A liberal Pope Vincenzo Gioberti published a book

A liberal Pope? Vincenzo Gioberti published a book … Of the Moral and Civil Primacy of the Italians (1843)’ ◦ Proposed an Italian federation under leadership of the Pope, since church was the fundamental institution in Italian life ◦ Book sold widely and was generally well-received; seen as a more moderate alternative to Mazzini’s republicanism, BUT Papal States were among most backward and repressive parts of Italy Pope showed no interest in his ideas

Pius IX and Italian Unification Epileptic Elected in 1846; thought to have liberal sympathies Elected unexpectedly

Why people think he was Liberal? Granted amnesty to all political prisoners Proposed reforms to administration, education and legal systems giving laymen (people outside the church) a greater role Ended press censorship Sponsored formation of a civic guard to protect property and prevent violence

Why people think he was Liberal? Allowed a constitution Created the ‘Consulta’ – an elected body to advise him Proposed a customs union with Piedmont and Tuscany (1847) Blessed ‘Italy’ Metternich; “We were prepared for anything, except a Liberal Pope”. Austria sent a garrison of troops to Ferrara as a result

1848 Initially, he seemed favourable to the Italian cause during the 1848 revolutions BUT: His intervention against revolutionary change was an important factor in their failure. He issued the ‘Allocution’.