Iampridem

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Iampridem is one of Pope Leo XIII. encyclical published January 6, 1886 . He addressed this to the Prussian episcopate and dealt with the question "about Catholicism in Germany".

Historical background

After Pope Leo XIII. Having ascended the papal chair in 1878 , he signaled his readiness to come to an understanding with Prussia ; he intended to reach the settlement of the Kulturkampf through negotiations with Berlin. This included a first measure that led to the turning point: the Pope agreed to the obligation to notify the occupation of parishes. Between 1880 and 1887, the Kulturkampf slowly began to soften through mutual confessions and mitigation laws on the part of Prussia - the Pope took this as an opportunity to turn to the episcopate in Prussia.

At the end of the Kulturkampf

  • He expressed the long-cherished wish to speak to the Prussian bishops, he was particularly interested in Catholicism in Germany, and praised the loyalty and discipline shown by Catholics in Germany so far.
  • He describes the motivations of his revered predecessor Pius IX. and deplores the afflictions and dangers to which the German Catholics were exposed. With mutual devotion, the conflicts can be alleviated, which is why it is important not to let up in educational work.
  • He expressly describes it as his task to put harmony and peace on a firm footing and declares his readiness to restore good relations.

Appeal to the Prussian clergy

  • He calls on the clergy to actively participate and refers to his encyclical Immortale Dei , in which he places the relationship between church and state on the level of natural law. However, one should not deviate from these guidelines.
  • He also reminds the bishops to lead the seminaries in this spirit and not to neglect the supervision of the formation of the priests.
  • In the exercise of their office, however, the priests and pastors should not be influenced by secular officials or civil authorities. It is important to comply with the existing laws, but freedom should be preserved.
  • Catholic missionary work must also find its free and unhindered access in the colonial areas intended by Prussia.
  • The concluding exhortation points to the apostolic importance and underlines that every effort must be made to end the “fighting” in Prussia.

literature

  • Rudolf Morsey "Kulturkampf der Bismarckzeit", in: Prussia 1701/2001 , ed. Karl-Günther von Hase and Reinhard Apel, ECO Verlag, Cologne, 2001, ISBN 3-934519-80-6

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