The Pope and Mussolini: The Secret History of Pius XI and the Rise of Fascism in Europe by David Kertzer

The Pope and Mussolini: The Secret History of Pius XI and the Rise of Fascism in Europe by David Kertzer is an exciting, authoritative book that examines the complex relationship between Mussolini’s fascist regime and the Vatican. It is a captivating exploration into the hidden deals, secret diplomacy and espionage that occurred between the two camps during a tense decades-long relationship.

Through use of previously inaccessible archival sources, Kertzer paints an intriguing portrait of Pope Pius XI, the Catholic Church and Mussolini's Italy during the period of 1923-1939. He provides revealing accounts of key episodes in the history of papal diplomacy, specifically its involvement in the spread of fascism. He also delves into the motives behind Pius XI's actions towards and around Mussolini and the inner workings of the Catholic Church that shaped these actions.

The first section of the book details Mussolini’s rise to power in 1922 and his confrontations with the pope and the Vatican. Kertzer's analysis draws heavily on the correspondence between the pope and Mussolini, showcasing both the pope's fears of the fascist leader and Mussolini's attempts to convince him to accept his power. This section is complex and often intense, as it delves into questions of Church and state, the conflicting nationalisms of Italian and Vatican citizens and the pope’s attempts to avoid secular interference in his rule.

The second section identifies the subtle alliances between fascism and the Vatican and examines the various agreement between the two organizations that benefited both. Kertzer examines the Vatican’s role in helping the fascist regime gain credibility and legitimacy in Europe, while also providing financial and diplomatic support to Mussolini. In exchange, Mussolini made numerous concessions to the Catholic Church, including the recognition of the papal state, the establishment of concordats and the formalization of the agreement that eventually granted the church control of education in Italy.

In the third and final section, Kertzer investigates the complex relationship between the Vatican and the Italian populace. He explores how Pius XI's swing towards fascism altered popular Catholic opinion in Italy, leading to a disillusionment with the papacy that grew throughout the 1930s. This disillusionment in part contributed to the rise of the anti-Fascist opposition, thus deepening the ongoing power struggle between the Catholic Church and Mussolini's Italy.

Overall, The Pope and Mussolini: The Secret History of Pius XI and the Rise of Fascism in Europe is an informative and dramatic look at the complex history between the Catholic Church and Mussolini's fascist state. Kertzer's portrayal of the events leading up to and throughout the period of papal diplomacy is thoughtful and thorough and clearly depicts the Pope's attempts to break free from state interference without endangering the religious and traditional principles of the Catholic Church. This book is essential reading for those wishing to gain a better understanding of the complex relationship between the pope and Mussolini and the effects that these two entities had on the development of fascism in Europe.