The Catholic Church and Nationalisms in Europe (1848-1970)

This work explores the intricate and often contentious relationship between the Catholic Church and the rise of nationalisms in Europe from 1848 to 1970, a period marked by profound social, political, and ideological transformations. Through an in-depth analysis of key events, concepts, figures, and primary sources, it examines how the Church navigated the tensions between its universal mission and the growing emphasis on national identity across the continent.
The narrative begins in the revolutionary upheavals of 1848, where the Church faced the challenge of balancing its traditional alliances with monarchies and emerging nationalist movements. It delves into the Church's responses to the unification movements in Italy and Germany, highlighting figures like Pope Pius IX and the tensions surrounding the loss of the Papal States. The study then addresses the Church's engagement with Eastern European nationalisms under imperial rule, its alignment with Irish nationalism, and its role in the socio-political transformations of France during the Third Republic.
Subsequent chapters analyze the Church's relationship with totalitarian nationalisms, including fascism in Italy, Nazism in Germany, and the Spanish Civil War, exploring its moral responses and complicities. The narrative extends into the global impact of the two World Wars, the Church's stance against communism during the Cold War, and its pivotal role in the European integration project. The Second Vatican Council emerges as a transformative moment, reframing the Church's approach to modernity, nationalism, and cultural diversity.
By investigating the Church's theological, cultural, and political dimensions, the study reveals its evolving strategies to engage with national identities while maintaining its universal principles. Through a rich tapestry of primary sources, from papal encyclicals to the writings of key Catholic intellectuals, this work illuminates the Catholic Church's enduring influence on the shaping of European nationalism and its legacy in contemporary debates about identity, faith, and global solidarity.