Noble Blood: The Pope's Kidnapped Child – Detailed Summary

Episode Release Date: March 18, 2025
Hosted by Dana Schwartz
Produced by iHeartRadio and Grim & Mild

1. Introduction

In this gripping episode of Noble Blood, host Dana Schwartz delves into the harrowing true story of Edgardo Mortara, a Jewish child kidnapped by the Papal States in the mid-19th century. This episode explores themes of religious persecution, familial bonds, and the clash between personal liberty and institutional authority.

2. Background: Jews Under Papal Rule

To comprehend the magnitude of Edgardo's plight, Schwartz provides a historical backdrop of Jews living under Papal States governance. In 1851, Bologna was part of these states, ruled by Pope Pius IX, with Jews constituting a mere 0.5% of the population.

• Historical Context:
  “Jews had lived in Italy for thousands of years, back to the Roman period, before Christians lived there.”
  (00:05:45)

Papal Laws:

• Jews were confined to the Roman Ghetto since 1555.
• Baptism Controversy:
  While Catholic doctrine allowed baptism to save a soul, it prohibited Catholics from baptizing Jews. However, exceptions existed for infants believed to be on the brink of death.

3. The Mortara Family and Anna Morisi

The focal point of the episode is the Mortara family—Momolo and Mariana Mortara—devoted parents of nine children, including Edgardo. Employed by the Mortaras was Anna Morisi, a young Catholic maid who, in desperation, baptized Edgardo when he fell gravely ill.

• Family Dynamics:
  “The two policemen cried when they took the boy away, but they didn't stop. They were just following orders.”
  (00:28:10)

Anna Morisi's Action:
Anna, caught between her Catholic faith and her loyalty to the Mortara family, performed the baptism believing it would save Edgardo's soul, not foreseeing the dire consequences.

4. The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara

In June 1858, when Edgardo was six, the Carabinieri forcibly removed him from his family, citing his baptism as grounds for his removal under Papal law. The family's anguish was palpable.

• Mariana's Desperation:
  “If you want him, you'll have to kill me first.”
  (00:16:30)

Police Intervention:
The Mortaras pleaded for just 24 more hours with their son, a request granted briefly by Father Pieto Gaetano Felitti, before Edgardo was taken to Rome.

5. International Scandal and Reactions

Edgardo's abduction ignited a global outrage, thrusting the Papal States into an international scandal.

• Media Frenzy:
  “The New York Times ran 20 articles about it in December 1858 alone, nearly one per day.”
  (00:30:50)

• Public Demonstrations:
  Protests erupted across Europe and America, demanding Edgardo's return.

• Cultural Impact:
  French playwright Victor Hugo's play, "Le sicle," dramatized the event, drawing massive audiences and further inflaming public opinion.

6. Edgar Mortara's Life After Kidnapping

Edgardo, renamed Pio by the Pope, was raised as a devout Catholic, internalizing the religion of his captors.

• Pope Pius IX's Influence:
  “You are very dear to me, my little son... your case set a worldwide storm against me.”
  (00:50:15)

Education and Career:

• Fluent in nine languages, including Hebrew.

• Traveled across Europe as a Catholic priest until his death in 1940.

• Psychological Impact:
  Schwartz draws parallels to Stockholm Syndrome, illustrating the deep psychological bond Edgardo developed with his captors.

7. The Mortara Family's Tragedy

The Mortara family's ordeal did not end with Edgardo's abduction. Their suffering continued, marked by imprisonment and loss.

• Legal Battle:
  “It was almost certainly a suicide. Nonetheless, suspicion fell on the man who was called the Jew Mortara.”
  (00:40:20)

• Momolo's Fate:
  After enduring seven months of imprisonment, Momolo was acquitted but died shortly after, stricken by the ordeal.

• Reconciliation Attempt:
  Years later, Edgardo and his mother reunited briefly but never reconciled their differing religious beliefs.

8. Legacy of Edgar Mortara

Edgardo's story has largely faded from public memory but holds significant historical importance.

• Impact on Italian Unification:
  “Some historians actually believe that the Edgardo Mortara kidnapping played a major role in turning Napoleon III toward the side of Italian unification.”
  (00:55:00)

• Modern Reflections:
  The Mortara family's descendants continue to oppose the beatification of Pope Pius IX, highlighting enduring familial scars.

9. Conclusion

Dana Schwartz concludes the episode by reflecting on the enduring legacy of Edgardo Mortara, a symbol of religious persecution and the human cost of institutional rigidity. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding faith, authority, and personal identity.

Final Reflections:
“Countless times Edgar Mortara must have wetted his hands, as his nursemaid did decades before, and sprinkled holy water over a young infant's head.”
(00:59:30)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Nobleblood is proudly sponsored by Amica Insurance... Welcome to Noble Blood, a production of iHeartRadio and Grim and Mild from Erin Menke. Listener discretion advised.”
  (00:00:00)

• “Father Felitti granted the 24 hours, but no more. He was just following orders, after all.”
  (00:22:15)

• “What would Edgardo himself have thought? We can't know.”
  (00:58:45)

Acknowledgments

Noble Blood is a production of iHeartRadio and Grim & Mild from Erin Menke, featuring additional writing and research by Hannah Johnston, Hannah Zwick, Courtney Sender, Amy Hite, and Julia Milani. Edited and produced by Jesse Funk, with supervising producer Rima Il Kayali and executive producers Erin Menke, Trevor Young, and Matt Frederick.

This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode "The Pope's Kidnapped Child," capturing the critical moments and emotional depth of Edgardo Mortara's story. For a more immersive experience, listening to the full episode is highly recommended.