Law of Guarantees

The law of the Italian State on the privileges of the Pope and the Holy See and the relationship of the state to the church (in short: Law of Guarantees or Warranty Act) is a historical source of law in Italy.

Entry into force and contents

The law took effect on 16 February 1871 in force and governed the rights of the Pope and the ratio of the Vatican to the Kingdom of Italy after the political disempowerment of the former Pius IX. ( Sl. ). It guaranteed the inviolability of his person to the Pope, the Vatican and the Lateran Palace and of Castel Gandolfo. Pius IX. rejected in May 1871 offered him by the Italian King Victor Emmanuel II limited sovereignty rights. Pius and his successors were limited in scope to the immediate, surrounded by fortifications Vatican City.

This Roman Question remained a constant theme unexplained conflict between Pope and Italy and could be negotiated only with Fascist Italy under Mussolini. The Law of Guarantees was repealed by Article 26 (III ) of the Treaty between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy of 11 February 1929 ( Lateran Pacts ).

Background

After the withdrawal of French troops protection due to the start of the war against Prussia Italian military had marched almost without a fight on 20 September 1870 in the then remaining Papal State ( Lazio with its capital in Rome). In the course of Italian independence movement (see Risorgimento ) of the Papal States was resolved to complete the Italian nation-state founded in 1861 with Rome as its capital.