This essay offers an overview of Pope Giacomo Della Chiesa's attitude towards Catholic modernism and modernists. It notes the main theological orientations of Benedict XV, who reiterated the condemnation of modernism, the "synthesis of all heresies". It also examines Della Chiesa's papacy from the viewpoint of the policy of curial appointments, which involved several non-integralist prelates, while some anti-modernist cardinals, such as Rafael Merry del Val and Gaetano De Lai led the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office and the Consistorial Congregation. Finally, some cases of supposed modernism are analyzed, concerning Francesco Lanzoni, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, Giovanni Semeria, Ernesto Buonaiuti. From these we can deduce the tolerant attitude of Benedict XV: if he confirmed the doctrinal condemnation of modernism issued by Pius X, he nevertheless introduced a change of methods towards those accused of modernism, trying to overcome the resistance of the conservative wing of the Roman Curia.

Modernism during the Pontificate of Benedict XV: Between rehabilitation and Condemnation

Giovanni Vian
2020-01-01

Abstract

This essay offers an overview of Pope Giacomo Della Chiesa's attitude towards Catholic modernism and modernists. It notes the main theological orientations of Benedict XV, who reiterated the condemnation of modernism, the "synthesis of all heresies". It also examines Della Chiesa's papacy from the viewpoint of the policy of curial appointments, which involved several non-integralist prelates, while some anti-modernist cardinals, such as Rafael Merry del Val and Gaetano De Lai led the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office and the Consistorial Congregation. Finally, some cases of supposed modernism are analyzed, concerning Francesco Lanzoni, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, Giovanni Semeria, Ernesto Buonaiuti. From these we can deduce the tolerant attitude of Benedict XV: if he confirmed the doctrinal condemnation of modernism issued by Pius X, he nevertheless introduced a change of methods towards those accused of modernism, trying to overcome the resistance of the conservative wing of the Roman Curia.
2020
Benedict XV. A pope in the world of the 'useless slaughter' (1914-1918)
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Giovanni Vian.pdf

non disponibili

Tipologia: Versione dell'editore
Licenza: Accesso chiuso-personale
Dimensione 1.42 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.42 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in ARCA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10278/3735174
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact