Why Italians Have Deeply Resented the Church for Centuries

Italy, a country with a rich history intertwined with the Catholic Church, has long harbored deep resentments towards its religious institutions. This article delves into the reasons behind the Italian anticlericalism, examining historical events, social conditions, and specific instances that have fueled this sentiment over the years.

The Centuries of Suffering Brought by the Church

For centuries, the Church in Italy stood as a formidable entity, often at the expense of the population's freedom and progress. Historical records indicate that the Church frequently employed repressive and violent methods to curtail scientific, social, and economic advancements. This imposition of control and restrictions on personal freedoms led to widespread dissatisfaction among the Italian populace.

The Outbreak of the Risorgimento: A Quest for Unity and Freedom

The Risorgimento, a national movement that began in 1848, aimed to unify all Italian territories into a single state and liberate itself from the oppressive rule of foreign powers, including France, Spain, Austria, and even the Pope, who was allied with France.

Significantly, in 1949, Rome witnessed a revolt against the Pope, forcing him to flee. This event paved the way for the proclamation of the Second Roman Republic, which sought to unite Italy under the principles of the Risorgimento. Key reforms included the affirmation of equality for all citizens through universal suffrage, the abolition of the death penalty, and the recognition of freedom of worship. However, in a twist of irony, these revolutionary ideals were overshadowed by the return of the Pope just months later when the French army occupied the newly formed state.

The Birth and Annexation of the Italian State

Despite the pope's return, the Kingdom of Sardinia succeeded in unifying Italy through two wars of independence against Austria. The Kingdom of Italy was officially proclaimed in Turin on March 17, 1861. This new state, however, failed to encompass Rome and Venice. Rome was eventually annexed in 1870, with the French Minister Eugène Rouher famously stating, 'Italy can do without Rome. We declare that it will never take possession of this city. France will never bear this violence done to its honor and to Catholicism.'

The Church never accepted its loss of temporal power over Rome and attempted to destabilize the new state with various means, including excommunicating those involved in political life and exerting influence on other foreign countries to undermine Italy. Notable examples include the rise of Protestantism in Italy, leading to the creation of the Italian Protestant church, and the spread of strong anti-French sentiment.

The Church and Its Associations

The Church's legacy in Italy was further tarnished by its associations with undesirable groups and ideologies. The Church's stance on issues such as organized crime, fascism, and collaboration with occupying forces during World War II did not help its image. For instance, the Rome Ghetto incidents, and the support or tacit support of Mussolini and the Nazi occupation forces, have been particularly damaging.

Events like the abduction of Emanuela Orlandi, an Italian bishop, in 1993, and the case of Mirella Gregori, an Italian journalist who was murdered in 2007, have further contributed to the Church's negative perception in Italian society. These instances have exacerbated the sense of antipathy towards the Church among Italians.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Italy's deep-seated resentment towards the Church can be attributed to a combination of historical oppression, failed state-building, and associations with negative political and social movements. The legacy of the Church in Italy remains a contentious issue, with many Italians viewing it as an outdated institution that has historically hindered progress and freedom.