The French Revolution and the Church
The French Revolution, a major social upheaval that marked the transition from the eighteenth to the nineteenth century, stands as one of history’s most significant events. While Europe experienced profound change, American countries gained independence, and history became increasingly universal. The concept of the state shifted from a hereditary dynasty to one based on the country and its people, defined by its constitution, whether republican or monarchical.
Events in France
Political, economic, and social crises led King Louis XVI to convene the Estates-General in May 1789. The king’s lack of decisive intervention paved the way for the birth of the National Constituent Assembly. This assembly abolished the feudal regime and the tithe.
In 1789, the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. This foundational document established key principles:
- Equality before the law
- National sovereignty
- Separation of powers
- The right to liberty and property
In 1790, the Civil Constitution of the Clergy was established. This legislation placed parishes and ecclesiastical life under the control of elected bodies. Priests were effectively made state officials. Most clergy refused to swear allegiance to this constitution, leading to a division between those who accepted it and those who did not. The latter faced severe consequences, including deportation, exile, and execution.
Consequences for the Church
- Ecclesiastical goods were declared national property.
- Religious orders were dissolved.
- Bishops and priests were to be elected by municipalities.
The death of Robespierre marked the end of the Reign of Terror. The Bishop of Paris took this opportunity to convene a council.
Napoleon and the Church
The Constituent Assembly completed its work and was replaced by the Legislative Assembly. Persecution of the church culminated during the period of Robespierre’s influence, marked by the slaughter of nobles and religious figures.
In November 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the French Directory and declared himself First Consul. This marked the end of the persecution against the church, and relations between the state and the church were normalized.
For Napoleon, religion was primarily a sociological factor and a means of maintaining order. To consolidate his power in France, he needed to make peace with the Church. This urgency led to the stipulation of an arrangement, the Concordat of 1801, which recognized Catholicism as the religion practiced by the majority of French citizens. Napoleon reserved the right to nominate new bishops. This Concordat served as an example for future agreements between the Church and various states. Napoleon also reserved the right of”Place” (state approval) for provisions arriving from the Holy See.
Although Pope Pius VII had reservations, he accepted the agreement for the sake of peace. Napoleon even had himself crowned Emperor in 1804.
Napoleon’s Downfall
In his imperialist campaigns, Napoleon was eventually defeated in Russia and at Leipzig. He was banished to the island of Elba. He managed to escape and returned to France for the Hundred Days, which ended with his final defeat at Waterloo. He died in exile on the island of Saint Helena.
It is worth noting that Pope Pius VII had a version of the Encyclopedia (a dictionary of sciences, arts, and crafts edited by Diderot and d’Alembert) in his library. This work was a significant product of the Enlightenment, whose ideas influenced the French Revolution.