De Propaganga Inquisitione. The control of the Roman Holy Office over and through the Missionary Congregation

Abstract

The Congregation of the Roman Inquisition was for centuries, and in some respects still is, the centre of the papal curia. Over the centuries it has shown itself determined not to allow other institutions to control orthodoxy, orthopraxis, morality, and discipline over the clergy, both in Italy and in the rest of the world. The essay highlights some of the main doctrinal and diplomatic disagreements that have divided the Holy Office and Propaganda Fide, from the first attempts to create the latter to the present day. It was a long tension, made up of synergies and clashes, through which the Roman Church managed to impose its authority at the expense of royal patronages, some religious orders and other Inquisitions.