Concordatorial Fascism, 1906–53

Royce ascribes the strict adherence to ecclesiological treaty norms among the concordats with the authoritarian dictators of Europe largely to the dominance of canon law within their domains. He first identifies and discusses the profound ecclesiological conservatism of the encyclicals of Popes Leo XIII, Pius XI, and Pius XII before demonstrating how such norms were exploited by the leaders of the fascist contracting states. Resulting oaths of episcopal loyalty and special prayers for their civil regimes are emphasized within larger discussion of the authoritarian ecclesiological norms of this cluster of concordats, and sustained examination provided of the considerable degree to which they have galvanized enduring debate as to the rôle of the Catholic Church above, beneath, alongside, or within Axis Power.