The Policy of France

Abstract

Of all the European states in diplomatic relations with the Holy See at this period, France was without doubt the one which set the pace for the others in the determination of a policy to be followed in regard to the Pope after the occupation of Rome. All eyes turned to France, not simply because that country by its traditions seemed likely to assume the natural leadership, but because Italy’s decision to march on Rome was in flagrant and admitted violation of a treaty of which France was a signatory and by which Italy undertook “not to attack the present territory of the Holy Father and to prevent, even by force, every attack coming from without against the said territory” (Convention of September 15, 1864). France had, in fact, for several decades reversed the role of Napoleon I and had been guarantor of the Temporal Power of the Popes. It was through France particularly that the Pope had had it restored to him or preserved on several occasions. And it was the withdrawal of the French garrison from Rome and Civita Vecchia at the beginning of August that had been the signal for the Italian patriots to consummate the unity of Italy by force.