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Maximian happened to be a persecutor of Christians, which meant that Constantine was now viewed as their defender.

Bishop: The enemy of our enemy is our friend, no?

Constantine: Hmm, this could be good for me. The Christians seem to be on the rise. But if I display too much affection for these people, these pagan Romans will most likely throw me out of power. Okay, I'll restrict the lions' diet of Christians and keep my men from burning your churches. But you have to keep this quiet. Pinky swear?

Augustus Galerius, also an active persecutor of Christians, was on his death bed, which was a piece of luck for Constantine. Although, it did seem as though Galerius had a last minute change of heart.

Galerius: Have the offerings been made?

Advisor: Yes, your grace.

Galerius: My people have been ordered to pray for me?

Advisor: Yes, your grace.

Galerius: It's not enough! We need to stop killing the Christians for now, so that they can start praying for me!

So, while Caesers Licinius and Maximinus Daia fought over the right to the newly open throne, Constantine made plans to seize control of Rome.

Constantine: Yeah you just keep doing that while I... Go do something else for a while. Don't mind me.