The Church in the 19th and 20th Centuries: A Time of Transformation
A Century of Suspicion and Change
The 19th century witnessed great societal changes, challenging the Church to analyze new trends. Darwin’s theory of evolution and Marx’s theories on the dependence of life on economic infrastructure did not facilitate the Church’s approach to modern thought. The rise of nationalism led to clashes between supporters of Italian unification and the papacy.
Key Figures of the Late 19th Century
Two Popes shaped this era:
- Pius IX (1846-1878): Known for his stance on Italian unification and his confrontation with liberalism. Key events include the proclamation of the Immaculate Conception dogma (1864), the Syllabus of Errors (1864), and Vatican I, which defined papal infallibility.
- Leo XIII (1878-1903): This period saw the Church adapt to the realities of civil society and the growing labor movement. Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the foundation for the Church’s social doctrine.
Renewed Vitality within the Church
Despite the political and ideological clashes, the Church experienced renewed vitality:
- New Religious Congregations: Founders established religious life forms adapted to the times, focused on serving the needy.
- Missionary Expansion: A revival of missions, driven by both established and new religious orders.
- Rise of Christian Trade Unionism: Originating in Spain in 1864, this movement aimed to spread Christian beliefs, support workers, provide financial assistance, and organize cultural and recreational activities.
A Difficult Start to the 20th Century
Europe faced numerous challenges in the early 20th century: World War I, the Russian Revolution, the Great Depression, the rise of fascism, and World War II. These events hindered the Church’s reflection on its mission. However, the loss of the Papal States gave the Popes greater freedom from political affairs, allowing them to focus on their pastoral mission.
The Popes of the Early 20th Century
- Pius X (1903-1914): Renewed the Church’s liturgical life.
- Benedict XV (1914-1922): Made constant appeals for peace during wartime.
- Pius XI (1922-1939): Promoted lay participation, encouraged missionary expansion, and fostered dialogue with the scientific world.
- Pius XII (1939-1958): Demonstrated the Church’s ability to incorporate philosophical and scientific developments into its thinking.
Internal Renewal and Adaptation
True to tradition, the Church sought to update its methods and customs:
- Liturgical Renewal: Driven by Pius X, this revitalized the importance of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
- Lay Participation: The creation of Catholic Action under Pius XI fostered lay involvement. Figures like Cardinal Ángel Herrera Oria (1886-1968) championed Christian life renewal and faith-culture dialogue.
- Engagement with New Peoples and Nations: The Church distanced itself from colonial policies and embraced the cultures of new nations, appointing indigenous bishops and clergy.
The Call for a New Council
In 1959, Pope John XXIII announced his intention to convene an ecumenical council (Vatican II) with three goals:
- Aggiornamento: Updating the life of the Church.
- Ecumenism: Seeking Christian unity.
- Renewed Ministry: Addressing the transformations brought about by the World Wars.
Opened in 1962 and closed in 1965 under Pope Paul VI, Vatican II was unlike any previous council.
A Council Unlike Any Other
- Universality and Magnitude: Around 2,500 Council Fathers participated, with a majority from outside Europe.
- Ecumenical Dialogue: Observers from other Christian denominations attended.
- Social Relevance: The Council Fathers addressed issues relevant to all humankind.
- Global Impact: Media coverage brought the council’s discussions to the world.