Relations with the papacy remained tense, although it was emphasized that as co-leaders of the reform, Philip and the papacy should be natural allies. However, the interests of the papacy, Italy and the Spanish were not aligned despite the assumption that this would be the case, thus threatening the stability of power. The document further highlights the arrogance of those in power, particularly manipulation and corruption to influence elections in the country's favor. This is evident in Philip's attempt to manipulate the papal elections before the death of Paul IV to prevent the peace achieved in Italy from being jeopardized. Furthermore, Levin points out that Spanish power was not concrete and that there were credible threats of "novedades" and therefore the Spanish presence can be somewhat understood. However, an equally consistent insistence on tailoring demands to Spanish interests led to a lack of consensus and the consequent absence of genuine bonds between allies, as demonstrated by the equal fear on the part of Spanish and Venetians that others would abandon the League. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Furthermore, the link between religion and popes who hold significant power in the empire and whose restlessness can have drastic consequences for the stability of power is strongly argued. Importantly, the papal system remained independent although it continued to represent a source of vast financial support (a danger that it would be withdrawn if offended). The sources analyzed come from ambassadors who are therefore in close relationships with all political and pontifical personalities and therefore give a credible assessment of their relationships. This is further strengthened by the fact that ambassadors have been employed to be critical of both sides and therefore their accounts are more truthful. Their role means that they can give greater prominence to the negotiations of popes and political leaders, especially since they were the means through which the manipulation occurred (e.g. using Vargas). The vast majority of primary sources evaluated supported the theory of strained relations between the papacy and Philip. Furthermore, the sources not only detail the opinions of the ambassadors, but also the communications between Philip and them. These discuss primarily the papacy and, more critically, “remaining in the good graces of His Holiness.” This said highlights Philips' recognition of the power of the papacy, although it somewhat contradicts his outward behavior. Although the sources as a whole are valuable as are documents written in confidence, however, particularly in the case of Vargas, the primary sources do not complement each other and therefore their value is undermined. Vargas' letters to Philip present himself as a peacemaker, stating that the unity of the conclave was threatened to the greatest extent by Guido Ascanio Sforza. While other documents state that Vargas' actions are "heinous and almost indefensible", therefore limiting the true value of some sources as there is a purpose of self-preservation. It would be helpful to read Thomas James Dandelet's Spanish Rome, 1500-1700 (Yale University Press), as he describes the relations between the Spanish Empire and Palatal Rome much more positively than Levin does. He also argues that the papacy was successfully brought under Spanish control, which strongly contradicts Levin's conclusion that they remained independent. Therefore, the text presents an alternative theory on the extent of the Spanish flu.