Letters & Papers:1532 Volume 5 Date:13 November 1532 No.1541 Title: Francis I Instructions to Cardinal Tournon and Grammont [What the two cardinals shall say to the pope]
1541. Francis I. Instructions to cardinals Tournon and Grammont.
After presenting to the Pope the King's cordial recommendations, the Cardinals shall tell him that at the late interview between the kings of England and France at Boulogne, great complaints were made of his Holiness's conduct in the matter of the two tenths granted to the French king for the defence of Christendom; and the new exactions placed on the expedition of bulls. Full instructions are given for their remonstrance on this subject.
They shall also say that the two Kings are so closely united that the interests of both are the same, and if the Pope provokes them into undertaking anything against him, great damage may ensue. Once they had intended to do so, but have decided to request reparation first; and in case of delay, which will be taken for refusal, they will demand a General Council in eight months, or, if that cannot be done, in three months after that. If the Pope will not, they will hold the Council themselves. All princes and kingdoms will adhere to them, and especially the princes of Germany, Lutherans, and others. The Kings' subjects will be forbidden to send money to Rome directly or indirectly.
If the Pope uses censures, and the King is forced to go to Rome for absolution, he will go so well accompanied that the Pope will be very glad to grant it. The Cardinals must represent to the Pope the state of Christendom, and the evils which would result from the Kings being separated from the Church by lack of justice. The French king will be willing to meet the Pope at Nice or Avignon, as his Holiness sent word by the card. Grammont that he would meet the King after the Emperor's departure from Italy. He will procure the king of England to come also, so that all things may be arranged. The Cardinals shall do what they can in the matter of the king of England, as if it was the King's own affair. Amyens, 13 Nov. 1532.
