Spesse volte

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Spesse volte ( German: Often ) is an encyclical from Pope Leo XIII. Drafted in Italian and published August 5, 1898. The Pope writes to the Italian episcopate and the clergy and speaks “against the suppression of Catholic institutions” in Italy.

Review and indictment

“Often times”, the Pope begins, he felt obliged during his pontificate to point out the disadvantages of the Church , which are now being increased to an unbearable degree. He registered his protest and asked the Italian public for support. He lists several actions against the Church, for example:

  • After the loss of civil power, the Catholic Church in Italy would have been robbed of its elementary doctrines and actions;
  • their indigenous influence in public and social life has been suppressed;
  • Monasteries would be suppressed and women's monasteries closed;
  • church property would be confiscated;
  • military service would be imposed on the clergy and
  • the freedom of the Holy See would be shackled by unjust measures.

The result of these abuses is bitterness, disagreement, quarrel and disturbance of the public peace. In several letters to the Italian people, he had pointed out the serious consequences of these religious decadences and developments. It is the progress of socialism and anarchy that is damaging the nation .

Call to action

Religion and society are in danger. It is therefore important now to develop activities and to do so by lawful means. These demands, which he had already mentioned in the encyclicals Dall'alto dell'Apostolico Seggio (October 15, 1890) and Custodi di quella fede (December 8, 1892), must now be implemented - despite the previous successes. The rioters must be stopped. They are the ones who, in a pathological way, would bring strife to several parts of Italy. The constant reproach to the Catholic associations that their activities are destroying public life in Italy cannot be accepted. Therefore it is intended that these false ideas be dispelled through sermons and publications. The good virtues and unchanging principles of religion should not induce Italian Catholics to revolt against public administration , but they should work for justice and peace to which peaceful citizens have a right.

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