Ab Apostolici

Dall'alto dell'Apostolico Seggio (From the height of the Apostolic See ) is addressed to the bishops, the clergy and to the Italian people encyclical of Pope Leo XIII. which he subtitled "On the Freemasons in Italy " published on 15 October 1890. She is also known under the name "Ad Apostolici ".

The purpose of the encyclical

Even his predecessor, but he also had in his encyclicals humanum genus and Sapientiae Christianae perceived the opportunity to present the facts and developments that are undeniably present uncover. It is therefore now unnecessary to convert the Freemasonry to repentance, since they are already taken with their activities the spirit of Satan and are thus become an instrument which, instead they would have to be fought. With this letter, the struggle to defend the Catholic religion must be included.

The situation in Italy

" From the height of the Apostolic See ", he was employed as Pope, in divine providence, to the rescue of the Italian nation. The evil in this nation is the threat of faith through Freemasonry and it is the responsibility of the clergy to take the "fight " and to stem with all the available power to the " evil". The Catholic Christians, in particular, all the bishops, the clergy and the Italian population was called entgegenzustemmen to this change as a guard. He turns, and that is new and noteworthy explicitly to the faithful in Italy, the Pope points to the socio-political developments and urges Italians to " patriotism " on.

Against Freemasonry

Given the facts and explanations of the " Masonic Program" he warns Italy before the realization of this movement and calls for the resolution of this grouping on. The Freemasons he called Antichrist and enemies. He sees the future outlook on religion in Italy diminish as he feared the overpowering influence of the Masonic program. It therefore calls on all forces of the Apostolic See, to avert harm to the religion and Italy.

About the worthlessness without religion

In his remarks, he said that a society without religion is so controversial, even worthless, because you - the company - was devoid of morality, honor and strength. Without religion, the Company had no feelings of value and this in both the private and the general political life. The basis of society, which would be created by the family lacked the important basis because of her I'm the life, growth and energy within the company. The religion is the stabilizer of the nation, because of the wealth of the nations come from God and His blessings. Overall, it is the religion that governs the relationship between husband and wife and a reason for the origin of the love between parents and children. Impressively, he warns that Italy lose his religion and thus the divine foundations of the nation would be lost.

About the dangers of socialism

Another danger to society was the movement of the socialists that could lead to the cancellation of the social foundations. From this danger also Italy was under threat because of socialism try to reach out through the institution of the Holy Church are expanding into the faithful. However, the power of the Christian religion and the truth of the gospel would develop against the outlaws effective forces which may prevent the spread of subversion and interference. It refers to the spread of socialism as a war against the religion, is developing a destructive source against the Pope and the Italian people.