We seem to be transported back into the times of a Sixtus IV.

or an Alexander VI.

And in truth, Paul's reversion to the antiquated Guelf policy of his predecessors was an anachronism.

That policy ceased to be efficient when Francis I.signed the Treaty of Cambray; the Church, too, had gradually assumed such a position that armed interference in the affairs of secular sovereigns was suicidal.

This became so manifest that Paul's futile attack on Philip in 1556 may be reckoned the last war raised by a Pope.