. May their tears be dried, their blood avenged by divine justice, and their land restored in peace under the mantle of Christ.

Finally, We impart with paternal affection Our Apostolic Blessing to Nguyen of the House of Hameng, lawful heir and Emperor; to his faithful servants and to all the peoples of his dominion, from Sumatra to Tanabaru, from Southern China to Timor, from Mandalay to Semagon, and from Jakarta to Taipei. Let the dew of heavenly grace descend upon them; let the angels encamp around them; and let victory, justice, and peace be their portion, now and forevermore.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Given at Rome, at Saint Peter’s, under the Fisherman’s Ring, in the Year of Our Lord 1858, in the 12th year of Our Pontificate.

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