The longest-reigning Roman Pontiff in History died on February 7, 1878, exactly 128 years ago. He had seen it all in his lifetime and during his long pontificate: his love responded by the world's hatred; his trust responded by the world's mistrust; his concern for his dear Italian peninsula answered with treason.
He had been, nevertheless, truly loved by all faithful Catholics. The advancements in photography, large-scale printing, and mass transportation meant that he was the first pope whose face was widely known and instantly recognized by millions and millions of Catholics. In a world which praised the innate goodness and good will of all men, he proclaimed Original Sin through the definition of the Immaculate Conception. And, in a move which can only be called Providential, he assembled a Council which clearly defined the doctrinal powers of the Pope at just the right time in History (Dogmatic Constitution Pastor Aeternus, the most important document of the First Vatican Council, and which contains the famous formula on the infallibility of the Roman Pontiff).
Pope Mastai-Ferretti, the one who had been called "the liberal Pope," made clear what was the position of the Church relatively to the modern world. And his obstinate resistance to the Kingdom of Italy made possible for the Holy See to ascertain once again its independence with the Lateran Treaties, negotiated and signed 50 years after his death.
Beate Pie, ora pro nobis.
There are many good websites on Pope Pius IX, his life, his time, and his works. This Italian site is highly commendable. Also read the Catholic Encyclopedia's article on Pope Mastai-Ferretti, and also its article on the history of the much-misunderstood Syllabus. The Decrees of the First Vatican Council are available in several websites, but this is one of the best, and many of his writings are also available there.
He had been, nevertheless, truly loved by all faithful Catholics. The advancements in photography, large-scale printing, and mass transportation meant that he was the first pope whose face was widely known and instantly recognized by millions and millions of Catholics. In a world which praised the innate goodness and good will of all men, he proclaimed Original Sin through the definition of the Immaculate Conception. And, in a move which can only be called Providential, he assembled a Council which clearly defined the doctrinal powers of the Pope at just the right time in History (Dogmatic Constitution Pastor Aeternus, the most important document of the First Vatican Council, and which contains the famous formula on the infallibility of the Roman Pontiff).Pope Mastai-Ferretti, the one who had been called "the liberal Pope," made clear what was the position of the Church relatively to the modern world. And his obstinate resistance to the Kingdom of Italy made possible for the Holy See to ascertain once again its independence with the Lateran Treaties, negotiated and signed 50 years after his death.
Beate Pie, ora pro nobis.
There are many good websites on Pope Pius IX, his life, his time, and his works. This Italian site is highly commendable. Also read the Catholic Encyclopedia's article on Pope Mastai-Ferretti, and also its article on the history of the much-misunderstood Syllabus. The Decrees of the First Vatican Council are available in several websites, but this is one of the best, and many of his writings are also available there.
