The Knights of Malta in revolt against the Pope!

[Maladict]

It is a Sovereign order.

A catholic sovereign order.

[grumbler]

It is a Sovereign order.

A catholic sovereign order.

A sovereign under international law. 

[Maladict]

It is a Sovereign order.

A catholic sovereign order.

A sovereign under international law.

I meant that being a catholic organization the pope must have some authority, at least in theory.

edit: but yes, international law would be an additional complication.

[grumbler]

It is a Sovereign order.

A catholic sovereign order.

A sovereign under international law.

I meant that being a catholic organization the pope must have some authority, at least in theory.

edit: but yes, international law would be an additional complication.

The Pope's authority in doctrinal matters isn't being challenged; just his power to supervise the administration of the order.

[LaCroix]

yeah, I don't see the problem then. if they have authority to say no to an investigation, then they're merely exercising that authority.

[Eddie Teach]

Of course none of the proddie faiths think that that passage made Peter pope.

He was declared The Rock and held that title until passing it on to Dwayne Johnson.

[Maladict]

It is a Sovereign order.

A catholic sovereign order.

A sovereign under international law.

I meant that being a catholic organization the pope must have some authority, at least in theory.

edit: but yes, international law would be an additional complication.

The Pope's authority in doctrinal matters isn't being challenged; just his power to supervise the administration of the order.

I read somewhere that the Knights' constitution contains a clause that allows the pope to revoke, or at least compromise, their sovereignty. He's not doing that, of course, but it seems to does have a means to force his authority.