Tuesday 20 May 2008, by Jarn Van Hoorn
The Papacy, one of the oldest institutions in the world, has always played a dual role: a spiritual and religious authority on one side, and a leading force on the international political scene on the other. And indeed, in order to establish its political power, pope Pius V decided to create the Santa Alleanza in 1566, as the Papal States’ intelligence service. There are several reasons for this, the main one being the struggle against Elizabeth I of England and Protestantism.
The Santa Alleanza has always acted in the best interest of the Church, although the Papacy never officially acknowledged its existence; its work has mostly been performed in the shadows throughout the centuries, involving the assassination of several kings, the funding of undercover operations, the creation of many secret societies for the purpose of eliminating opponents, of helping supporters escape, of triggering bankrupts and of creating shady ties with criminal organizations.
Cardinal Paluzzo Paluzzi, the highest in rank in the Santa Alleanza in 1697, sums it up quite well: "If the Pope orders the elimination of someone in order to defend the faith, we do as ordered and do not ask questions. He is the voice of God, we are His enforcing will."
The pope needs to be informed of the plans of major powers on a constant basis. In order to be aware of their internal affairs, he uses the classic methods of diplomatic ambassadors, specifically nuncios and apostolic delegates. But state intrigue is the duty of the Santa Alleanza. Cardinal Guiseppe Sacripanti is rumoured to be in charge of the service since March 1704, although this cannot be proven. Strangely enough, the person in charge of the Caribbean area would not be a priest, but a layman. Rumours tell about a defrocked priest, or a former convict (some say the difference lies in the words only), with an inclination for swift and questionable methods, and who does not know the meaning of failure...
The Santa Alleanza does not have any documented headquarters, and the gatherings might take place in several clandestine locations. It has enemies and opponents in every other society, with a focus on everything that can impact the Protestants in a negative way, and the Jacobites in a positive one.
The Santa Alleanza is actively recruiting these days, obviously hinting at a lack of agents operating in the Caribbean. Some of you reading these lines may be interested in knowing more: meet us here...
