 Meanwhile , Hannegan makes an alliance with the kingdom of Laredo and the neighboring , relatively civilized city @-@ states against the threat of attack from the nomadic warriors . Hannegan , however , is manipulating the regional politics to effectively neutralize all of his enemies , leaving him in control of the entire region . Monsignor Apollo , the papal nuncio to Hannegan 's court , sends word to New Rome that Hannegan intends to attack the empire of Denver next , and that he intends to use the abbey as a base of operations from which to conduct the campaign . For his actions , Apollo is executed , and Hannegan initiates a church schism , declaring loyalty to the Pope to be punishable by death . The Church excommunicates Hannegan . 
