How the Church Under Pius XII Addressed Decolonization: The Issue of Algerian Independence

This book examines the Catholic Church's actions regarding the spread of Islam in colonies,Arab nationalism,Marxist propaganda,and the Algerian crisis,reconstructing the complex relations between the Holy See and France,the Vatican,and the Episcopates and clergy of the overseas territories. The opening of the archives of Pius XII in 2020 has made unpublished documentary material available to scholars, making it a valuable resource for Cold War, contemporary Europe, Church history, postcolonial studies, and religious phenomena in post-World War II Europe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 06 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate web of events surrounding Algerian Independence, offering a detailed reconstruction of the Catholic Church's actions and responses to a range of critical issues. By paying close attention to this pivotal period, the book sheds light on the Church's involvement in the spread of Islam in colonies, its support for Arab nationalism, its propagation of Marxist propaganda in non-European countries, and the profound impact of the Algerian crisis on the French political system.

The complex interplay between the Holy See and France, as well as the Vatican's relations with the Episcopates and clergy of the overseas territories, plays a crucial role in the process of decolonization. Unfortunately, this important aspect of history has been largely overlooked by historiography due to the limited access to documents related to the pontificate of Pius XII (1939-1958), which are housed in the Vatican archives. However, the recent opening of these archives in March 2020 has provided scholars with a wealth of unpublished documentary material, shedding new light on this critical period.

This book is an invaluable resource for students and scholars interested in a wide range of subjects, including the Cold War, the history of contemporary Europe, the history of the Church, postcolonial studies, and the religious phenomenon in post-World War II Europe. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the events and issues that shaped this period, offering insights that will deepen understanding and appreciation of the complex tapestry of history.

Weight: 557g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032136226