Vatican Conference Examines the Holy See and 20th-Century Totalitarianism
The two-day conference, titled “The Holy See in the Face of Totalitarian Systems in the 20th Century: New Insights and Research Perspectives,” opened on October 28 with an address by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Organizers structured the program to evaluate the Vatican’s diplomatic reach and political influence as Central and Eastern Europe suffered under dictatorships. Researchers are examining whether the Holy See possessed reliable intelligence on the actions of totalitarian regimes and whether its church networks and diplomatic channels successfully reached populations experiencing humanitarian crises.
Institutions Organizing the Rome Academic Gathering
The conference schedule covers broad ideological movements, including Bolshevism and extreme nationalism, alongside the specific experiences of World War II and subsequent communist governments. More than 65 paper proposals from researchers representing universities and scientific institutions worldwide were submitted to the organizing committee.
Historical Case Studies and Regional Focus
Sessions examine specific humanitarian efforts and restrictions on religious freedom across multiple nations. Topics feature the rescue of Hungarian Jews through Vatican diplomacy, assistance provided to persecuted individuals in Italy, and limitations placed on the Church in Czechoslovakia, Romania, and East Germany.
Scholars also discuss the Holy See’s relationship with Latin American dictatorships. Polish historical experiences receive substantial attention, focusing on John Paul II’s stance against communist rule, Luigi Poggi’s efforts against disinformation from the authorities of the Polish People’s Republic, and Paul VI’s role in promoting Polish-German reconciliation.
Exhibition Details and Event Logistics
The display highlights the millennium celebrations of Poland’s Baptism held by Polish diaspora communities abroad in 1966, utilizing photographs and documents drawn from the archive of the Church of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr, in Rome.
Attendance at the conference is free of charge without requiring prior registration. Organizers scheduled paper presentations to be delivered in Italian, English, and Polish.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Totalitarianism Conference
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin delivered the opening address on October 28.
What historical archives provided materials for the accompanying exhibition?
The exhibition displays photographs and documents sourced directly from the archive of the Church of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr, in Rome.
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