Letters From Rome on the Council by Johann Joseph Ignaz von Döllinger

(7 User reviews)   3515
By Charlotte Girard Posted on Nov 15, 2025
In Category - Adventure
Döllinger, Johann Joseph Ignaz von, 1799-1890 Döllinger, Johann Joseph Ignaz von, 1799-1890
English
Ever wonder what really goes on behind closed doors at a major religious gathering? In the 1860s, a German theologian wrote anonymous letters from Rome during the First Vatican Council, spilling the tea on all the political maneuvering and heated debates. Think of it as the 19th-century equivalent of a secret insider's blog, revealing the messy, human drama behind a world-changing event. Döllinger's letters are a gripping, firsthand account of power, faith, and the fight over papal authority. It's history that reads like a political thriller.
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form the basis of Catholic doctrine on the relations of Church and State. The maxims that will have to be adopted, as well by the learned as in popular instruction, when once Papal Infallibility has been defined, are these:— The two powers, the temporal and spiritual, are in the hands of the Church, _i.e._ the Pope, who permits the former to be administered by kings and others, but only under his guidance and during his good pleasure (_ad nutum et potentiam sacerdotis_). It belongs to the spiritual power, according to the Divine commission and plenary jurisdiction bestowed on Peter, to appoint, and, if cause arise, to judge the temporal; and whoever opposes its regulations rebels against the ordinance of God. In a word, the absolute dominion of the Church over the State will next year come into force as a principle of Catholic faith, and become a factor to be reckoned with by every Commonwealth or State that has Catholic inhabitants; and by “Church” in this system must always be understood the Pope, and the Bishops who act under absolute control of the Pope. From the moment therefore when Papal Infallibility is proclaimed by the Council, the relations of all Governments to the Church are fundamentally changed. The Roman See is brought into the same position towards other States which it now occupies towards Italy in regard to the provinces formerly belonging to the States of the Church. All States find themselves, strictly speaking, in an attitude of permanent revolt against their lawful and divinely ordained suzerain, the Pope. He indeed on his side can and will tolerate much which properly ought not to be—for it has long been recognised in Rome that right, even though divine, by no means implies the duty of always exercising it. In numberless cases silence will be observed, or some such formula adopted as that of the Austrian Concordat, art. 14: “Temporum ratione habitâ Sua Sanctitas haud impedit,” etc. But that must only be understood “during good behaviour,” or so long as the times do not change or it seems expedient. In conscience every Catholic is bound to be guided, in the first instance, in political and social questions, by the directions or known will of his supreme lord and master the Pope, and of course, in the event of a conflict between his own Government and the Papal, to side with the latter. No Government therefore can hereafter count on the loyalty and obedience of its Catholic subjects, unless its measures and acts are such as to secure the sanction, or agreement of the Pope. As to non-Catholic Governments, moreover, the former declarations of Popes against heretical princes, which receive fresh life from the dogma of Infallibility, come into full force. If it is already a common complaint that in countries where the Government or the majority are Protestant, Catholics are treated with suspicion when they take any part in the service of the State, and are purposely excluded from the higher and more important posts, how will this be after the Council? THE FUTURE COUNCIL. (ALLG. ZEIT., JUNE 11, 1869.) We have received the following interesting information from a trustworthy person, who is returned to Germany after a long sojourn in Rome, where he was in a position, among other things, to get to know the projects for the Council. The relations of Pius IX. to the _Civiltà_ may be fully understood from the fact—attested by the officials of the Chancery—that the editors are regularly admitted to an audience with the Holy Father, like the prime minister, usually once a week, never...

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The Story

This book is a collection of anonymous letters written by Johann Joseph Ignaz von Döllinger, a German Catholic historian and theologian. He was in Rome during the First Vatican Council (1869-1870), which was a massive meeting of Catholic bishops. The big question on the table was whether to declare the Pope 'infallible'—meaning his official teachings on faith could never be wrong.

Döllinger's letters, sent to a German newspaper, give us a front-row seat. He describes the intense lobbying, the closed-door arguments, and the political pressure some bishops faced to vote a certain way. He was strongly against the idea of papal infallibility, and his writing shows a council that was far from a peaceful, unanimous gathering.

Why You Should Read It

This book pulls back the curtain. We often see major religious events as smooth and destined, but Döllinger shows us the sweat, the disagreements, and the very human politics involved. Reading his passionate, worried accounts makes this pivotal moment in history feel immediate and real. It's not a dry church document; it's a nervous observer's report from the heart of the storm, worried about the future of his church.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves behind-the-scenes history, political drama, or stories about how big ideas get made. You don't need to be a theologian to get hooked on the tension. If you've ever been curious about how religious institutions grapple with change and authority, this is a fascinating and surprisingly accessible look at a critical turning point.



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Donald Perez
1 year ago

Not bad at all.

William Wright
1 year ago

I was skeptical at first, but the character development leaves a lasting impact. Thanks for sharing this review.

Sarah Scott
1 year ago

Loved it.

Patricia Torres
1 year ago

I have to admit, the pacing is just right, keeping you engaged. I couldn't put it down.

Donald Martin
1 year ago

Great read!

5
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