Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

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Stored: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

Country: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
Historic: Yes
Existence: 1816–1861
Continent: Europe
Region:
Historical Region: Southern Italy
Area: 111900 km²
Population: 7000000
Catholic Population: 6860000
Catholic Percentage: 98%
Catholicism Status: Official religion
Official Languages: Italian, Neapolitan, Sicilian
Capital: Naples
Catholicism Introduced: 1st century AD
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 7
Dioceses: 30
Patron Saints: Saint Januarius, Saint Rosalia
Predecessor States: Kingdom of Naples, Kingdom of Sicily
Successor States: Kingdom of Italy


Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was a historic state in Southern Italy, spanning approximately 111,900 km² across the mainland (Naples) and the island of Sicily, from its formation in 1816 to its annexation by the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, with a peak population of about 7 million in the 19th century.[1] Its official languages were Italian, Neapolitan, and Sicilian, and its economy relied on agriculture, trade, and fishing. The Catholic Church, with approximately 6.86 million Catholics (98%) at its height, was the official religion, with Catholicism introduced in the 1st century AD through apostolic missions.[2] Centered in Naples and Palermo, the kingdom’s Catholic identity was shaped by sites like the Cathedral of San Gennaro and devotion to Saint Januarius and Saint Rosalia.

Geography

The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies covered approximately 111,900 km², encompassing Southern Italy’s mainland (Naples) and the island of Sicily, bordered by the Papal States, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Ionian Sea.[3] Its Mediterranean climate supported agriculture, vital for Catholic communities in rural Sicily and Campania. Key cities included Naples, Palermo, and Catania, with Naples’ Cathedral of San Gennaro as a major religious site. The kingdom’s geography facilitated pilgrimage routes, such as those to Palermo for Saint Rosalia.[4]

History

Formed in 1816 by uniting the Kingdom of Naples and Kingdom of Sicily under Bourbon rule, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was annexed by the Kingdom of Italy in 1861 during Italian unification.[5] Catholicism, introduced in the 1st century AD, was the state religion, with the Church influencing governance and culture.[6] The Bourbons supported Catholic institutions, reinforcing the Church’s role until unification.

Demographics

The kingdom’s population peaked at approximately 7 million in the 19th century, predominantly ethnic Italians, including Neapolitans and Sicilians.[7] Catholics numbered approximately 6.86 million (98%), concentrated in Naples, Palermo, and rural areas.[8] Religious minorities, such as Jews, were minimal, and Catholicism dominated cultural life.[9]

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies operated through 7 ecclesiastical provinces and 30 dioceses, serving approximately 6.86 million Catholics, led by archbishops in Naples and Palermo.[10] Exclusively Latin Rite, the Church maintained parishes and supported schools and charities through orders like the Jesuits and Franciscans.

Structure

The Catholic Church in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies had 7 ecclesiastical provinces, with dioceses under metropolitan bishops.[11] Jurisdictions included:

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 1st century AD through apostolic missions, with early Christian communities established in Naples and Sicily by figures like Saint Paul.[12] The Church grew under Roman and Byzantine rule, becoming central to the kingdom’s identity.

Key historical events

Milestones include the establishment of the Archdiocese of Naples in the 1st century, the Bourbon restoration of Catholic institutions in 1816, and the Church’s role in resisting unification in 1861.[13] The annual Feast of Saint Januarius became a significant tradition.[14]

Catholicism status

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

Predecessor states

The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was formed in 1816 by uniting the Kingdom of Naples and Kingdom of Sicily, both with roots in Norman and Spanish rule.[17] These states inherited a strong Catholic tradition.

Successor states

The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was annexed by the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, forming part of modern Italy.[18] No other successor states emerged.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrated Christmas, Easter, and feasts like Saint Januarius (September 19) and Saint Rosalia (July 15) with processions and liturgies.[19] Pilgrimages to Naples and Palermo 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 Cathedral of San Gennaro in Naples and Palermo Cathedral, showcasing Baroque and Norman styles.[21]

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Cathedral of San Gennaro in Naples and Palermo Cathedral were major pilgrimage destinations.[22]

Historical churches

The Basilica of Santa Chiara in Naples and Cathedral of Monreale in Sicily were significant historical sites.[23]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Saint Januarius and Saint Rosalia, revered for their miracles, were venerated as patron saints.[24]

Associated saints and blesseds

Saints included Saint Januarius, martyred circa 305, canonized in the 4th century; Saint Rosalia, died 1160, canonized in 1624; and Saint Alphonsus Liguori, died 1787, canonized in 1839.[25] Blessed Bartolo Longo, beatified in 1980, is notable.[26]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faced challenges from Enlightenment ideas, revolutionary movements, and Italian unification efforts in the 19th century.[27] Responses included reinforcing Catholic devotion through festivals and education.

Social and political influence

The Church shaped governance, education, and charity, promoting Catholic Social Teaching under Bourbon support.[28] Its influence persisted until unification diminished its political role.

References

  1. ↑ Harold Acton (1956). The Bourbons of Naples. Methuen. ISBN 9780413279408. 
  2. ↑ "Catholic Church in Southern Italy". Encyclopedia.com. 2023-10-10. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion. 
  3. ↑ Harold Acton (1956). The Bourbons of Naples. Methuen. ISBN 9780413279408. 
  4. ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: Naples. Robert Appleton Company. 
  5. ↑ "Kingdom of the Two Sicilies". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_the_Two_Sicilies. 
  6. ↑ "Catholicism in Southern Italy". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Italy. 
  7. ↑ Harold Acton (1956). The Bourbons of Naples. Methuen. ISBN 9780413279408. 
  8. ↑ "Catholic Church in Southern Italy". 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 Italy". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Italy. 
  13. ↑ "San Gennaro Cathedral". Vatican News. 2020-09-19. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-09/san-gennaro-naples.html. 
  14. ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: Naples. Robert Appleton Company. 
  15. ↑ Harold Acton (1956). The Bourbons of Naples. Methuen. ISBN 9780413279408. 
  16. ↑ "Religious Communities in Italy". Pew Research Center. 2020-06-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/italy/. 
  17. ↑ "Kingdom of the Two Sicilies". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_the_Two_Sicilies. 
  18. ↑ "Kingdom of the Two Sicilies". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_the_Two_Sicilies. 
  19. ↑ "Catholic Traditions in Southern Italy". Catholics & Cultures. 2022-08-01. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/southern-italy. 
  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 Southern Italy". Vatican News. 2020-09-15. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-09/southern-italy-pilgrimages.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 Southern Italy". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf. 
  25. ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Southern Italy". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf. 
  26. ↑ "Bartolo Longo Beatification". Vatican News. 1980-10-26. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/1980-10/bartolo-longo-beatification.html. 
  27. ↑ "Kingdom of the Two Sicilies". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_the_Two_Sicilies. 
  28. ↑ "Caritas Italy: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/italy/. 

External links

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