Summary of David I. Kertzer's The Pope and Mussolini

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

Sample Book Insights:

#1 The death of Pope Benedict XV in 1922 was the result of a persistent cough that had begun to bother him two weeks earlier. He took last rites, and died the next morning. Giacomo Della Chiesa, a cardinal who had only been elected three months earlier, was chosen to replace him.

#2 The death of Pius X in 1922 brought about even more unrest in Italy. The country was split between the Socialists, who wanted to ride the tide of popular anger to power, and the fascists, who wanted to destroy the Church and priests.

#3 The pope excommunicated the king and forbade Catholics from voting in national elections or running for parliament, as he hoped to gain international support to return Rome to papal rule. But as the nineteenth century wore on, this prospect seemed ever more remote.

#4 The conclave began on February 2, and 12 cardinals received votes. On the second day, Merry del Val reached what would be his high of 17 votes. Gasparri received 24 votes by the sixth ballot but remained stuck at that number for the seventh and eighth as well.