A letter comes to light...

I understand that among the documents of Pius IX recently released by the Vatican was a letter to Jefferson Davis addressing him as a legitimate head of state. Why it didn't come to light before this, I can't address--but it didn't. Suppose, however, it had been known contemporarily; i.e., during the Civil War? What would have been the effects of the Holy See in effect recognizing the legitimacy of the Confederacy, both in Europe and in North America?
 
It depends on what the letter says. If the pope is telling Davis to stop fighting the war, then the US can claim that the church is on its side. If the Pope praises Davis, then the US is going to be very, very angry with the vatican, and will probably keep fighting the war (seperation of church and state and all). Europe probably would be surprised, but I don't think they'd let the Pope dictate to them whether or not they should recognize the South. It also depends on when the letter was sent. If it was sent before the end of 1862, then it might make intervention in north america more appealing. Anytime after 1862, and it might be seen as a friendly gesture twoards a lost cause.
 
Say one thing for Pio Nono, he didn't suck up to the winning side.

When Davis was a prisoner in Ft Monroe, the Pope sent him a handmade crown of thorns as an expression of sympathy. Rather over the top, I'd have thought.
 
Remember, the South is almost entirely Protestant. Honestly, this could have a negative affect within the Confederacy. You would also likely see more anti-catholicism in the North after they win, leading to an even tougher time for Irish, Italian, and other catholic immigrants around the turn of the century.

I assume the north will win as per OTL. It's not as if there are any major catholic countries in a position to intervene. The letter was signed on December 3, 1863. This means that France is embroiled in Mexico, Italy is still building itself, and Austria has no American desires.
 
Wasn't the letter more an expression of sympathy to Davis with an invitation to convert than a statement of support to the Confederacy? I may be remembering incorrectly.
 
I assume the north will win as per OTL. It's not as if there are any major catholic countries in a position to intervene. The letter was signed on December 3, 1863. This means that France is embroiled in Mexico, Italy is still building itself, and Austria has no American desires.

I agree, the only Catholics fighting for the Union where the Irish from New York and I am not sure they would have followed the Pope's guidence given how they ignored it over Irish Independence.

With no Catholic country offering aid to the South I can't see the outcome being any different from OTL, except that the anti-catholic bias would be greater. No JFK!
 
Top