To Kidnap a Pope, Ambrogio A. Caiani
To Kidnap a Pope, Ambrogio A. Caiani
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To Kidnap a Pope
Napoleon and Pius VII

Author: Ambrogio A. Caiani

Narrator: Paul Heitsch

Unabridged: 15 hr 15 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 05/25/2021


Synopsis

A groundbreaking account of Napoleon Bonaparte, Pope Pius VII, and the kidnapping that would forever divide church and state.

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 Pope's arrest.

Ambrogio Caiani provides a pioneering account of the tempestuous relationship between the emperor and his most unyielding opponent. Drawing on original findings in the Vatican and other European archives, Caiani uncovers the nature of Catholic resistance against Napoleon's empire; charts Napoleon's approach to Papal power; and reveals how the Emperor attempted to subjugate the church to his vision of modernity. Gripping and vivid, this book shows the struggle for supremacy between two great individuals—and sheds new light on the conflict that would shape relations between the Catholic church and the modern state for centuries to come.

About Ambrogio A. Caiani

Ambrogio A. Caiani is senior lecturer in modern European history at the University of Kent. He is the author of Louis XVI and the French Revolution 1789-1792 and To Kidnap a Pope: Napoleon and Pius VII.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Charif on February 26, 2025

Mr. Caiani does a great job in telling a fascinating but complex story, bringing to life the intricate relationship between the Pope and Napoleon. His vivid descriptions of both figures make them feel real and dynamic, capturing their personalities, ambitions, and struggles. The depth of historical......more

Goodreads review by Andrew on November 01, 2023

A harrowing tale of two rivals, whose battle of wills drove a wedge through French society, and Europe as a whole. Continuing with a series of ecclesiastical biographies (and my obsession with Napoleon), 'To Kidnap a Pope' is the story of Pius VII, the Pope who stood up to Napoleon, and suffered grea......more

Goodreads review by Joseph on February 28, 2023

The greatest test in the history of the modern Catholic Church began at 2 a.m. on July 6, 1809. That’s when French troops swarmed the Quirinal Palace in Rome. The midnight arrest of Pope Pius VII at the hands of troops under the ultimate command of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was a watershed event in......more

Goodreads review by Liam on February 05, 2023

Fascinating account of Napoleon's attempt to control the catholic church and bend to his will and views in the same way he tried to force all the countries and political institutions of Europe to bend to his wishes and conform to what he thought right and best. Of course he failed with the catholic......more

Goodreads review by Lynn on August 01, 2021

What an amazing read & articulated with great clarity......more