Concilier l’ordre et la liberté : l’Autriche et la réforme des États pontificaux en 1849

Abstract

The Roman crisis of 1848-1849 incites the catholics powers (especially Austria and France) to question the future of the Roman states. If both powers admit that the structures of the Papal States must be improved by liberal reforms, the Austrian government refuses to impose a specific program to the Holy Father. On the one hand, Austria considers that Pius IX can improve his regime without the interference of the foreign powers in his domestic affairs. On the other hand, she is afraid that inadequate reforms provoke new difficulties, including a decline of the papal power and the resumption of the revolutionary movement in Italy. In short, Austria agrees liberal reforms in the Papal States, provided that they do not interfere with others interest, including the sovereignty and the security of the pope.