The dock resounded with the boom of saluting cannons, a full 15 rounds, followed by the solemn and solemn "Hymn of Thanksgiving" played by the band.
The Church personnel, led by Archbishop Giovio of Avignon, stood respectfully on the left side of the red carpet, while the Duke of Berry, representing the French Royal Family, led a group of nobles standing on the right.
Then followed the traditional procedures of kissing the cross, sprinkling holy water, and the nobles saluting one by one. The over two hundred Marseille citizens who came to welcome them looked devout.
Only at this moment did Pope Pius VI finally breathe a sigh of relief.
On the ship to Port of Marseille, Archbishop Antonelli and others were still telling him that once they arrived in France, they might be strictly monitored. The French would likely force them to vote at the Grand Council to transfer control of the Holy See to the French Church.
