Kingdom of Italy
Stored: Kingdom of Italy
| Country: Kingdom of Italy | |
| Historic: | Yes |
| Existence: | 1861–1946 |
| Continent: | Europe |
| Region: | |
| Historical Region: | Southern Europe |
| Area: | 310000 km² |
| Population: | 35000000 |
| Catholic Population: | 34300000 |
| Catholic Percentage: | 98% |
| Catholicism Status: | Official religion |
| Official Languages: | Italian |
| Capital: | Rome |
| Catholicism Introduced: | 1st century AD |
| Ecclesiastical Provinces: | 40 |
| Dioceses: | 200 |
| Patron Saints: | Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Catherine of Siena |
| Predecessor States: | Kingdom of Sardinia, Papal States, Kingdom of the Two Sicilies |
| Successor States: | Italian Republic |
Kingdom of Italy was a historic state in Southern Europe, spanning approximately 310,000 km², from its formation in 1861 through Italian unification to its dissolution in 1946 after World War II, with a peak population of about 35 million in the 1930s.[1] Its official language was Italian, and its economy relied on agriculture, industry, and trade. The Catholic Church, with approximately 34.3 million Catholics (98%) at its height, was the official religion, with Catholicism introduced in the 1st century AD by apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul.[2] Centered in Rome, home to the Vatican and the Basilica of Saint Peter, the kingdom’s Catholic identity was shaped by devotion to Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine of Siena.
Geography
The Kingdom of Italy covered approximately 310,000 km², encompassing mainland Italy, Sardinia, and Sicily, bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, Yugoslavia, and the Mediterranean Sea.[3] Its Mediterranean climate supported agriculture and tourism, sustaining Catholic communities across urban and rural areas. Key cities included Rome, Naples, Turin, and Palermo, with Rome’s Basilica of Saint Peter as a global Catholic center. The kingdom’s geography facilitated pilgrimage routes, such as the Via Francigena, connecting Rome to northern Europe.[4]
History
Formed in 1861 through the unification of states like the Kingdom of Sardinia, Papal States, and Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under the House of Savoy, the Kingdom of Italy ended in 1946 with a referendum establishing the Italian Republic.[5] Catholicism, introduced in the 1st century AD, was the state religion, though tensions with the Vatican persisted until the Lateran Treaty of 1929.[6] The Church influenced culture and education despite secular unification efforts.
Demographics
The kingdom’s population peaked at approximately 35 million in the 1930s, predominantly ethnic Italians.[7] Catholics numbered approximately 34.3 million (98%), concentrated in cities like Rome and Naples and rural regions like Sicily.[8] Religious minorities, such as Jews and Protestants, were minimal, and Catholicism dominated cultural life.[9]
Catholic church
The Catholic Church in the Kingdom of Italy operated through 40 ecclesiastical provinces and 200 dioceses, serving approximately 34.3 million Catholics, led by the Pope in Vatican City after 1929.[10] Exclusively Latin Rite, the Church maintained parishes, schools, and charities through orders like the Jesuits and Franciscans, fostering Catholic identity nationwide.
Structure
The Catholic Church in the Kingdom of Italy had 40 ecclesiastical provinces, with dioceses under metropolitan bishops.[11] Jurisdictions included:
- Latin Rite:
- Archdiocese of Rome (Rome)
- Archdiocese of Naples (Naples)
- Archdiocese of Turin (Turin)
- Archdiocese of Palermo (Palermo)
- Diocese of Assisi (Assisi)
- Armenian Rite:
- None
- Chaldean Rite:
- None
- Syriac Rite:
- None
Introduction of Catholicism
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.[12] The Church’s influence persisted through centuries, shaping the kingdom’s religious landscape.
Key historical events
Milestones include the unification of Italy (1861), the capture of Rome (1870), ending Papal States’ temporal power, and the Lateran Treaty (1929), establishing Vatican City as a sovereign entity.[13] The Church’s role in education and charity remained significant.[14]
Catholicism status
The Catholic Church was the official religion of the Kingdom of Italy, with 98% of the population Catholic.[15] Despite tensions with the state over unification, the Church retained cultural dominance. The Lateran Treaty resolved conflicts, affirming Catholic influence.[16]
Predecessor states
The Kingdom of Italy was formed from the Kingdom of Sardinia, Papal States, Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and other Italian states, unified in 1861.[17] These states inherited a strong Catholic tradition.
Successor states
The Kingdom of Italy transitioned to the Italian Republic in 1946 following a referendum, with Vatican City remaining a sovereign entity.[18] No other successor states emerged.
Cultural influence
Festivals and traditions
Catholics celebrated Christmas, Easter, and feasts like Saint Francis of Assisi’s (October 4) and Saint Catherine of Siena’s (April 29) with processions and liturgies.[19] Pilgrimages to Assisi and Rome were widespread.
Education and charity
The Church ran schools, universities, and hospitals, with Caritas Italy aiding the poor, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[20]
Art and architecture
Catholic heritage was reflected in the Basilica of Saint Peter, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, showcasing Renaissance and Baroque art.[21]
Notable Catholic sites
Pilgrimage sites
The Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City and Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi were major pilgrimage destinations.[22]
Historical churches
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome were significant historical sites.[23]
Saints and blesseds
Patron saints
Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine of Siena, revered for their spiritual legacy, were venerated as patron saints.[24]
Associated saints and blesseds
Saints included Saint Francis of Assisi, died 1226, canonized in 1228; Saint Catherine of Siena, died 1380, canonized in 1461; and Saint John Bosco, died 1888, canonized in 1934.[25] Blessed Pius IX, died 1878, beatified in 2000, is notable.[26]
Challenges to Catholicism
The Church faced challenges from secular unification policies, fascism under Mussolini, and tensions with the Vatican until 1929.[27] Responses included diplomatic negotiations and reinforcing Catholic education.
Social and political influence
The Church shaped education and charity, promoting Catholic Social Teaching through Caritas Italy and retaining cultural influence despite political conflicts.[28] The Lateran Treaty strengthened its role.
References
- ↑ Denis Mack Smith (1997). Modern Italy: A Political History. Yale University Press. ISBN 9780300073775.
- ↑ "Catholic Church in Italy". Encyclopedia.com. 2023-10-10. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion.
- ↑ Denis Mack Smith (1997). Modern Italy: A Political History. Yale University Press. ISBN 9780300073775.
- ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: Italy. Robert Appleton Company.
- ↑ "Kingdom of Italy". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Italy.
- ↑ "Catholicism in Italy". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Italy.
- ↑ Denis Mack Smith (1997). Modern Italy: A Political History. Yale University Press. ISBN 9780300073775.
- ↑ "Catholic Church in 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.
- ↑ "Vatican City". Vatican News. 2020-02-11. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-02/lateran-treaty-history.html.
- ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: Italy. Robert Appleton Company.
- ↑ Denis Mack Smith (1997). Modern Italy: A Political History. Yale University Press. ISBN 9780300073775.
- ↑ "Religious Communities in Italy". Pew Research Center. 2020-06-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/italy/.
- ↑ "Kingdom of Italy". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Italy.
- ↑ "Kingdom of Italy". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Italy.
- ↑ "Catholic Traditions in Italy". Catholics & Cultures. 2022-08-01. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/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 Italy". Vatican News. 2020-10-15. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-10/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 Italy". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf.
- ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Italy". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf.
- ↑ "Pius IX Beatification". Vatican News. 2000-09-03. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2000-09/pius-ix-beatification.html.
- ↑ "Kingdom of Italy". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Italy.
- ↑ "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 Italy". Vatican. 2023-10-01. https://www.vatican.va/content/roman-curia/en/congregations/cclergy/documents/rc_con_cclergy_doc_2023_kingdomitaly.html.
- "Annuario Pontificio: Kingdom of Italy". Vatican. 2024-01-15. http://www.vatican.va/archive/annuario-pontificio/2024/kingdomitaly.