Etsi nos

Etsi nos is an encyclical of Pope Leo XIII. to the Italian episcopate and the Italian clergy. It was published on 15 February 1882 and is subtitled "On the situation in Italy ".

Relationship between church and state

In this Apostolic circulars he laments the path that Italy had taken the relationship to the church. This ratio is threatening not only Italy but turned against the civilian government and religion. His accusations were directed against Freemasonry and the Carbonari, which he thought was a Freemasons. These so designated by him "sect" was the main evil.

Against Freemasonry

He reaches Freemasonry sharply and called, as their specific objectives, the destruction of the church, Christianity, and society in general. For him, the Freemasons were " the enemy who strikes like lightning out of the dark hidden conspiracy."

Against liberalism and rationalism

Just as vehemently as his predecessor Pius IX. he condemned in this encyclical the Masons, as " a secret society " and the secular liberalism. In addition, he had practiced rationalism, rationalism in the sense that understanding is the main source of knowledge and spiritual truths.