History
The Papal States: When Popes Were Kings
An overview of the Papal States, the territories in central Italy ruled directly by the Pope for over a thousand years, from 756 to 1870.
What is it?
The Papal States were territories on the Italian Peninsula under the direct sovereign rule of the Pope from the 8th century until 1870. Officially known as the State of the Church, this entity was a physical manifestation of the Pope's temporal power, meaning his authority in secular, governmental matters, as opposed to his spiritual leadership. At their peak, the Papal States covered most of the modern Italian regions of Lazio (including Rome), Marche, Umbria, and parts of Emilia-Romagna. These territories ensured the Pope's political autonomy, allowing him to rule as a secular prince, sign treaties, and wage wars.
Why is it trending?
Understanding the Papal States is crucial for grasping the history of Italy and the modern-day Vatican City. The existence of a state ruled by a religious leader was a major political factor in Europe for centuries and a significant obstacle to the unification of Italy in the 19th century. The story of their dissolution, culminating in the capture of Rome in 1870, led to the "Roman Question" and the Pope becoming a "prisoner in the Vatican." This history provides essential context for the Lateran Treaty of 1929, which established the sovereign state of Vatican City, the legacy of the Papal States.
How does it affect people?
For over a millennium, the Papal States directly impacted the lives of millions in central Italy who were subjects of the Pope-King. Governance was clerical, and life was often marked by revolts against it. The States played a central role in the politics of the Italian peninsula, often engaging in conflicts and alliances with other powers like the Holy Roman Empire and France. The eventual collapse of the Papal States was a pivotal moment in the Risorgimento (Italian unification), leading to Rome becoming the capital of a unified Italy. Its legacy endures through Vatican City, which remains a sovereign entity and the administrative heart of the global Catholic Church.