Patricio da Silva

Head of the Catholic Church in Portugal as Patriarch of Lisbon and Cardinal, Father da Silva initially kept himself and his church above the struggles of the Liberal War. However, in the waning days of Miguel's reign, Patricio threw himself and the Church behind him, at first with oratory and then with funds and force of arms. After Miguel's defeat, the Cardinal was politically sidelined and, mostly, quiescent, even as the forces of Devorismo ravaged the wealth of the church. In exchange for his restored political apathy, and in recognition of his advanced age, the Liberals largely let him be, including permitting him to retain a role and position in Maria's royal court.