AHC: Vatican joins either side

[mowque]

That would be very interesting. First Antipope since the 15th century. Could add an interesting religious element to WWII.

It would be totally ignored by the mainstream Catholic community. There plans in OTL to move the head of the Church to Rio and hold another conclave if required.

 

[Ismailov]

A modern Antipope could have some lasting impact though, since as with most historical Antipopes this one would be backed by powerful forces. It could cause problems after the war: what should be done with Cardinals and priests who collaborated with the Axis-backed Antipapacy, does said Antipope get arrested after the war, etc. Instead of modern-day debates about "Hitler's Pope" there'd be "Hitler's Church."

It'd also be interesting to see how Spain and Portugal would respond to two competing Popes and Churches.