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CHAPTER VII.

Return of the Pope to Rome.-His measures for restoring the Ecclesias tical Authority and property of the Church.-Re-establishes the Order of Jesuits-Festivals renewed.-Suppression of Freemasons and other secret Societies.-Re-establishment of the regular Orders.-King of Sardinia restored to his territorial Possessions.-Genoa annexed to his Dominions.-Austrian occupation of the rest of the North of ItalyMilan. Venice. Italian regiments removed to Germany.-Naples. —Measures pursued by King Joachim. His Occupation of part of the Papal Territory.-Alliance with Austria.-Sicily.-Resumption of Authority by the King.-Proceedings of its Parliament.

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F all the Sovereigns whom the subversion of the tyranny of Buonaparte restored to their dominions, no one appears to have resumed his authority with the resolution of exercising it more fully to its former extent, than Pope Pius VII. In his proclamation issued at Cezena, on May 5, previously to his return to Rome, he applied to himself the ancient title of "God's Vicar on Earth;" he spoke of his temporal sovereignty as essentially connected with his spiritual supremacy; and acquainted his people, that although he could not at this moment resume the exercise of it in all the ancient possessions of the church, he did not doubt shortly to recover them, being confident not less in the inviolability of his sacred rights, than in the justice of the Allied Sovereigns.

A proclamation issued at Rome by the apostolic delegates on May

15, declared in the name of his Holiness the abolition of the Code Napoleon, and the restoration of the former pontifical, civil, and criminal code; also, the suppression of what was called the civil state; and that all the funds, rents, &c. of every corporation shall be placed under the administration of a commission formed of ecclesiastics, which commission is immediately, "even previously to the examination of the respective and legitimate rights," to restore the yet un-alienated property of all religious establishments, and to cause the regulars of each sex to be paid a two months' pension, and to provide for the public service in the churches. The Pope, on resuming his functions in person, at his capital, at first contented himself with requiring the retraction of those who had taken part in the late usurped government, and forbade by a proclamation all inqui

ries by individuals into the late transactions, reserving to himself all proceedings against the culpable. Such ecclesiastics as had taken the oath to Buonaparte were ordered to disclaim it, on pain of being suspended from all divine offices. A commission was appointed in July for the purpose of making a report on the property termed national, or extraordinary domains, which had been ceded to companies that were creditors of the French government, or had been sold by agents of the financial administration.

On August 7, that event so important to the Church of Rome, and which peculiarly marks the spirit of the present pontificate, the restoration of the order of Jesuits was publicly declared. When it is considered that the suppression of this Order in 1773, was effected by the compulsion of the Sovereigns of the house of Bourbon, and was the consequence of that jealousy of its power, and detestation of its principles, which then seemed almost universal in the Catholic world, it must appear a measure of extraordinary boldness in a Pontiff but just restored to his own authority, to become the renovator of a body lately so obnoxious. The Jesuits, indeed, were always regarded as the most devoted satellites of the see of Rome; whence it is not to be wondered at that their revival was a desirable object of the papal court; but the policy of effecting it in so precipitate a manner, and by a mere exertion of ecclesiastical authority, appears very questionable. The ceremonial observed on this great occasion is thus described. His Holiness, on Sunday, August 7, "went to the church of VOL. LVI

Jesus to celebrate high mass at the altar of St. Ignatius. After hearing another mass, he proceeded to the neighbouring oratory of the congregation of nobles, where he was seated on a throne prepared for him. He then handed to the master of the ceremonies, and caused him to read with a loud voice, a bull for the re-establishment of the company of Jesuits." This memorable piece (see State Papers) begins with reciting, that Francis Karen and other members of the suppressed company resident in the empire of Russia, having entreated his permission to unite themselves in a body for the purpose of being able more easily to carry on public instruction, and their request receiving the recommendation of the Emperor Paul, his Holiness had by brief, dated March, 1801, granted them permission accordingly, and authorized them to resume and follow the rule of St. Ignatius, of Loyola : that shortly after, at the request of Ferdinand, King of Sicily, the same favour had been granted to the Jesuits in his dominions: that the Catholic world now demanding with unanimous voice, as com. municated by daily petitions from archbishops, bishops, &c. the reestablishment of the same order, he should deem himself guilty of a great crime towards God if he refused now to do what he wished he bad done at the commencement of his pontificate. He therefore decrees, that all the concessions and powers granted to the company in Russia and Sicily shall be extended to his ecclesiastical states, and to all other states; he confers upon them all the privileges they formerly possessed, takes them aud their property under the immediate [G] tutelage

tutelage of the Holy See, and abrogates all constitutions and ordinances to the contrary, especially the brief of Clement XIV. (Ganganelli). After the reading of the bull, the Jesuits present were admitted to kiss the Pope's feet; and an act was afterwards read concerning the restitution of the patrimony of the Jesuits in funds still existing, and provisional compensations for alienated property. Thus (says the Diario Romano) ended a ceremony eternally glorious and memorable!" That, however, this restoration was not 'universally approved even at Rome, appeared from a number of satirical pieces circulated on the occasion.

In the progress of re-establishing every thing ancient, which was the predominant principle of the revived papal government, the magistracy of Rome published an ordinance by which the faithful were apprised that all the festivals observed before the incorporation of the city with the French empire, were restored. Another more puerile example of the same policy was given by a rescript, which announced that the lamps introduced by the late Government were suppressed. The streets of Rome were formerly lighted by the flambeaux and lanterns placed by devotees under the numerous images erected at the corners and crossings, as well as those at the doors of private houses; and it was thought proper to renew this mode, however irregular, as gratifying to pious feelings, and costing nothing to the Government. It was in a more enlightened spirit that the Governor made known that the places called sanctuaries were no

longer to afford security to crimi nals. In every arbitrary government, secret meetings, and associa tions of persons connected by rites or engagements known only to themselves, are objects of particu lar jealousy, it being justly concluded that where men are restrained from expressing their opinions openly, they will naturally seek such occasions of propagating them in private. On this account, the societies of Free Masons, which among us no one suspects of serious or dangerous intentions, have been regarded in many parts of the Continent as instituted for the purpose of fostering innovations in church or state; and it appears that under this idea they were peculiarly obnoxious to the Roman government. Cardinal Pacca, Pro-secretary of State, published in August an edict prohibiting, under very severe penalties, all assemblies of secret societies, especially of that of Free Masons. At the same time the greatest encouragements were offered to all who should become informers; and they were told by his Holiness, that there was nothing wrong or dishonourable in such denunciations, since they were equally important to the faith and the state. In consequence, many persons have been committed to prison, or otherwise punished.

It was by no means to the Jesuits that this zealous Pope limited his purpose of re-establishing the religious orders fallen to decay in the late revolutionary times. Sensible that all the monastic communities were attached to the See of Rome as their head, and regarding them as the firmest pillars of the church, he had from the time of his restoration, declared his inten

tion of re-instating them, as far as was in his power, in their ancient consequence; and Cardinal Pacca, on August 15th, issued an edict, declaratory of his Holiness's views on this subject. After representing as one of the greatest calamities of the time, the almost total annihi. lation of these religious societies, and stating the Holy Father's earnest wishes to repair the mischief, the edict proceeded to mention the many obstacles which at present opposed his designs, and the means he had in view to overcome them. A commission had been appointed for investigating every thing connected with the re-establishment of the regular orders, which had presented their plan to his Holiness; but as circumstances would not permit their renewal in all the pontifical states, it was proposed to make a commencement at Rome, where all the disposable convents were to be given them, in which the superiors might be lodged, and "the greatest possible number of monks assembled." A hope was also expressed, that from the religion of the governments, and the zeal of the bishops, of the catholic world, they would patronize the establishment of these assylums of christian piety and evangelical perfection.

Nothing more of importance was reported from Rome during the present year; and it does not appear that the Pope's monastic policy has met with much countenance from the principal Catholic Powers. We do not learn that any of them have concurred in the plan of recalling the Jesuits to their dominions; and it is not probable that in the present general derangement of finances, any of them will

be led by their zeal to undertake the arduous task of re-establishing the other religious orders in their alienated possessions. The bishop of Rome is securely re-seated on his pontifical throne, and will probably recover the greatest part of his temporalities; but neither his character, nor the spirit of the times, are likely to restore the papal see to much influence over the affairs of Europe.

Among the restitutions definitively agreed upon previously to the meeting of the grand Congress, was that of the Italian territories formerly possessed by the sovereign house of Sardinia. The Austrian Lieutenant-General Count Bubna, published at Turin a declaration in the name of the Allied Powers, dated Paris, April 25, and addressed to the subjects of the continental States. of the King of Sardinia, in which they are informed that they are about to return under the dominion of that august family; and that, in virtue of a convention concluded with France, the Austrian troops are to take possesssion of the country in the name of Victor Emanuel; and till the arrival of his Sardinian Majesty, his States will be administered by a military governor charged with their defence, and by a civil governor, assisted by a council of regency. In the same declaration Count Bubna was nominated to the former post, and the Count de St. Marsan to the latter. The King of Sardinia arrived at Genoa on May 12, whence he issued a proclamation to his Italian subjects, announcing the recovery of his rights, and assuring to them every attention on his part to restore the country to a prosperous state. [G 2]

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He particularly mentioned his purpose to relieve them from their exorbitant taxes, to promote commeree and agriculture, and to revive the lustre of their holy religion; and he announced the abolition of the military conscription. His Majesty entered Turin on the 20th, amidst the acclamations, of the people. Having no force under his own command, his territories continued in the military possession of the Austrians, whilst the organization of the native troops was carrying into effect. At length, in August, the Emperor of Austria directed the entire evacuation of the provinces of Savoy by his troops, and the King determined upon the re-establishment of the senate of that Duchy. The citadel of Turin had previously been occupied by the Sardinian troops, and the strong fortress of Fenestrella was deliver ed up to the Commissioners of his Majesty. Difficulties, however, appear to have occurred in completing the Piedmontese army, and although the King conferred upon the provinces their ancient privileges of forming regiments under their names, and even gave them to their old titular proprietors, it was found no easy task to keep them to their colours. The vallies were said at this time to be infested by banditti which required a regular force for their suppression, and Austrian garrisons still held the towns of Ivree and Alexandria. The long occupation of Piedmont by France had, apparently, fostered a French interest in that country, which obstructed its ready return to its ancient allegiance. The King, however, acted with prudence and moderation.

No one was disturbed for the part

taken under the former government; and several persons were appointed to important judicial and administrative posts who had been employed by the French authorities.

The occupation of Genoa by an English army in the month of April has already been mentioned. LordW.Bentinck at that time issued a proclamation importing that, "Considering it to be the universal desire of the Genoese nation to return to that ancient government under which it enjoyed liberty, prosperity, and independence; considering also that this desire seems to be conformable to the principles acknowledged by the high allied Powers, to restore to all their ancient rights and privileges," he declared the constitution of the Genoese States, which existed in the year 1797, re-established; and he accordingly appointed a provisional Government upon its principles. The city continued in the possession of the British troops, and under the administration of the provisional Government, till the month of December, when the Marquis de Carail, Aide de Camp to the King of Sardinia, arrived at Turin from his father, Sardinian Minister at the Congress of Vienna, with the information, that by a protocol signed on the 14th, by the Plenipotentiaries of the Powers composing the Congress, the cession of Genoa and all the country had been decisively fixed, and that it had been agreed that his Majesty might make the arrangements he should judge advisable for their organization, and consider them as definitively united to his States.An order was at the same time sent to the English General at

Genoa

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