AD 1846–1878

Pius IX

He turned the papacy into a spiritual rather than territorial power, while his condemnations of liberalism remain contested.

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Years served
AD 1846–1878
Biography
The longest reigning pope, Pius IX defined the Immaculate Conception, convoked Vatican I, and lost the Papal States to the new Italian state in 1870.
Historical context
European liberalism, nationalism and the unification of Italy.
Major events
  • Ineffabilis Deus (1854)
  • Syllabus of Errors (1864)
  • First Vatican Council (1869–1870)
Historical significance
He turned the papacy into a spiritual rather than territorial power, while his condemnations of liberalism remain contested.

Sources and References