Quibus quantisque malis

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Quibus quantisque malis is an " Apostolic Letter ", which on April 20, 1849 by Pope Pius IX. was published and in which he criticized the revolutionary developments in Italy.

Historical background

In Italy revolutionary freedom forces tried to free Italy from foreign rule, partitions and absolutism. “Political resistance groups” and “ secret societies ” (e.g. the Carbonari ) formed, organized uprisings, promoted the revolution and worked underground. On February 9, 1849, the Roman Republic was proclaimed, which was led by a triumvirate with the participation of the radical democratic revolutionary Giuseppe Mazzini . On July 3, 1849, the republic was militarily crushed by French and Spanish intervention troops. Pius IX did not return to Rome until the spring of 1850 .

Main articles: History of Italy and Risorgimento

Revolution and displacement

In his place of refuge in Gaeta , he wrote this Apostolic Letter, which dealt with the following points:

  • He deplored the armed conflict in Italy and the rest of Europe and turned against the revolutionary forces. He attributed this revolution in essential elements to the machinations of the secret societies, the destruction of which has not yet been carried out. The revolutionary leaders could not hope for the support of the church because they had exceeded the commandments of fidelity and their actions had to be described as godless.
  • He regrets that his “battalions” lost the defensive battle, and he declares his loyalty to the king. Furthermore, as head of the Roman Catholic Church, it is unworthy not to rule from Peter's chair .
  • He describes the danger that law and reason would be lost and could be taken over by the fateful system of socialism or communism .
  • The constitution of January 1848 did not comply with the laws of the church and it was therefore the duty to reclaim all property. To end this revolution he would have asked Austria , France , Spain and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies for help to restore justice, because his duty commanded him to restore the freedom of the Church.
  • The Pope calls on all bishops and priests , but also all believing people, to defend themselves against the attacks of the opponents and to bring all goods back to justice.

See also

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