Holy Cardinal Pontificate

cardies ponts inquisitors preachers, maesters, cardinal knights 'the pontificate'

The Holy Cardinal Pontificate, usually referred to simply as the Pontificate, is the most dominant religion across Amestria. The Pontificate is also referred to as 'the church', and has a history of not being tolerant towards other religions. Believers of the faith follow the Cardinal Teachings, which are said to guide the individual to a happy and productive life. Following the teachings are also said to secure one a place in the afterlife. There is very little tolerance for violating the teachings, even towards those who are not believers. The church formed after the fall of Exodia as an answer to humanity's vanity, to ensure that such avarice and arrogance would never arise once again. The church is lead by the Hierophant, who in turn delegates his power to several Maesters which are responsible for representing the religion and coordinate different regions. Due to humanity's majority faith in the Pontificate, these religious figures hold an extensive amount of power and control many aspects of human society.

Hierarchy

The Holy Cardinal Pontificate maintains a strict hierarchy within their temple walls, with the Hierophant himself being the most powerful individual, progressing downwards to the most humble of priests. Individuals who are lower in the hierarchy are expected to listen and fulfill the wishes of the upper hierarchy. While the Hierophant himself is considered the embodiment of the cardinal teachings and is also the head of the church, most matters are handled by Maesters, localized leaders of the faith who are often responsible for several churches in a region. Cardinal knights uphold the cardinal teachings, by combating heresy wherever it rears it's ugly head. Inquisitors are responsible for actively seeking heresy and attempting to convert heretics by any method they have at their disposal, and if they should fail they will send word to the church to dispatch a cardinal knight to handle the heresy. Priests are the humble servants of a church, with the High Priest being the leader of the church and several normal priests serving under them.

Hierophant

The Hierophant is considered the embodiment of the cardinal teachings. All members of the faith listen to his every word, and work tirelessly to fulfill his wishes. The Hierophant is elected by a council of maesters, and will remain in power for the duration of their life. The selection process is somewhat of a mystery to outsiders, however it is known that they might spend years or even decades searching every human settlement for the right individual. The current Hierophant has been the source of much controversy, having been elected from a very young age. Despite having been in power for more then a century, Yune the current Hierophant, has not aged at all since the day he was elected. The church has attributed this as a miracle from heaven, and a testament to the Hierophant's profound faith in the teachings.

Maester

Maesters