Eminent Victorians · Chapter
VII explained
This chapter details the political and ecclesiastical maneuvering surrounding the First Vatican Council, focusing on Cardinal Manning's role in advocating for Papal Infallibility.
What happens
This chapter details the political and ecclesiastical maneuvering surrounding the First Vatican Council, focusing on Cardinal Manning's role in advocating for Papal Infallibility. It contrasts the grand spectacles of Rome with the behind-the-scenes diplomacy, and includes Manning's correspondence with Mr. Gladstone over their strained friendship.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Authority
The chapter explores the struggle over Papal Infallibility, highlighting the tension between religious dogma and political power, as well as the internal debates within the Church.
Ambition and Worldly Success
Manning's skillful maneuvering and influence at the Council, earning him the epithet 'Il Diavolo del Concilio,' illustrate his personal ambition and worldly success within the Church hierarchy.
Critique of Victorian Hypocrisy
The contrast between the splendid religious ceremonies and the squalid conditions of Rome's poor, along with the behind-the-scenes politicking, suggests a critique of institutional hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- Cardinal Manning
Central figure in the chapter; actively works to secure a definition of Papal Infallibility at the Vatican Council, engages in diplomacy, and corresponds with Gladstone.
- Mr. Gladstone
Prime Minister of England who opposes Papal Infallibility; exchanges letters with Manning about their personal and political differences.
- Lord Acton
Historian and friend of Gladstone; his research and letters influence Gladstone's views on Infallibility, though Manning suspects them of being 'poison.'
- Pius IX
The Pope (Pio Nono) presiding over the Vatican Council; appears in the chapter as a smiling figure blessing crowds.
- Monsignor Talbot
Mentioned in the context of Manning's correspondence and influence at the Vatican.
- Lord Clarendon
Referenced in relation to Manning's attempts to influence the English government's stance on intervention at the Vatican.
- Mr. Stead
Mentioned in connection with Manning's later years and the dock strike, though not directly in this chapter's excerpts.
Key passages
“Que diable allait-il faire dans cette galère?”
What the devil was he doing in that galley?
A rhetorical question expressing bewilderment at Lord Acton's conversion to Roman Catholicism despite his critical views on papal authority.
“It was by the Divine Will that the designs of His enemies were frustrated.”
God's will prevented the plans of His enemies from succeeding.
Manning's pious explanation for the failure of Gladstone's intervention at the Vatican.
“From the way in which Mr. Gladstone alluded to the overcasting of our friendship, people might have thought that I had picked his pocket.”
Gladstone's reference to our broken friendship made it sound as if I had stolen from him.
Manning's wry comment on Gladstone's letter about their estrangement.