The Early Modern Papacy From the Council of Trent to the French Revolution 1564-1789 Longman History of The Papacy Series

A history of the Papacy covering the vital period from the Renaissance through the Counter Reformation to the period of the French Revolution. Its a broad survey analysing the influence of Papal power not only across Europe but the wider world also.

General Editor’s Preface
Preface
Chronological Table

1 Introduction

2 The Bishop of Rome

3 Metropolitan initiative and provincial reaction

4 Primatial leadership and Italian problems

5 Patriarchal authority in Western Europe and political obstacles

6 The Supreme Pontiff

7 ‘The Papal Prince’

8 Conclusion

Further Reading
Select Bibliography
Glossary
Map 1: Italy in 1564
Map 2: Political divisions during the eighteenth century
Index

• Analyses the extent of Papal power.
• Challenges the standard view that the development of Papal authority during this period simply reflected the 'Absolutism' of secular governments.
• The author's own analysis is related to present historiographical debates on the subject.
• Examines the multiple commitments of the Popes of this period as Bishop of Rome, Head of the Catholic Church in W. Europe, Supreme Pontiff and Ruler of the Papal States in Central Italy.