To Kidnap a Pope: Napoleon and Pius VII

Napoleon Bonaparte, Pope Pius VII, and the kidnapping that divided church and state are the subjects of Ambrogio Caiani's book, which offers a fresh perspective on the conflict that would shape relations between the Catholic church and the modern state for centuries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

In the aftermath of the French Revolution, a profound struggle for power unfolded between two influential figures: Napoleon Bonaparte, the First Consul of France, and Pope Pius VII. Both men sought to reconcile the church with the state, but their paths diverged rapidly. While they initially collaborated, formalizing an agreement in 1801, tensions between them escalated. In 1809, Napoleon ordered the arrest of the Pope, marking a turning point in their relationship.

Ambrogio Caiani offers a groundbreaking account of this tumultuous period, delving into the complex dynamics between the emperor and his most formidable opponent. Drawing on original findings in the Vatican and other European archives, Caiani sheds light on the nature of Catholic resistance against Napoleon's empire, charting the Emperor's approach to Papal power, and revealing his attempts to subjugate the church to his vision of modernity.

In his captivating and vivid prose, Caiani brings this historical narrative to life, offering a fresh perspective on the struggle for supremacy between two great individuals. The book explores the complex interplay between religion, politics, and power, shedding new light on the conflict that would shape relations between the Catholic church and the modern state for centuries to come.

"The story of the struggle, fought with cunning, not force, between the forgotten Roman nobleman Barnaba Chiaramonti, who became Pope Pius VII, and the all-too-well-remembered Napoleon." - Jonathan Sumption, The Spectator, "Books of the Year"

"In the wake of the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of France, and Pope Pius VII shared a common goal: to reconcile the church with the state. But while they were able to work together initially, formalizing an agreement in 1801, relations between them rapidly deteriorated. In 1809, Napoleon ordered the Popes arrest." - Ambrogio Caiani, "The Struggle for Supremacy: Napoleon Bonaparte, Pope Pius VII, and the Kidnapping that Forever Divided Church and State"

Weight: 786g
Dimension: 166 x 244 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300251333