Dall'alto dell'Apostolico Seggio

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Dall'alto dell'Apostolico Seggio (From the height of the Apostolic See) is an encyclical of Pope Leo XIII addressed to the bishops, the clergy and the Italian people . which he published on October 15, 1890 with the subtitle "On the Freemasons in Italy". It is also known under the name "Ad apostolici".

Purpose of the encyclical

Already his predecessors, but also he took the opportunity in his encyclicals Humanum genus and Sapientiae christianae to uncover the facts and developments that are undeniably present. It is therefore unnecessary now to convert Freemasonry to repentance, since with their activities they have already taken over the spirit of Satan and thus become an instrument of it, instead they must be fought. With this letter the fight in defense of the Catholic religion must be started.

The situation in Italy

“From the height of the apostolic see ”, as Pope, in divine providence, he was appointed to save the Italian nation . The evil in this nation is the threat to the faith from Freemasonry and it is the responsibility of the clergy to take up the “fight” and to oppose the “evil” with all available power. The Catholic Christians, especially all bishops , the clergy and the Italian population, are called upon to act as guardians against this change. He addresses, and this is new and remarkable, also expressly to the believers in Italy, the Pope points out the socio-political developments and calls on the Italians to “love the fatherland”.

Against Freemasonry

In view of the facts and declarations of the “Masonic Program” he warns Italy against the realization of this movement and calls for the dissolution of this group. He describes the Freemasons as antichrists and enemies . He sees the future prospect of religion in Italy dwindling, as he feared the overpowering influence of the Freemasons' program. He therefore calls on all the forces of the Apostolic See to avert harm to religion and Italy.

About worthlessness without religion

In his remarks, he explains that a society without religion is controversial and even worthless because it - the society - lacks morality , honor and strength. Without religion, society would have no feelings of value, both in private and in general political life. The basis of society, which is founded by the family , lacks the important basis, because from it comes life, growth and energy within society. Religion is the stabilizer of the nation, because the prosperity of peoples comes from God and his blessings. Overall, it is religion that regulates the relationship between husband and wife and establishes the origin of love between parents and children. He warns that Italy is losing its religion and that the divine foundations of the nation will be lost.

About the dangers of socialism

Another danger to society is the socialist movement, which could lead to the abolition of the social foundations. Italy is also threatened by this danger, since socialism tries to reach out to the faithful through the institution of the Holy Church. However, the energy of the Christian religion and the truth of the gospel would develop effective forces against the outlaws to prevent the spread of subversions and disturbances. He describes the spread of socialism as a war on religion that develops a destructive source against the Pope and the Italian people.

See also

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