Language:
English
Year of publication:
2011
Titel der Quelle:
Revue d'Histoire Ecclésiastique
Angaben zur Quelle:
106,3-4 (2011) 521-545
Keywords:
Mussolini, Benito,
;
Catholic Church.
;
Catholic Church Relations
;
Judaism
;
Antisemitism History 1800-2000
;
Antisemitism
Abstract:
Traces Pope Pius XI's struggle against Mussolini's racist policies in the period between May 1938 (Hitler's first visit to Italy) and February 1939 (when the Pope died). The Pope's criticism of antisemitism and racism angered Mussolini, who tried to censor him. Emphasizes that Pius XI was not isolated, but received backing from "L'Osservatore Romano" and certain Catholic intellectuals, whose articles condemning antisemitism led to violent confrontations with the fascist press. In winter 1938, responding to the promulgation of racist legislation, the Pope tried to engage in a dialogue with the fascist government on a diplomatic level. Argues that, although the Pope officially only expressed concern about the prohibition of mixed marriages and the status of converted Jews, he was seeking a legal basis to block the racial laws. Concludes that the tensions between Mussolini and Pius XI caused a crisis between Church and state, and a division in the ranks of Catholics concerning their attitude toward fascism.
DOI:
10.1484/J.RHE.1.102467
URL:
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