Pope Pius X and Russia
The relations between Pope Pius X and Russia were difficult, and the situation of Polish Catholics in Russia did not improve.
Religious freedom decrees in 1903 and 1905[]
Tsar Nicolas issued a decree on 22 February 1903, promising religious freedom for the Catholic Church, and, in 1905, promulgated a constitution, which included religious freedom.[1]
Opposition to the Mariavites[]
A religious movement supported and financed by Russia, the Mariavites, began to gain ground among Polish Catholics, although the Pope had condemned it in 1907.[2] In his encyclical Tribus circiter Pope Pius wrote to the episcopate, warning against national radicals and asking for peace and order.[3]
1907 agreement[]
In 1907, Pius X signed an agreement that prescribed mandatory Russian history and literature courses in Catholic seminaries in Polish Russia in exchange for greater rights for Catholics.[2]
Ea Semper[]
The publication of the Apostolic Letter Ea Semper, which dealt with the Eastern Rite Catholics in the United States, led to a number of defections to the Russian Orthodox Church in America.
Feeling betrayed by Russia[]
Toward the end of his life, Pius X felt betrayed by Russia, which had not eased the conditions of Polish Catholics. At his last public reception of the Diplomatic Corps, he publicly told the Russian ambassador, Aleksandr Nelidov:
We will not accept greetings or congratulations from Russia, which did not keep a single promise to us or to the Catholics in Russia.
As the surprised ambassador disagreed, the Pope rose from his throne and asked the ambassador to leave the room.[4][5]
References[]
Bibliography[]
- Pope Pius X
- Holy See–Russia relations
- Russian Empire