Ferdinando Petruccelli della Gattina
Il Concilio
"Il Concilio" by Ferdinando Petruccelli della Gattina is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work discusses the ecumenical councils of the Catholic Church, particularly focusing on the significant implications and transformations during these gatherings, from their origins to their effects on church and state relations. It delves into the church's struggle between maintaining traditional doctrine and adapting to modernity, highlighting the concerns and expectations of various European powers regarding these ecclesiastical decisions. The opening of the book introduces a scene filled with political tension and clerical deliberation, as it sets the stage for the ecumenical council held in 1869. It captures the apprehension of both the Catholic Church and secular governments in Europe regarding the church's stance on modern civilization. The text raises pressing questions about the authority of the church versus the state, the representation of bishops, and the potential changes in doctrine that may arise from the council's deliberations. This context hints at the broader theme of the church's historical evolution and its attempts to reconcile tradition with contemporary societal changes, a conflict central to the narrative that unfolds in the following chapters.