Charles's old ally Don Enrique, King of Castile, also died before taking sides, and his son, Juan I, though heavily pressed by Charles V to support Clement, preferred to maintain neutrality, saying that, while faithful to the French alliance, he could not go against the conscience of his subjects. Common people, nobility, clerics, learned men, he wrote, were all Urbanist. What government, O wise prince, he pointedly inquired of Charles, has ever succeeded in triumphing over public conscience supported by reason? What punishments are available to subjugate a free soul?
Charles V faced a setback with the death of his ally, King Don Enrique of Castile, who did not take a position before his passing. His successor, Juan I, felt pressured by Charles to support Pope Clement but chose to remain neutral. Juan expressed his loyalty to the French alliance while considering the moral stance of his subjects, all of whom he noted leaned toward Urbanism. He emphasized that no government could override the public’s conscience, indicating a strong belief in the power of reason among the populace.
Juan I's refusal to act against the sentiment of his people highlighted a significant challenge for Charles V. He questioned the ability of authority to suppress the will of a free and reasoning society, suggesting that even severe punishments could not bend the spirit of individuals guided by their convictions. This exchange reflects the broader struggle between political ambition and the moral compass of a society, underlining the complexities of leadership during tumultuous times.
