Kingdom of Sardinia

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Stored: Kingdom of Sardinia

Country: Kingdom of Sardinia
Historic: Yes
Existence: 1324–1861
Continent: Europe
Region:
Historical Region: Mediterranean
Area: 75000 km²
Population: 5000000
Catholic Population: 4900000
Catholic Percentage: 98%
Catholicism Status: Official religion
Official Languages: Italian, Sardinian
Capital: Turin
Catholicism Introduced: 5th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 3
Dioceses: 10
Patron Saints: Saint Maurice, Our Lady of Bonaria
Predecessor States: Judicate of Arborea
Successor States: Kingdom of Italy


Kingdom of Sardinia was a historic state in Southern Europe, spanning approximately 75,000 km² across Sardinia, Piedmont, and Savoy, from its establishment in 1324 to its incorporation into the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, with a peak population of about 5 million in the 19th century.[1] Its official languages were Italian and Sardinian, and its economy relied on agriculture, trade, and mining. The Catholic Church, with approximately 4.9 million Catholics (98%) at its height, was the official religion, with Catholicism introduced in the 5th century through early Christian missions.[2] Centered in cities like Cagliari and Turin, the Church shaped the kingdom’s identity through sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria and devotion to Saint Maurice and Our Lady of Bonaria.

Geography

The Kingdom of Sardinia covered approximately 75,000 km², encompassing the island of Sardinia, Piedmont, and Savoy, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, France, and other Italian states.[3] Its Mediterranean climate supported agriculture, vital for Catholic communities in rural Sardinia. Key cities included Cagliari, Turin, and Sassari, with Cagliari’s Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria as a major religious site. The kingdom’s geography facilitated pilgrimage routes, such as those to Bonaria.[4]

History

Established in 1324 under Aragonese rule, the Kingdom of Sardinia passed to the House of Savoy in 1718 and played a key role in Italian unification, merging into the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.[5] Catholicism, introduced in the 5th century, became the state religion, with the Church influencing governance and education.[6] The Savoy dynasty supported Catholic institutions, strengthening the Church’s role.

Demographics

The kingdom’s population peaked at approximately 5 million in the 19th century, predominantly ethnic Italians and Sardinians.[7] Catholics numbered approximately 4.9 million (98%), concentrated in Piedmont, Sardinia, and Savoy.[8] Religious minorities were minimal, and Catholicism shaped cultural life.[9]

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in the Kingdom of Sardinia operated through 3 ecclesiastical provinces and 10 dioceses, serving approximately 4.9 million Catholics, led by archbishops in Turin and Cagliari.[10] The Church, exclusively Latin Rite, maintained parishes across the kingdom and supported schools and charities through orders like the Jesuits.

Structure

The Catholic Church in the Kingdom of Sardinia had 3 ecclesiastical provinces, with dioceses under metropolitan bishops.[11] Jurisdictions included:

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 5th century through early Christian missions, with Sardinia evangelized by missionaries from North Africa and Rome.[12] The Church grew under Byzantine and later Aragonese rule, becoming central to the kingdom’s identity.

Key historical events

Milestones include the establishment of the Archdiocese of Cagliari in the 11th century, the Savoy dynasty’s promotion of Catholicism in the 18th century, and the Church’s role in Italian unification (1861).[13] The construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria in 1704 was a significant event.[14]

Catholicism status

The Catholic Church was the official religion of the Kingdom of Sardinia, with 98% of the population Catholic.[15] The Church enjoyed state support and influenced education and law. Religious minorities faced restrictions, reinforcing Catholic dominance.[16]

Predecessor states

The Kingdom of Sardinia emerged from the Judicate of Arborea and other Sardinian judicates, consolidated under Aragonese rule in 1324.[17] The House of Savoy later expanded its control to Piedmont and Savoy.

Successor states

The Kingdom of Sardinia merged into the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, forming the basis for modern Italy.[18] No other successor states emerged.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrated Christmas, Easter, and the Feast of Our Lady of Bonaria (April 24) with processions and liturgies.[19] Pilgrimages to Bonaria were widespread.

Education and charity

The Church ran schools and orphanages, with orders like the Jesuits promoting education and Caritas aiding the poor, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[20]

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage was reflected in the Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria and Turin Cathedral, showcasing Baroque and medieval styles.[21]

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria in Cagliari and Turin Cathedral, home to the Shroud of Turin, were major pilgrimage destinations.[22]

Historical churches

The Cathedral of Santa Maria di Monserrato in Sassari and Aosta Cathedral were significant historical sites.[23]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Saint Maurice and Our Lady of Bonaria were venerated as patron saints, reflecting Savoyard and Sardinian devotion.[24]

Associated saints and blesseds

Saints included Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, died 371, canonized in the 4th century; and Saint Ignatius of Laconi, died 1781, canonized in 1951.[25] No blesseds are prominently associated with the kingdom.[26]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faced challenges from Enlightenment ideas and early secular movements in the 19th century.[27] Responses included reinforcing Catholic education and devotion through festivals like Our Lady of Bonaria.

Social and political influence

The Church shaped governance and education, promoting Catholic Social Teaching through charity and schools.[28] Its influence supported the Savoy dynasty’s unification efforts.

References

  1. ↑ Denis Mack Smith (1988). The Making of Modern Italy, 1770–1870. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 9780333438084. 
  2. ↑ "Catholic Church in Sardinia". Encyclopedia.com. 2023-10-10. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion. 
  3. ↑ Denis Mack Smith (1988). The Making of Modern Italy, 1770–1870. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 9780333438084. 
  4. ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: Sardinia. Robert Appleton Company. 
  5. ↑ "Kingdom of Sardinia". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Sardinia. 
  6. ↑ "Catholicism in Sardinia". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Sardinia. 
  7. ↑ Denis Mack Smith (1988). The Making of Modern Italy, 1770–1870. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 9780333438084. 
  8. ↑ "Catholic Church in Sardinia". Encyclopedia.com. 2023-10-10. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion. 
  9. ↑ "Religious Communities in Italy". Pew Research Center. 2020-06-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/italy/. 
  10. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Italy". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm. 
  11. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Italy". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm. 
  12. ↑ "Catholicism in Sardinia". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Sardinia. 
  13. ↑ "Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria". Vatican News. 2020-09-15. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-09/our-lady-of-bonaria.html. 
  14. ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: Sardinia. Robert Appleton Company. 
  15. ↑ Denis Mack Smith (1988). The Making of Modern Italy, 1770–1870. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 9780333438084. 
  16. ↑ "Religious Communities in Italy". Pew Research Center. 2020-06-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/italy/. 
  17. ↑ "Kingdom of Sardinia". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Sardinia. 
  18. ↑ "Kingdom of Sardinia". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Sardinia. 
  19. ↑ "Catholic Traditions in Sardinia". Catholics & Cultures. 2022-08-01. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/sardinia. 
  20. ↑ "Caritas Italy: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/italy/. 
  21. ↑ "Religious Sites in Italy". Advantour. 2023-06-15. https://www.advantour.com/italy/religion.htm. 
  22. ↑ "Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in Sardinia". Vatican News. 2020-09-15. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-09/our-lady-of-bonaria.html. 
  23. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Italy". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm. 
  24. ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Sardinia". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf. 
  25. ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Sardinia". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf. 
  26. ↑ "Saints of Sardinia". Vatican News. 2020-05-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/news/2020-05/sardinian-saints.html. 
  27. ↑ "Catholicism in Sardinia". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Sardinia. 
  28. ↑ "Caritas Italy: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/italy/. 

External links

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