Alexander, Bishop, Servant of the Servants of God, to the illustrious sovereigns of Europe, health and apostolic benediction. Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis!

Word has reached the ear of the Holy See that the most treacherous King of the Germans, descended from those duly crowned Roman Emperor, now marches into the heart of Italy itself to claim the Throne of St. Peter for himself. Peace to those of good will but the sword of God shall fall on those who do evil. The ploys of Maximilian ranks with the treachery of Arminius and Judas Iscariot. With one hand he took the money of good Christians across German lands who gave them their guelders believing that their King was marching to make war on the Turk. He betrayed their trust and contract and instead used the money to raise soldiers who march on Rome itself. In light of Maximilian's treachery, the sale of indulgences are henceforth cancelled in German lands. It is regrettable that millions of good Christians across his lands will not have their souls cleansed of sin. They will endure millennia in purgatory as a result of the actions of the King and his advisors.

The Holy Father sought to unite the Princes of Europe against the Muhammadans. We felt that the greatest threat to Christendom lay in the Ottoman Empire. The threat turned out to be too close in home. A wolf in sheep's clothes sat on the German throne, pretending to be a great friend of the Crusade when really he plot the downfall of Christianity itself. The King of the Germans clearly is a bedfellow of the Ottoman Sultan. All Christians must oppose his acts. However, what makes this whole event all the more troubling is the appearance of the King as a friend of the Church. As always we offer the chance to repent though that will not be held ad infinitum.

The shame of the King of the Germans however is outdone by the loyalty of the King of Frances and his lords, and the Kingdoms of Spain. Their example for all of Europe is further amplified by the King of the Germans falling into the machinations of Satan.

The King of the Germans cannot be allowed into Italy. Therefore we call on all those in Italy to defend it. Should German soldiers set foot in Italy we must band together to oppose them. Only 6 years ago the League of Venice formed. Today the Holy League of Rome must be formed to face a far more immediate and dastardly threat.