Kingdom of Naples
Stored: Kingdom of Naples
| Country: Kingdom of Naples | |
| Historic: | Yes |
| Existence: | 1282–1816 |
| Continent: | Europe |
| Region: | |
| Historical Region: | Southern Italy |
| Area: | 86000 km² |
| Population: | 5000000 |
| Catholic Population: | 4900000 |
| Catholic Percentage: | 98% |
| Catholicism Status: | Official religion |
| Official Languages: | Latin, Neapolitan, Italian |
| Capital: | Naples |
| Catholicism Introduced: | 1st century AD |
| Ecclesiastical Provinces: | 4 |
| Dioceses: | 15 |
| Patron Saints: | Saint Januarius, Saint Thomas Aquinas |
| Predecessor States: | Kingdom of Sicily |
| Successor States: | Kingdom of the Two Sicilies |
Kingdom of Naples was a historic state in Southern Italy, spanning approximately 86,000 km² across the mainland of Southern Italy, from its establishment in 1282 following the Sicilian Vespers to its merger into the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1816, with a peak population of about 5 million in the 18th century.[1] Its official languages were Latin, Neapolitan, and later Italian, and its economy relied on agriculture, trade, and maritime activities. The Catholic Church, with approximately 4.9 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, with sites like the Cathedral of San Gennaro and devotion to Saint Januarius and Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Church profoundly shaped the kingdom’s cultural and spiritual identity.
Geography
The Kingdom of Naples covered approximately 86,000 km², encompassing mainland Southern Italy, including Campania, Apulia, and Calabria, bordered by the Papal States, the Kingdom of Sicily, and the Mediterranean Sea.[3] Its Mediterranean climate supported agriculture, sustaining Catholic communities in rural and urban areas. Key cities included Naples, Bari, and Salerno, with Naples’ Cathedral of San Gennaro as a major religious site. The kingdom’s geography facilitated pilgrimage routes, notably to Naples for Saint Januarius.[4]
History
Established in 1282 after the Sicilian Vespers separated it from the Kingdom of Sicily, the Kingdom of Naples was ruled by Angevin, Aragonese, Spanish, and Bourbon dynasties before merging with Sicily to form the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1816.[5] Catholicism, introduced in the 1st century AD, was the state religion, with the Church influencing governance and culture.[6] The Bourbons, in particular, supported Catholic institutions, reinforcing the Church’s role.
Demographics
The kingdom’s population peaked at approximately 5 million in the 18th century, predominantly ethnic Neapolitans with minor Greek and Albanian communities.[7] Catholics numbered approximately 4.9 million (98%), concentrated in Naples and rural Campania.[8] Religious minorities, such as Jews, faced restrictions, reinforcing Catholic dominance.[9]
Catholic church
The Catholic Church in the Kingdom of Naples operated through 4 ecclesiastical provinces and 15 dioceses, serving approximately 4.9 million Catholics, led by the Archbishop of Naples.[10] Exclusively Latin Rite, the Church maintained parishes and supported schools and charities through orders like the Jesuits and Dominicans.
Structure
The Catholic Church in the Kingdom of Naples had 4 ecclesiastical provinces, with dioceses under metropolitan bishops.[11] Jurisdictions included:
- Latin Rite:
- Archdiocese of Naples (Naples)
- Archdiocese of Bari (Bari)
- Diocese of Salerno (Salerno)
- Diocese of Amalfi (Amalfi)
- Diocese of Lecce (Lecce)
- Armenian Rite:
- None
- Chaldean Rite:
- None
- Syriac Rite:
- None
Introduction of Catholicism
Catholicism was introduced in the 1st century AD through apostolic missions, with early Christian communities in Naples established by figures like Saint Paul.[12] The Church grew under Roman and Byzantine rule, becoming central to Neapolitan identity.
Key historical events
Milestones include the establishment of the Archdiocese of Naples in the 1st century, the Angevin promotion of Catholicism in the 14th century, and the Bourbon restoration of Catholic institutions in the 18th century.[13] The annual Feast of Saint Januarius, celebrated since the 5th century, became a significant tradition.[14]
Catholicism status
The Catholic Church was the official religion of the Kingdom of Naples, with 98% of the population Catholic.[15] The Church enjoyed state support, influencing education, law, and culture. Religious minorities faced marginalization, reinforcing Catholic hegemony.[16]
Predecessor states
The Kingdom of Naples emerged from the Kingdom of Sicily, split in 1282 after the Sicilian Vespers, inheriting a strong Catholic tradition.[17] It succeeded Angevin-controlled territories.
Successor states
The Kingdom of Naples merged with the Kingdom of Sicily to form the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1816, later annexed by the Kingdom of Italy.[18] No other successor states emerged.
Cultural influence
Festivals and traditions
Catholics celebrated Christmas, Easter, and the Feast of Saint Januarius (September 19) with processions and liturgies.[19] Pilgrimages to Naples for the miracle of Saint Januarius’ blood were widespread.
Education and charity
The Church ran schools and monasteries, with orders like the Dominicans 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 and Basilica of Santa Chiara in Naples, showcasing Gothic and Baroque styles.[21]
Notable Catholic sites
Pilgrimage sites
The Cathedral of San Gennaro in Naples and Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo in Apulia were major pilgrimage destinations.[22]
Historical churches
The Basilica of San Nicola in Bari and Cathedral of Amalfi were significant historical sites.[23]
Saints and blesseds
Patron saints
Saint Januarius and Saint Thomas Aquinas, revered for their miracles and theology, were venerated as patron saints.[24]
Associated saints and blesseds
Saints included Saint Januarius, martyred circa 305, canonized in the 4th century; Saint Thomas Aquinas, died 1274, canonized in 1323; 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 Angevin-Aragonese conflicts, Spanish rule, and Enlightenment ideas in the 18th century.[27] Responses included reinforcing Catholic devotion through festivals and theological scholarship.
Social and political influence
The Church shaped governance, education, and charity, promoting Catholic Social Teaching under Angevin and Bourbon rulers.[28] Its influence supported cultural unity in Naples’ diverse society.
References
- ↑ Harold Acton (1956). The Bourbons of Naples. Methuen. ISBN 9780413279408.
- ↑ "Catholic Church in Southern Italy". Encyclopedia.com. 2023-10-10. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion.
- ↑ Harold Acton (1956). The Bourbons of Naples. Methuen. ISBN 9780413279408.
- ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: Naples. Robert Appleton Company.
- ↑ "Kingdom of Naples". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Naples.
- ↑ "Catholicism in Southern Italy". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Italy.
- ↑ Harold Acton (1956). The Bourbons of Naples. Methuen. ISBN 9780413279408.
- ↑ "Catholic Church in Southern Italy". Encyclopedia.com. 2023-10-10. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion.
- ↑ "Religious Communities in Italy". Pew Research Center. 2020-06-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/italy/.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Italy". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Italy". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm.
- ↑ "Catholicism in Italy". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Italy.
- ↑ "San Gennaro Cathedral". Vatican News. 2020-09-19. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-09/san-gennaro-naples.html.
- ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: Naples. Robert Appleton Company.
- ↑ Harold Acton (1956). The Bourbons of Naples. Methuen. ISBN 9780413279408.
- ↑ "Religious Communities in Italy". Pew Research Center. 2020-06-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/italy/.
- ↑ "Kingdom of Naples". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Naples.
- ↑ "Kingdom of Naples". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Naples.
- ↑ "Catholic Traditions in Southern Italy". Catholics & Cultures. 2022-08-01. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/southern-italy.
- ↑ "Caritas Italy: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/italy/.
- ↑ "Religious Sites in Italy". Advantour. 2023-06-15. https://www.advantour.com/italy/religion.htm.
- ↑ "Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in Southern Italy". Vatican News. 2020-09-15. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-09/southern-italy-pilgrimages.html.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Italy". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm.
- ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Southern Italy". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf.
- ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Southern Italy". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf.
- ↑ "Bartolo Longo Beatification". Vatican News. 1980-10-26. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/1980-10/bartolo-longo-beatification.html.
- ↑ "Kingdom of Naples". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Naples.
- ↑ "Caritas Italy: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/italy/.
External links
- "Catholic Church in the Kingdom of Naples". Vatican. 2023-10-01. https://www.vatican.va/content/roman-curia/en/congregations/cclergy/documents/rc_con_cclergy_doc_2023_naples.html.
- "Annuario Pontificio: Kingdom of Naples". Vatican. 2024-01-15. http://www.vatican.va/archive/annuario-pontificio/2024/naples.