TO WORSHIP GOD OR MUSSOLINI? A CASE STUDY ON THE POST-LATERAN RIVALRY BETWEEN FASCIST ITALY AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN 1930 BUCHAREST
TO WORSHIP GOD OR MUSSOLINI? A CASE STUDY ON THE POST-LATERAN RIVALRY BETWEEN FASCIST ITALY AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN 1930 BUCHAREST

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the intricate dynamic of pragmatic alliance and structural rivalry between the Italian Fascist regime and the Catholic Church during the interwar period through a localized, micro-historical lens. While the signing of the Lateran Accords in 1929 was officially intended to usher in an era of institutional pacification between the Holy See and Benito Mussolini, the immediate aftermath revealed deep systemic friction over the socialization and ideological allegiance of youth. Utilizing diplomatic correspondence preserved within the Apostolic Nunciature of Romania collection at the Vatican Apostolic Archive (AAV) and records from the Historical Diplomatic Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome (ASDMAE), this study reconstructs a localized conflict that erupted in Bucharest in February 1930. The dispute centered on a schedule clash between the Italian School’s fascist youth organizations (Fasci giovanili) and a parish priest, Father Antonio Mantica, who refused to cede Sunday morning hours intended for religious instruction and Mass to secular fascist indoctrination.

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