Eminent Victorians · Chapter
Chapter IX explained
Following the death of Pius IX, Manning is briefly considered for the papacy but declines, insisting an Italian should be elected.
What happens
Following the death of Pius IX, Manning is briefly considered for the papacy but declines, insisting an Italian should be elected. Under the new Pope Leo XIII, a liberal shift occurs, and the long-deferred honour of a cardinalate for Newman is finally pursued. Manning's letter of recommendation is delayed for six months, but after the Duke of Norfolk intervenes, the offer is made. Newman, aged and infirm, fears he cannot leave the Oratory, but through the Bishop of Birmingham's letters, the Pope allows him to remain in England. Manning, however, prematurely announces Newman's refusal in the Times, nearly sabotaging the honour. The Duke of Norfolk rectifies the error, Newman becomes a cardinal, and the two men meet only rarely thereafter, with Manning delivering a eulogy at Newman's death.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Worldly Success
Manning's near-election to the papacy and the political maneuvering over Newman's cardinalate highlight the interplay of ambition, power, and ecclesiastical honour.
Religion and Authority
The chapter explores the authority of the Pope, the Vatican's internal politics, and the personal conflicts between Manning and Newman within the Catholic hierarchy.
Characters to notice
- Cardinal Manning
Declines suggestion to become Pope, delays Newman's cardinalate recommendation, and prematurely announces Newman's refusal in the Times.
- John Henry Newman
Aged and infirm, he is offered the cardinalate but fears leaving the Oratory; ultimately accepts after the Pope relaxes the residence rule.
- Pius IX
His death opens the chapter; Manning is considered for the papacy in the Conclave following his death.
- Leo XIII
Elected Pope after Pius IX; his liberal policy enables Newman's cardinalate.
- Duke of Norfolk
Represents Catholic laity, proposes Newman's cardinalate to Manning, and later intervenes to correct Manning's misinterpretation.
Key passages
“He replied that he was unfit for the position, because it was essential for the interests of the Holy See that the next Pope should be an Italian.”
Manning declined the papacy, arguing that the next pope must be Italian for the good of the Church.
Manning's refusal of the papal tiara demonstrates his political pragmatism and humility.
“The cloud is lifted from me forever!”
Newman felt an immense relief and reconciliation upon receiving the offer of the cardinalate.
Newman's reaction underscores the emotional weight of his long estrangement from the Vatican.
“Poor Newman! He was a great hater!”
Manning privately dismissed Newman as someone who held strong grudges.
Manning's private remark contrasts sharply with his public eulogy, revealing his true feelings.