APOSTOLIC LETTER

MOTU PROPIO

OF THE HOLY FATHER

BENEDICTUS PP. XVII

CONCERNING THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE

OF THE GERMAN NATION

From the Early Middle Ages onward, the Holy Roman Empire played an important part within the politics of Europe. The Empire, which became especially important at the end of the 15th century, and the throughout the 16th century had generally been a stalwart and ever persistent defender of the Catholic Faith, and has helped shaped the modern day affairs of the continent in a variety of different ways.

The recent announcement of the reformation of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation is a prime example of this. While originally reformed some time ago and met with no small amount of hostility, the Vatican sees this new version, or relaunch, as a serious attempt at reform and governing under a peaceful, Catholic faith. It is my firm belief that the leaders of the HRE truly understand the desires both politically and spiritually, of their people. That this is what has motivated them to re-create an important figure of the 15th and 16th centuries.

This position has been shared jointly by the Prince Electors, and His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVII. With the understanding between the Holy Roman Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation that the HRE will work tirelessly for peace, The Vatican and His Holiness formally supports the new nation of HRE. We trust in our Lord, Jesus Christ, to provide ample situations for the new nation to prove it's sincerity for the desires of peace, cooperation between nations and diplomatic dialogue.

Therefore, by my authority as Pope of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, we do confer the title of Emperor upon the family of Alexander I, now Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, and affirm this as a hereditary title transmissible by male primogeniture only and only so long as the family line belongs to the Holy Roman Catholic Church and perseveres in their obedience to the apostolic Holy See.