Vix dum a nobis

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With the encyclical Vix dum a nobis of March 7, 1874 on the Church and liberal legislation in Austria , Pope Pius IX turns . against the liberalization of laws.

See also main article: History of Christianity in Austria

Contents of the encyclical

Greeting

In this he regrets the separation from the Catholic Church in Switzerland and the introduction of civil marriage in Prussia. He argues that the church must defend itself against this, especially since the “Austrian nation” is a great “Christian republic” and has always stood up for the Catholic faith.

Hostile Laws

The new laws prepared in Austria gradually led to the separation of state and church , they are - from the point of view of the Pope - to be regarded as hostile and are directed against the Catholic teachings.

Ecclesiastical authorization

To this he says that God endows the Church with the divine gifts and an infallible right to transmit the holy doctrine and the holiest priesthood. He also equips them with the energy to pass laws, exercise judgments, and use salutary coercion in all affairs. This supernatural energy of the church policy is independent of the political justification. It is for this reason that the Kingdom of God is a perfect society , held together and governed by its own laws and rights.

Intent of the new laws

He doubts the legality of the new laws and expresses that this liberalization will lead to a separation between the Catholic Church and the civil government. He also sees a separation between the Catholic Church and the Emperor of Austria, since he believes he can do anything. He refers to the development in Prussia and recalls the written words: “... the things of God belong to God, those from Caesar to Caesar. The palace belongs to the emperor, the church to the priest ... "

Role of the clergy

The Austrian clergy and especially the Austrian episcopate are called upon not to follow the liberal aspirations. They should strive to defy this danger with prudence and zeal, they should consult in order to enforce common Christian goals.

Faith and hope

In his closing remarks, the Pope expressly renounces an exhortation (... there is no need for an exhortation ..), but rather reminds of the conscientious exercise of the church office and of the Christian faith , at the same time he relies on the hope that Emperor Franz Joseph I . may use his godly devotion, to prevent the new legislation.

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