Lombardy: Difference between revisions

Lombardy's history dates to Celtic inhabitation in the 5th century BCE, followed by Roman conquest, making it part of Cisalpine Gaul.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lombardy |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lombardy |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2025-09-04 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> The Lombards invaded in 568 CE, establishing a kingdom until Charlemagne's conquest in 774 CE integrated it into the Holy Roman Empire. Medieval communes rose, leading to Renaissance duchies under Milan and Mantua, with Habsburg and Napoleonic influences before unification in Italy in 1861. Catholicism developed through early bishops like [[Saint Ambrose]] in the 4th century, evolving amid Lombard Arianism to become the state religion by the 7th century, shaping governance and culture until secular reforms in the 20th century.

Key Catholic milestones include the Edict of Milan in 313 CE and the Counter-Reformation, with the Church influencing art and politics.

** [[Archdiocese of Agrate Brianza]] (Monza and Brianza).

** [[Diocese of Vigevano]] (Vigevano);

** [[Diocese of Novara]] (Novara, partial);

Catholicism was introduced in the 4th century by early Christian missionaries, with [[Saint Ambrose]] becoming Bishop of Milan in 374 CE, establishing the Ambrosian Rite.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Catholicism in Lombardy |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Italy |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2025-07-05 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> Roman influence facilitated conversions, though Lombards brought Arianism in 568 CE, leading to tensions resolved by the 7th century under Queen Theodelinda. Initial impact included basilica constructions and evangelization, blending with local customs.

Key events include the Edict of Milan (313 CE) granting tolerance, Ambrose's conversion of Augustine (386 CE), and the Battle of Legnano (1176 CE) supported by the Church.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Catholicism in Italy |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Italy |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2025-07-05 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> The Counter-Reformation saw Milan as a center under [[Saint Charles Borromeo]] (1565-1584), establishing seminaries. The 19th-century Risorgimento challenged Church lands, resolved by the 1929 Lateran Treaty. Recent milestones include John Paul II's 1980s visits promoting youth faith.

Lombardy emerged from the Kingdom of Lombards (568-774 CE), comprising duchies like Milan and Brescia, and later the Duchy of Milan (1395-1815).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kingdom of the Lombards |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_the_Lombards |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2025-08-12 |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref> Pre-Roman Celtic tribes and Roman Cisalpine Gaul preceded, with medieval communes and Habsburg territories forming the basis before unification.

Associated figures include  

* [[Saint Charles Borromeo]] (1538-1584), canonized 1610, Counter-Reformation leader from Arona;  

* [[Saint Angela Merici]] (1474-1540), canonized 1807, Ursuline founder from Desenzano;  

* [[Saint Carlo Acutis]] (1991-2006), beatified 2020, tech-savvy youth from Milan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saints of Italy |url=https://gcatholic.org/saints/data/country-IT.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |access-date=2025-09-10}}</ref>