Chapter 255 The Path to Restore the Church in France

Chapter 255 The Path to Restore the Church in France

Once a powerful kingdom ruled by a monarchy that claimed divine right, the country had been forever changed by the winds of revolution. The French Revolution had seen the rise of the radical Jacobins, the Reign of Terror, and the fall of the monarchy. In the wake of the chaos, the people demanded liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Out of the turbulent revolution emerged a military general named Napoleon Bonaparte. With his strategic brilliance and charisma, Napoleon ascended to power, as France's First Consul.

He had stabilized the nation, brought about much-needed reforms, and led France to victories on the battlefield. The French people admired him, and Europe watched him with a mixture of fascination and fear.

But amidst the triumphs of war and the reforms, one issue remained unresolved - the relationship between the French state and the Catholic Church. The Revolution had severed the ties between the Church and the state, leading to the radical de-Christianization policies that left a void in the spiritual life of the French people.

The de-Christianization policies had been a response to centuries of Church influence in French politics and society, but they had inadvertently alienated a significant portion of the population. The Republican Calendar had replaced the traditional Christian calendar, churches had been desecrated, and clergy persecuted. The once-ubiquitous symbols of Christianity had been replaced with symbols of the Revolution, like the Goddess of Reason.

Napoleon recognized the need to bridge this gap. He knew that to secure his hold on power and bring lasting stability to France, he needed the support of the Church. The majority of the French population remained devout Catholics, and their faith was an essential part of their identity.

After all, religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich. The Church had historically played a role in maintaining social order, a stabilizing force in times of upheaval. It was a truth that couldn't be denied.

With a determined resolve, Napoleon turned to his brother, Lucien, who stood beside him.

"Who are the representatives sent by the Pope?"

"The representatives sent by the Pope are Cardinal Ercole Consalvi, Cardinal Giuseppe Spina, Archbishop of Corinth, and his theological adviser, Father Carlo Francesco Maria Caselli."

"Hmm... It's my first time hearing those names. How does this Concordat usually go?" Napoleon inquired, his curiosity piqued as he sought to understand the intricacies of the negotiations ahead.

Lucien, well-versed in the matter, began to explain.

"The Concordat negotiations typically involve a delicate balance of power and compromise. The Church will seek the restoration of its properties and privileges, while we, representing the French government, will emphasize our right to nominate and appoint bishops."

"I see, so I am right. Now for the main goal, I'm willing to restore some privileges, but the properties that were seized during the revolution, that we cannot return," Napoleon declared firmly.

Lucien nodded in agreement. The Church's desire to reclaim its properties and privileges was a significant point of contention. These assets had been seized and repurposed during the Revolution, often redistributed to the state or sold to fund revolutionary efforts. Returning them would be a complex and potentially contentious matter.

"As you say, brother, we must be prepared to make concessions, but we should also stand firm where necessary," Lucien replied. Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Eighth, Education. The state will maintain control over public education, while the Church will have the right to provide religious education in its institutions.

Ninth, Control Over Religious Publications. The government will have authority over religious publications to prevent any content that may incite civil unrest or interfere with state affairs.

Tenth, Public Order. The Organic Articles emphasize the importance of public order and the state's authority to ensure it.

These are the main points we've outlined in the Concordat."

Cardinal Consalvi and the other Church representatives listened carefully, their expressions thoughtful.

"Your Excellency, it seems that the church role is diminished..." Consalvi said, his tone low.

"Yes, and that is supposed to be the point," Napoleon responded. "Now, I want to hear your side, do you accept those articles?"

Cardinal Consalvi took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding. "Your Excellency, there are some points that give us pause, particularly concerning the state's control over the appointment of bishops and the issue of church properties."

Cardinal Giuseppe Spina, who had been studying the document intently, added, "We also have concerns about the state's control over religious publications. While we acknowledge the need to maintain public order, we must ensure that our spiritual teachings can be freely disseminated to our flock."

Napoleon furrowed his brows as he contemplated. As expected, they would go specifically on those articles. During his war in Italy, the church was a thorn in his side, spreading information about him that made him look like a monster in the eyes of the people. He doesn't want that to happen again.

"The properties and lands that were seized during the revolution as stated in the article, won't be returned. That's final. As for religious publications, I would remain firm. You slandered me in your papers three years ago, during the First War of the Coalition. So in order for that not to happen again, strict measures shall be implemented."

The three representatives went silent after hearing that.

Napoleon cleared his throat, snapping them out of their silence. "So, the only thing you need to do is accept those terms and deliver them. It is to sign it right here and now. You are the representatives of the pope's right, and he has given you the authority to negotiate on his behalf. This is an opportunity to restore the Church's position and influence in France. I hope you understand the significance of this moment."

Cardinal Consalvi exchanged glances with his fellow representatives. After a few moments of contemplation, Cardinal Consalvi nodded and said, "Your Excellency, we accept the terms outlined in the Organic Articles with the understanding that they represent a path towards reconciliation between the Church and the state. We shall sign the Concordat."

Napoleon's face broke into a faint smile, and he extended his hand across the table.

"Cardinal Consalvi, I believe this marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Church in France. Let us sign the Concordat and work together for the betterment of the French people."

This is supposed to be an easy one for Napoleon. The Church, after all, is losing its influence after the war of the Second Coalition. They needed to regain that influence so they had no choice but to comply with Napoleon.

However, little did they know that by signing that concordat, the Church had effectively given Napoleon full control.