Book Reviewed: The Pope Who Would Be King: The Exile of Pius IX and the Emergence of Modern Europe, by David I. Kertzer

The tumultuous life of Pope Pius IX

Here is an opportunity to study the life of Pope Pius IX and take a journey through the history of Roman Catholic Church that paved the way for modern Europe. Following the death of Pope Gregory XVI (1831–46), the political climate within Italy was turning its tide against Catholic Church’s autocracy. The church was steeped in a factional division between conservatives and liberals. The conservatives favored the hardline stances and papal absolutism of the previous pontificate, while liberals supported reforms.

In this book, author David Kertzer chronicles the tumultuous life of Pope Pius IX and the fate of Catholic Church in progressive Europe. Majority of the inhabitants of Papal states during this time did not like the church’s abuses. Majority of them wanted to live free from its clutches. Jews found themselves in the confines of poverty, abuse, and antisemitism in the slums of Rome. Life for them was beyond unbearable. Worst of all was that they lived in fear that their children may be taken from them forcibly, baptized under Roman Laws, and they would be raised as a Catholics.

During earlier years, the election of Pope Pius IX created much enthusiasm in Europe. But soon it faded as French revolution dominated the continent’s political arena. The separation of church and state was becoming increasingly popular. Consequently, Pope’s influence on people was decreasing. But Pope Pius did not shirk, he wanted more control within Europe and at the same time he expected Roman Catholics to have freedom in Russia and the Ottoman Empire. He also fought against anti-Catholic sentiments in Italy and Germany. When Pope’s life was threatened and became dangerous; he was guarded in seclusion by French forces. But after the French defeat in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871), the Papal States lost its protector in Emperor Napoleon III and came under control Italian rulers. But until this time, Pope Pius IX was a Sovereign Ruler of the Papal States and expected to be treated as a King. During his reign, the Pontiff made full use of his spiritual arsenal and warned that Catholics must not believe in freedom of religion, or freedom of speech or freedom press. He summoned the world’s bishops and cardinals, and addressing the conference, he condemned the godless forces that emerged from French revolution. He proclaimed that he alone would find spiritual solutions for people.

Many modern-day Christian conservatives blame the hippie culture and X-generation for turning away from God. Pope Pius IX felt the same way during his leadership. But in its absolutism, the separation of church and state is less meaningful as religions like Islam is making inroads and introducing its political ideology through teachings of its books and Sharia Laws. The state-of-affairs in the Middle East and other Islamic countries demonstrate how clergy have cleverly taken control of its masses by intimidating their governments.