Taking over the Papacy in Crusader Kings 3 is one of the most ambitious goals a player can pursue. The Pope is one of the most powerful religious figures in the game, and controlling the Papacy means influencing crusades, excommunications, and the flow of gold from pious rulers. While you cannot directly become the Pope unless you reform Catholicism or change the rules of the faith, there are several creative and effective strategies to either control the Pope or replace him altogether. This guide covers multiple ways to take over the Papacy in CK3 and hold power over the religious world.
Understanding the Papacy in Crusader Kings 3
Role of the Pope
In CK3, the Pope is the head of the Catholic faith. He controls the Vatican, declares crusades, and can excommunicate or bless characters. His approval matters greatly, and religious characters often seek his favor. Because of the unique structure of Catholicism, the Pope is independent and cannot be vassalized through normal means. Taking over the Papacy requires a blend of military, diplomatic, and religious maneuvers.
Limitations of the Papacy
By default, you cannot play as the Pope in CK3 unless you heavily modify the game through mods. However, you can take control over the Pope in different ways:
- Vassalize the Pope
- Replace the Catholic faith with a new religion you control
- Destroy the Papacy completely
How to Vassalize the Pope
Start as a Strong Catholic Ruler
To vassalize the Pope, you need to be a powerful Catholic king or emperor, usually with high military strength and substantial land holdings in Italy. Playing as the Holy Roman Emperor is one of the most straightforward paths, as you are already close to Rome and wield considerable power in the Catholic world.
Conquer the Papal State
The Pope holds the County of Rome. To vassalize him, you must strip him of that land. Declare war on the Papacy using a claim or fabricate one if necessary. Once you defeat the Pope and take the County of Rome, you will have reduced his independence.
However, even after you take Rome, the Pope will remain independent and likely flee to another holding or create a new one. You will need to:
- Continue wars until he has no counties
- Ensure he cannot generate new land or receive protection from allies
Use the Vassalize CB or Diplomatic Pressure
Once the Pope no longer holds land or is weakened enough, you can use a vassalization casus belli (CB) if it becomes available through culture or de jure claims. Alternatively, attempt to diplomatically vassalize him, which is rare and requires exceptional power and opinion modifiers. If successful, you will control the Pope, and he will become your vassal.
Replacing the Catholic Faith
Reform Catholicism into a Custom Faith
Instead of trying to directly control the existing Pope, you can make your own religion by diverging or reforming the Catholic faith. You will need a high level of piety, a holy site under your control, and the appropriate level of devotion to create a custom faith.
Customize the Head of Faith
When creating your new faith, select a Temporal Head of Faith instead of a spiritual one. This allows you to become the head of your new religion. You’ll be the one granting divorces, calling holy wars, and receiving religious taxes. This is effectively how you take over the Papacy by replacing it.
You can even copy most of Catholicism’s tenets, such as Communion, Monasticism, and Vows of Poverty, but put yourself in charge instead of the Pope. Once your faith is created and your vassals convert, the old Catholic Church will weaken, and your influence will grow.
Advantages of Creating a Custom Faith
- You control the new religious head
- You decide the tenets and doctrines
- You can freely grant divorces, excommunicate, or collect gold
- You avoid direct war with the Papacy
This method is arguably more effective than trying to control the original Pope because you directly rule your religious institution.
Destroying the Papacy
Capture and Imprison the Pope
Another brutal method to take over the Papacy is to destroy it. You can wage war on the Pope, capture him in battle, and imprison him. Once imprisoned, the Pope can no longer function effectively, especially if you strip him of titles and relocate him to your dungeon.
To do this:
- Conquer the County of Rome
- Defeat the Pope’s armies and capture him
- Imprison or execute him (if you don’t fear the tyranny penalty)
Eliminate the Title
Once the Pope has no land and no power, the Papacy will exist in name only. You can then spread your own religion, pressure rulers to convert, and ensure the Pope’s influence fades over generations. This strategy is most effective if combined with founding your own faith.
Tips for Taking Over the Papacy
Control Rome Early
Owning the County of Rome gives you tremendous influence. Whether you’re replacing Catholicism or planning to vassalize the Pope, taking this county early should be a high priority. Be prepared for Catholic rulers to respond aggressively to this action, as it is a sacred site.
Build Piety and Religious Authority
High piety allows you to create a new faith and also influences your ability to diplomatically pressure the Pope. Focus on religious decisions, holy wars, and pilgrimages to build your piety score. Maintaining high religious fervor also helps your new faith spread quickly.
Use Schemes If Necessary
If you can’t defeat the Pope in open war, consider using intrigue. Use your spymaster to fabricate secrets or schemes to murder the Pope. This can destabilize the Church and allow a more favorable candidate to ascend. While it’s not always reliable, it can tip the scales in your favor.
Taking over the Papacy in CK3 is a long-term goal that requires patience, planning, and power. Whether through conquest, religious reform, or political manipulation, you can either vassalize the Pope, replace him with a religion you control, or eliminate the Catholic Church’s authority altogether. Each method comes with unique challenges and rewards. As you rise to dominate both the secular and spiritual world, remember that controlling religion in CK3 is one of the most effective ways to secure your dynasty’s future and legacy.