1. 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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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’.

6. ???????