Kingdom of Naples: Difference between revisions

  | country_name = Republic of Italy

  | region = Southern Europe

  | area_sq_km = 301340

  | population = 59000000

  | catholic_population = 47000000

  | catholic_percentage = 80

  | catholicism_status = Majority religion

  | official_languages = Italian

  | capital_city = Rome

  | ecclesiastical_provinces_count = 42

  | dioceses_count = 226

  | patron_saints = Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Catherine of Siena

  | start_year = 1946

  | end_year =  

  | predecessor_states = Kingdom of Italy

  | successor_states =  

  | historic = No

'''Italy''', officially the Republic of Italy, is a nation in Southern Europe spanning approximately 301,340 km², with a population of about 59 million as of 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Italy: Country Summary |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/italy/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2023-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> Its official language is Italian, and its economy relies on tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. The [[Catholic Church]], with approximately 47 million Catholics (80%) as of 2023, is the majority religion, introduced in the 1st century AD by apostles [[Saint Peter]] and [[Saint Paul]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Italy |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> Centered in [[Rome]], home to [[Vatican City]] and sites like the [[Basilica of Saint Peter]], the Church profoundly shapes Italy’s cultural and spiritual identity, with devotion to [[Saint Francis of Assisi]] and [[Saint Catherine of Siena]].

Italy covers 301,340 km² in Southern Europe, bordered by [[France]], [[Switzerland]], [[Austria]], [[Slovenia]], and the Mediterranean Sea.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Italy: Geography |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/italy/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2023-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> Its Mediterranean climate supports agriculture and tourism, vital for Catholic communities in regions like Tuscany and Umbria. Major cities include [[Rome]], [[Milan]], and [[Assisi]], with Rome hosting [[Vatican City]] and the [[Basilica of Saint Peter]]. Italy’s geography, with historic pilgrimage routes like the [[Via Francigena]], fosters Catholic devotion.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Catholic Encyclopedia: Italy |author=New Advent |publisher=Robert Appleton Company |year=1913 |isbn=}}</ref>

Established in 1946 after a referendum abolished the [[Kingdom of Italy]], the Republic of Italy emerged from a history shaped by the [[Roman Empire]], [[Papal States]], and unification in 1861.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Italy |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Italy |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-15 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> Catholicism, introduced in the 1st century AD by [[Saint Peter]] and [[Saint Paul]], has defined Italy’s identity, with [[Rome]] as the global center of the [[Catholic Church]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Italy |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Italy |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-01 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> The Lateran Treaty of 1929 established [[Vatican City]], solidifying the Church’s role.

Italy’s population is approximately 59 million as of 2023, with 80% identifying as Catholic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Italy: People and Society |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/italy/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2023-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> Catholics number approximately 47 million, concentrated in urban centers like Rome and rural areas like Sicily.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Italy |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> Ethnic Italians dominate (95%), with minorities including Romanians and North Africans. Secularization is increasing, but Catholicism remains dominant.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Italy |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/religion-in-italy/ |publisher=Pew Research Center |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref>

The [[Catholic Church in Italy]] operates through 42 ecclesiastical provinces and 226 dioceses, serving approximately 47 million Catholics, led by the [[Pope]] in [[Vatican City]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Italy |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> Primarily Latin Rite, the Church includes parishes across Italy and supports extensive educational and charitable networks through organizations like [[Caritas Italy]].

The Catholic Church in Italy has 42 ecclesiastical provinces, with dioceses under metropolitan bishops.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Italy |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> Key jurisdictions include:

** [[Archdiocese of Palermo]] (Palermo)

** [[Diocese of Assisi]] (Assisi)

Catholicism was introduced in the 1st century AD by [[Saint Peter]] and [[Saint Paul]], who established the Church in [[Rome]], making it the epicenter of Christianity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Italy |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Italy |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-01 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> The Church grew rapidly, becoming the state religion of the [[Roman Empire]] by 380 AD.

Milestones include the martyrdom of [[Saint Peter]] and [[Saint Paul]] (circa 64–68 AD), the Lateran Treaty (1929) establishing [[Vatican City]], and the Church’s role in post-World War II reconstruction.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vatican City |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-02/lateran-treaty-history.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2020-02-11 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) modernized Catholic practices.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Catholic Encyclopedia: Vatican II |author=New Advent |publisher=Robert Appleton Company |year=1913 |isbn=}}</ref>

The [[Catholic Church]] is Italy’s majority religion, with 80% of the population identifying as Catholic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Italy: People and Society |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/italy/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2023-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> Italy’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, but Catholicism enjoys cultural prominence. Secularization and declining attendance pose challenges.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Italy |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/italy/ |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2022-06-02 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref>

Italy emerged from the [[Kingdom of Italy]], established in 1861, which unified states like the [[Papal States]], [[Kingdom of Sardinia]], and [[Kingdom of the Two Sicilies]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Italy |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Italy |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-15 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> These predecessors shaped its Catholic heritage.

Italy remains a modern state with no successor states since its establishment in 1946.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Italy: Country Summary |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/italy/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2023-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref>

Catholics celebrate [[Christmas]], [[Easter]], and feasts like [[Saint Francis of Assisi]]’s (October 4) with processions and liturgies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Traditions in Italy |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/italy |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2022-08-01 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> Pilgrimages to [[Assisi]] and [[Loreto]] are widespread.

The Church runs schools, universities, and hospitals, with [[Caritas Italy]] aiding migrants and the poor, aligning with [[Catholic Social Teaching]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Italy: Our Work |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/italy/ |publisher=Caritas |date=2024-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref>

Catholic heritage is reflected in the [[Basilica of Saint Peter]], [[Sistine Chapel]], and [[Basilica of Saint Francis]] in Assisi, showcasing Renaissance and medieval art.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religious Sites in Italy |url=https://www.advantour.com/italy/religion.htm |publisher=Advantour |date=2023-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref>

The [[Basilica of Saint Peter]] in [[Vatican City]] and [[Basilica of Saint Francis]] in Assisi are major pilgrimage destinations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in Italy |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-10/italy-pilgrimages.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2020-10-15 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref>

The [[Basilica of Saint John Lateran]] and [[Santa Maria Maggiore]] in Rome are significant historical sites.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Report on International Religious Freedom: Italy |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-report-on-international-religious-freedom/italy/ |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2020-05-12 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref>

[[Saint Francis of Assisi]] and [[Saint Catherine of Siena]], revered for their spiritual legacy, are Italy’s patron saints.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Italy |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf |publisher=Vatican |date=2023-02-10 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref>

Saints include [[Saint Peter]], martyred circa 64 AD, canonized in the 1st century; [[Saint Francis of Assisi]], died 1226, canonized in 1228; and [[Saint Catherine of Siena]], died 1380, canonized in 1461.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Italy |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf |publisher=Vatican |date=2023-02-10 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> Blessed [[Carlo Acutis]], beatified in 2020, is a modern figure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carlo Acutis Beatification |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-10/carlo-acutis-beatification.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2020-10-10 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref>

The Church faces secularization, declining church attendance, and cultural shifts toward individualism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Italy |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/italy/ |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2022-06-02 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> Responses include renewed evangelization and youth engagement through figures like [[Blessed Carlo Acutis]].

The Church promotes [[Catholic Social Teaching]] through education, healthcare, and [[Caritas Italy]], retaining cultural influence despite limited political power.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Italy: Our Work |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/italy/ |publisher=Caritas |date=2024-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref> It fosters social cohesion in Italy’s diverse society.

* {{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Italy |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/roman-curia/en/congregations/cclergy/documents/rc_con_cclergy_doc_2023_italy.html |publisher=Vatican |date=2023-10-01 |access-date=2025-05-23}}

* {{Cite web |title=Annuario Pontificio: Italy |url=http://www.vatican.va/archive/annuario-pontificio/2024/italy |publisher=Vatican |date=2024-01-15 |access-date=2025-05-23}}