Synod of Sutri
The Synod of Sutri, convened by Holy Roman Emperor Henry III, reaches its climax as the three rival popes—Benedict IX, Sylvester III, and Gregory VI—stand before the council to resolve the papal schis
Setting
Sutri Cathedral, a Romanesque church with a high central nave and lower side aisles. The stone walls are adorned with simple frescoes of saints, and the air is thick with the scent of incense. The council is gathered near the altar, where a wooden platform has been erected for the proceedings.
Characters
Henry III
primary
A tall, imposing man in his mid-20s with a strong jawline and piercing blue eyes. His light brown hair is neatly trimmed, and his fair complexion is flushed with the weight of authority. His broad shoulders and upright posture convey regal bearing.
Benedict IX
primary
A man in his early 30s, with a robust but somewhat dissipated frame. His once-handsome face shows signs of indulgence, with a slightly florid complexion and dark circles under his piercing brown eyes. His dark hair is carefully combed, but the tonsure at his crown is uneven—a sign of his disputed papal status.
Gregory VI
secondary
A man in his late 50s, with a gaunt but dignified frame. His face is lined with the marks of both age and stress, with sharp, deep-set eyes that betray a keen intellect. His hands are slender, with long fingers often clasped together in contemplation or prayer. His posture is slightly stooped, as if weighed down by the burden of his contested papacy.
Sylvester III
secondary
A middle-aged man of average height with a gaunt face and deep-set eyes, his dark hair streaked with gray and receding at the temples. His bearing is that of a churchman who has known both power and disgrace, with a sharp nose and thin lips pressed in a tight line.
Bishop of Sutri
secondary
A gaunt, middle-aged man with a sharp nose and deep-set eyes that reflect both wisdom and weariness. His short-cropped grey hair is topped by a simple mitre, and his hands, clasped together, bear the calluses of frequent prayer.
Imperial Guard
background
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 30s with a weathered face, short-cropped dark hair, and a thick beard. His hands are calloused from years of wielding weapons, and his piercing brown eyes scan the room with military precision.
Dialog
Henry III
By the authority vested in us by Divine Providence and imperial decree, we declare this trinity of claimants an abomination before God and the Holy See!
Benedict IX
Hear me! That simoniac Gregory bought his throne like a merchant haggling over spoiled fish!
Gregory VI
Would Christ recognize a pope who took the throne by blood and kept it through terror? The Apostle Peter demands better shepherds.
Bishop of Sutri
Iuxta traditionem, Domine Imperator, the canons of Nicea forbid such division in Christ's holy bride.
Henry III
Let the sword of Constantine carve this tumor from Rome's flesh. Tomorrow we march south to elect a pope worthy of Saint Peter's chair.
Benedict IX
By Saint Peter's bones... you'll answer for this sacrilege when next I wear the tiara!
Gregory VI
May God have mercy on us all. For in truth, none here leave this place with clean hands.