Abstract EN:

This study is based on archival sources in the Vatican which, until now, have never been used. They make it possible to reconsider the picture we have of Pius IX in his daily contacts with the catholics of France and the support they gave him durint the years 1846-1878, particularly as to the roman question. The texts or adresses are handwritten or printed, according to whether they were issued by public bodies (such as newspapers, or diocesan religious weeks) or by institutions (schools or seminaries) or by private individuals. Their range is both political (Louis Veuillot and the newspaper l'univers) or spiritual (prayers). They represent, in a sense, an inclusive history of catholicism during a period of direct antagonism. Two main stages may be discerned in this movement: during the period 1859-1862 the catholics gave very enthusiastic support to pape Pius IX who, by his personality, showed the world an image of a young, dynamic, eager church, particularly in launching the fashion for vast gatherings in Rome. A similar strength of support for the Pape was evident in the years 1870-1871, corresponding to the end of the second empire, and to the fall of Rome. It was then what might be termed 'panic' support of the papacy. Pius ix was considered as a sort of allegorical figure of the threatened church. Beyond this general movement, these Vatican records render it possible to call into question the whole idea of ultramontanism and might lead to a definition of an emotional ultramontanism showing various features: reserve, devotion, imitation, exaltation.