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- [00:00]
Tracy B. Wilson
This is an I heart podcast.
- [00:05]
Holly Fry
Listen to your elders, honey. You might know them from their viral videos, but now the old gays are pulling back the curtain with their new podcast, Silver Linings with the Old Gays, brought to you in partnership with iHeart's Ruby Studio and Veeve Healthcare. Hosts Robert, Mick, Bill and Jesse serve their lifetime of wisdom when it comes to love, sex, community and whatever else they've got on the gay agenda. So check out Silver Linings with the old gays on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [00:36]
Tom Brokaw
NBC Nightly News legacy isn't handed down or NBC News. I'm Tom Brokaw.
- [00:41]
Holly Fry
Hope to see you back here.
- [00:42]
Lester Holt
I'm Lester Holt.
- [00:43]
Tom Brokaw
It's carried forward. Tom Yamas is there for us. Firefighters are still working around the clock. As the world changes, we look for what endures. We are coming on the air with breaking news. Right now, we look for a constant and from one era to the next, trust is the anchor.
- [00:58]
Holly Fry
For NBC Nightly News, I'm Tom Yamas.
- [01:01]
Tom Brokaw
A new chapter begins NBC Nightly News with Tom Yamas Thomas Evenings on NBC.
- [01:06]
Lester Holt
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and safeway. Now through June 24th. Score hot summer savings and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags on items like Sargento cheese slices, best foods, mayonnaise, lay's party sized chips and snacks and Triscuits. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pickup or delivery subject to availability restrictions apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.
- [01:38]
Tom Brokaw
This Father's Day at Lowe's. Score free gifts for the greatest dad right now. Get a free Blackstone 8 piece accessory kit when you buy a Blackstone 28 inch griddle. Plus get two free select Craftsman V20 tools when you buy an RP brushless drill and impact driver combo kit. Shop these deals and more this Father's Day at Lowe's, we help you save valid through 615 wall supplies. Last selection mirrors by LOC.
- [02:08]
Holly Fry
Welcome to Stuff youf Missed in History Class, a production of iHeartRadio. Hello and welcome to the podcast. I'm Holly Fry.
- [02:21]
Tracy B. Wilson
And I'm Tracy B. Wilson.
- [02:23]
Holly Fry
Hey, there's a new pope.
- [02:24]
Tracy B. Wilson
There is. It was surprisingly fast.
- [02:26]
Holly Fry
I felt it was pretty darn quick. This pope is Leo xiv. That was his chosen name and that was an interesting choice. The selection of the name that a person takes as pope is often an indicator of that Pope's intentions. And as Pope Leo XIII was invoked in this new Pope's choice of name. Like specifically people speaking for the Vatican mentioned it in interviews. It seemed like as good a time as any to look at his life because there were a lot of like, here's what the Pope's name means. And it's like, well, Leo XIII actually had a pretty long run. So we're obviously not gonna hit a lot of the minutia of his time as Pope here. And I wanna just be very clear to levelset this is not intended to be any kind of religious scholarship with regards to the Catholic faith. We're looking at his biography and how he sought to find a way forward for the Catholic Church at a time when the world was rapidly changing and the Church was often at odds with those changes, which you could be said parallels what's going on now with Pope Leo XIV.
- [03:36]
Tracy B. Wilson
Vincenzo Giocchino Pecci was born on March 2, 1810 in the Carpento Romano municipality in Rome. This was during a period when the Papal States were occupied by the French. Napoleon had taken control of Italy in 1800, but then had agreed through the Concordat of 1801 to allow the Roman Catholic Church and specifically the Pope, to retain control over the Papal States of Italy. The Concordat was not just about this. It also outlined ways in which the Catholic Church would be positioned in France and it gave Napoleon a lot of power within the Church.
- [04:19]
Holly Fry
Yeah, we won't get into all of the shifting of how Italy once again regained control of the area, but the important thing here is that he was born in the Papal States and is considered today Italian. Vincenzo's parents were Domenico Lodovico Pecci, a colonel, and Anna Prosperibusi. And Vincenzo was their sixth child. He went by his middle name, Giacchino. So that is what we will use to refer to him going forward. His older siblings were Carlo, Ana Maria, Caterina, Giovanni, Battista and Giuseppe. I will say if you look up his biography, because a Pope becomes a global figure, you will see those names sometimes Anglicized or written completely differently, but those are their Italian names. And when Giacchino was born, Domenico was 41 and Anna was 37. They had been parents already for 16 years at that point. Carlo was 16 years old and then another child, Fernando was born three years after Giacchino. The family was financially comfortable. The Pechys were said to have gained the favor of the Papacy by standing against the Medicis. And they had built their families fortunes and social standing from there.
- [05:33]
Tracy B. Wilson
In his early childhood, Giacchino stayed at home, but at the age of eight, he was sent along with his brother Giuseppe to Viterbo, Italy, to be educated by the Jesuits there. Giuseppe would go on to become a professor at the Jesuit seminary. Although he eventually resigned due to some disagreements with the order, it was decided early on that Giacchino would follow a life in the church.
- [06:01]
Holly Fry
Yes, I read one biography that made it clear that that was something his mother had wanted from day one. He next moved on to the Academy of Noble Ecclesiastics in Rome, and he studied law there and got his doctoral degree in 1837. That same year, at the age of 27, he was ordained to the priesthood.
- [06:24]
Tracy B. Wilson
He's often said to have been made a domestic prelate in his first year, meaning that he was given honorary inclusion in the papal household. Although that specific term didn't exist yet. It wouldn't until after Peci's death. But he did have mentors and champions at very high levels of the Catholic Church. And his initial role as a priest was working in a diplomatic function for the Papal States. So it would make sense that he would have had access to the inner workings of the Vatican.
- [06:55]
Holly Fry
He was made a delegate to Benevento just a year into his career with the Church. That was essentially a governor position, and Benevento was in what was at the time the Papal States in the Kingdom of Naples. This was an appointment that came with some challenges. Benevento at the time was experiencing a large amount of crime that was being carried out largely by people in the employ of the landed gentry of Naples. Basically, they all had money and they were trying to get more, and they were willing to do illegal things to get it. There was also a lot of smuggling that went through the area. But Pecci was aggressive in reforming Benevento, and within just a few years, the subsidized crime problem there had dwindled to just about nothing.
- [07:39]
Tracy B. Wilson
After Benevito, he was moved into the same position in Perugia, although his title remained the same. This was considered a promotion, since Perugia in Umbria was at a much more important spot in the hierarchy of the Papal States. It also had its share of problems. But once again, Pechy was able to get control of the situation in time for a visit from Pope Gregory xvi, which earned him both accolades and the favor of the Pope.
- [08:10]
Holly Fry
Ghino continued his rapid rise through the ranks of the Church when he was promoted to the role of nuncio to Brussels. This was another diplomatic position of a very high rank, and it marked a point at which the young priest, just six years into his priesthood, was considered a career member of the Papal state's government. He became an archbishop not long into his appointment in Belgium, where he spent the next three years, and those three years are considered very influential in the way Giacchino Pecci viewed the role of the Church in the modernizing world.
- [08:43]
Tracy B. Wilson
King Leopold I of Belgium had started out on good terms with Pecci, but that shifted drastically. Unlike his predecessors in Brussels, Pecci did not manage the careful maneuvering required to maintain maintained the delicate political balance of multiple factions that were attempting to assert power in a dispute between the church and the monarch over education. Pechy sided with the local bishop and in doing that he soured his relationship with Leopold. Frustrated at not having the archbishop at his command, Leopold asked Rome to recall Pechy. The church did exactly that, sending him back to Perugia, this time as a bishop. While this move to Perugia early in his career had been a step up, in this instance it was very clearly a step down.
- [09:36]
Holly Fry
We will talk about the ways that Pecci fell under suspicion for his views after we first take a sponsor break.
- [09:46]
Annabe
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- [10:46]
Zoe Saldana
Hi Zoe Saldana, welcome to T Mobile. Here's your new iPhone 16 Pro on us.
- [10:50]
Ryan Seacrest
Thanks. And here's my old phone to trade in.
- [10:52]
Zoe Saldana
You don't need to trade. Switch to T Mobile will give you a new iPhone 16 Pro Plus. We'll help you pay off your old phone up to 800 bucks and you still get to keep it.
- [11:01]
Ryan Seacrest
There's always a trade in.
- [11:03]
Zoe Saldana
Not right now. At T Mobile.
- [11:04]
Ryan Seacrest
I feel like I have to give you something in return for karma.
- [11:06]
Zoe Saldana
That's okay.
- [11:07]
Ryan Seacrest
I don't really have much in my purse. Oh, let's see. Hand sanitizer. It's lavender.
- [11:12]
Zoe Saldana
I'm good.
- [11:13]
Holly Fry
Seriously. Hmm.
- [11:13]
Ryan Seacrest
Let me check this pocket. Oh, mints.
- [11:16]
Zoe Saldana
Really, I'm fine.
- [11:17]
Ryan Seacrest
Oh, I have raisins. I'm a mom. Wait, wait one sec. I've got got cupcakes in the car.
- [11:21]
Tom Brokaw
It's our best iPhone offer ever. Switch to T Mobile. Get a new iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence on us. No trade in needed. We'll even pay off your phone up to 800 bucks with 24 monthly bill credits. New line 100 plus a month on experience beyond finance agreement 999.99 and qualifying forwarded for well qualified plus tax and 10 connection charge payout via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days credits and imbalance due if you pay off early or cancel.
- [11:45]
Holly Fry
See t mobile.com Listen to your elders, honey. You might know them from their viral videos, but now the old gays pull back the curtain on their brand new podcast, Silver Linings with the Old Gays, brought to you in partnership with iHeart's Ruby Studio and Veeve Healthcare. With over 300 years of experience between them, hosts Robert, Mick, Bill and Jesse serve four lifetimes of wisdom when it comes to love, sex, community and whatever else they've got on the gay agenda. Listen in to these fabulous friends, swap stories exploring how queer life has evolved over the decades and the silver linings they've collected along the way. Each episode dives into hot topics from safe sex and online dating to untangling Gen Z lingo, as well as insights on how music, art and fashion show up in queer culture. So check out Silver Linings, a show about how pride ages like fine wine. Available on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. Foreign.
- [12:49]
Lester Holt
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and safeway. Now through June 24th. Score hot summer savings and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags on items like Keebler Cookies, Popsicle frozen treats, Smart Water, silk almond milk, Folgers coffee and Kerrygold Butter. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pickup or delivery subject to availability restrictions apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.
- [13:27]
Holly Fry
When the Revolutions of 1848 began around Europe, Pechy did not help his standing in the church. So this movement, which could be a future episode, was, in the very briefest of terms, a series of uprisings against increasingly conservative governments throughout the continent. And this was catalyzed in the acute sense by a series of crop failures that impacted a lot of countries and led to food shortages. This also tied into world events that were happening far beyond Europe. But in terms of how this series of conflicts is germane to Giacchino Pecci, he made the politically dangerous move of speaking out about the way the Papal States in particular handled it, although he was also vehemently against the revolution.
- [14:13]
Tracy B. Wilson
To make matters worse, as Italy was seeking to unify all of its lands under one national identity, which meant Papal States being ceded to Italian governance, Pecci thought fighting in some of these cases was going to be counterproductive. This brought a lot of suspicion on the Bishop, as Church authorities started to think he was too liberal, which is a little hilarious. This was a time of extreme shifting in the Church's power, as the vast majority of the land of the Papal States was conquered by Italy, leaving the Pope only a tiny portion of what he had once controlled. So for a man in the Church's leadership to not take a hard stance, to fight to retain that control, was seen as inherently suspicious. He did speak out against the occupation of papal land and against the Italian government secularizing aspects of religious life, such as marriage.
- [15:13]
Holly Fry
Still, even though he caused some controversy, Pechy was not entirely disliked. In 1853, before the church lost so much territory, he was promoted to the rank of cardinal. But he was still relegated to a much less important area than he had seemed destined for in his early career. But he didn't really treat this like a demotion. He threw himself into his work and he focused on the diocese that he led. Among other efforts, he promoted education, and he established a hospital. And in his spare time, Peci engaged in his own intellectual and philosophical pursuits and turned the decades that he spent away from Rome into a time of personal growth. One of the conclusions that Pecci came to through his self directed scholarship was that the Church was hurting itself by working in opposition to the changing world. He was interested in technology and thought that an understanding of modern culture would help the Catholic Church find a point of reconciliation with it.
- [16:14]
Tracy B. Wilson
In 1877, he was named as Camerlengo, which came as a surprise. Though he had not had the favor of Pope Pius ix, being named to this position showed that the Pope did have some confidence in Peci. This is a very important role in that it's the person who assumes the administrative responsibilities of handling things when the Pope dies. This includes everything from ensuring that the body of the deceased Pope is handled properly to making arrangements for the conclave that selects the next pope.
- [16:49]
Holly Fry
It seems that Pope Pius knew that a need for the Camerlingo was coming because less than a year after having been named into that role, Pecci was called to the duties of the job when Pope Pius IX died. So you have probably seen lots of coverage of how a conclave works between the recent Oscar winning film and the passing of Pope Francis and the selection of Pope Leo xiv. But we'll do a quick refresher. So a conclave is called after the sea is vacated by death or resignation of the previous Pope. It is a gathering of cardinals at the Vatican who confer and vote on who will be the next Pope. The assembled cardinals have no contact with the outside world during the conclave and there is no recording of the proceedings allowed. There is a pretty strictly regimented way in which the schedule plays out, although most of the rules about it were not officially established until well after the conclave that selected Pope Leo xiii. And here's a little surpriser, in case you didn't know it. Technically a person does not have to be a member of the priesthood to become Pope. They just have to be a baptized Catholic male. But the last non cardinal who was chosen for the job was Urban VI. That was in 1378 during the Western Schism when the Church was split in two and there were two competing popes in Rome and Avignon. And spoiler alert, Urban's time on the Holy See did not go well. So they didn't really ever go back to that plan again. Since the 14th century, every pope has come from the pool of cardinals. Once the cardinals are assembled, a schedule of voting and discussion begins and continues until one of the possible Successors receives a 2/3 majority. After each vote, the ballots are burned. That is the smoke that everyone looks for to see if the Pope has been chosen. Black, of course, means that the 2/3 majority has not been reached. And white means that it has and that a new Pope is selected.
- [18:46]
Tracy B. Wilson
In addition to being Camerlengo, Pecci emerged as a front runner to succeed Pius ix. He was not the prior Pope's personal pick. That was Cardinal Bilio. But he had plenty of detractors. On the flip side was liberal Cardinal Franchi. In this mix, Pecci was considered a moderate. And the cardinals from outside of Italy really rallied around him. They noted that because he had been living outside of Rome for three decades, at that point he was unlikely to be burdened by any kinds of machinations or gossip or influence efforts that had been playing out at the Vatican. He also had really gained a lot of respect for having devoted himself to his work in Perugia. There was one major factor working against him and that was that he had a long history of health, health problems. There were concerns that he did not have the strength to lead or that he would not live long enough to accomplish much if he were elected. Despite these concerns, though, Pechy carried out the needed two thirds of the votes on the third round on the morning of February 20th. The conclave had convened late on the 18th and it was the shortest time for a papal election at that point in history.
- [20:05]
Holly Fry
Leo XIII took his papal name in reference to his Leo predecessor, Leo XII. This was also an interesting choice as Leo XII, who was Pope from 1823 to 1829, was pretty ruthless. He was elected in the backlash to his liberal predecessor, Pius vii. Leo XII was an authoritarian, but he did eventually recognize that there needed to be a way to work with opponents instead of always being in conflict. This was not that dissimilar from Pius IX, who Leo XIII was replacing. Leo XII was also a proponent of education, which Leo XIII wished to also champion as a cause.
- [20:49]
Tracy B. Wilson
The news of the new Pope was covered around the world. In the US the Chicago Tribune ran coverage of it that took up 2/3 of a page. In a Sunday paper that only ran 16 pages, readers could learn all about the new Pope, from his life story to the details of the Conclave. Similarly, the New York Times dedicated two full front page columns to news of the new Pope and information about the previous pope, Leo I wanted to include.
- [21:17]
Holly Fry
That because it's clear that this is not a new thing where we all go, what is his name? What was the previous one that was named that? Like what's going on here? That's how it's always been handled in the press. From the outset, Leo XIII found himself the leader of a Catholic Church at a time when there was a lot of push and pull regarding the Church's place in a modernizing world. In the book History of the Church, the Church in the Industrial age, published in 1981, authors Hubert Jeddin and John Patrick Dolan describe the conflict this way. Quote, the problem of relations between the Church and the post revolutionary world articulated itself most strongly in the Holy City. Festive illuminations stood in contrast to protest demonstrations. Pope Leo XIII actually had his coronation in the Sistine Chapel rather than the custom of having the ceremony in St Peter' because there was believed to be a very real danger to those present and the authorities didn't feel like they could guarantee security.
- [22:16]
Tracy B. Wilson
Next we will talk about encyclicals and how Leo XIII wrote a lot of them. But first we will hear from some sponsors that keep stuff you missed in history class going.
- [22:30]
Annabe
Tired of spills and stains on your sofa? Wash away your worries with Annabe. Annabe is the only machine machine washable sofa inside and out where designer quality meets budget friendly prices. That's right, sofas start at just $699. Enjoy a no risk experience with pet friendly stain resistant and changeable slip covers made with performance fabric Experience cloud like comfort with high resilience foam that's hypoallergenic and never needs fluffing. The sturdy steel frame ensures longevity and the modular pieces can be rearranged anytime. Shop washablesofas.com for up to 60% off site wide backed by a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not absolutely in love, send it back for a full refund. No return, shipping or restocking fees. Every penny back. Upgrade now@washablesofas.com Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.
- [23:31]
Zoe Saldana
Hi Zoe Saldana, welcome to T Mobile. Here's your new iPhone 16 Pro on us.
- [23:35]
Ryan Seacrest
Thanks. And here's my old phone to trade in.
- [23:37]
Zoe Saldana
You don't need a trade in. When you switch to T Mobile, we'll give you a new iPhone 16 Pro plus we'll help you pay off your old Phone up to 800 bucks and you still get to keep it.
- [23:46]
Ryan Seacrest
There's always a trade in.
- [23:47]
Zoe Saldana
Not right now. @ T Mobile.
- [23:49]
Ryan Seacrest
I feel like I have to give you something in return for karma.
- [23:51]
Zoe Saldana
That's okay.
- [23:52]
Ryan Seacrest
I don't really have much in my purse. Oh, let's see. Hand sanitizer. It's lavender.
- [23:56]
Zoe Saldana
I'm good.
- [23:57]
Ryan Seacrest
Seriously, Let me check this pocket. Oh, mints.
- [24:00]
Zoe Saldana
Really, I'm fine.
- [24:01]
Ryan Seacrest
Oh, I have raisins. I'm a mom. Wait, wait one sec. I've got cupcakes in the car.
- [24:06]
Tom Brokaw
It's our best iPhone offer ever. Switch to T Mobile. Get a new iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence on us. No trade in needed. We'll even pay off your phone up to 800 bucks with 24 monthly bill credits. New line $100 plus a month on experience beyond Finance Agreement $999.99 and qualify imported for well qualified plus tax and $10 connection charge. Pay off via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days credits and in balance due if you pay off early or.
- [24:29]
Holly Fry
Cancel CT mobile.com listen to your elders honey. You might know them from their viral videos, but now the old gays pull back the curtain on their brand new podcast, Silver Linings with the Old Gays, brought to you in partnership with iHeart's Ruby Studio and Veeve Healthcare. With over 300 years of experience between them, hosts Robert, Mick, Bill and J serve four lifetimes of wisdom when it comes to love, sex, community and whatever else they've got on the gay Agenda. Listen in to these fabulous friends, swap stories exploring how queer life has evolved over the decades and the silver linings they've collected along the way. Each episode dives into hot topics, from safe sex and online dating to untangling Gen Z lingo, as well as insights on how music, art and fashion show up in queer culture. So check out Silver Linings, a show about how pride pages like fine wine available on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [25:33]
Lester Holt
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway, now through June 24. Score hot summer savings and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags on items like Sargento cheese slices, Best foods, mayonnaise, lay's, party sized chips and snacks and Triscuits. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online. For easy drive up and go, pickup or delivery subject to availability restrictions apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.
- [26:10]
Holly Fry
Throughout his time as Pope, Leo XIII became well known for the contents of his encyclical letters. So that just means letters that are sent to all of the church's bishops, which often are about the church's official position on a given topic or issue. The first encyclical was written in 1740 by Pope Benedict XIV. Not all popes write them. For example, Pope John Paul, who was pope briefly in 1978, did not write any. But most popes in the last century and change have written at least a couple of them. They have been favored by some popes because they create an official record, whereas personal letters would not. The recently deceased Pope Francis wrote just four of them, including one about climate change and conservation in 2015. But Pope Leo XIII loved an encyclical, according to the Pew Research center, as of 2015. So they wrote this right before that climate change encyclical from Francis Leo XIII had written 90 encyclicals, which made up a full one third of the total number issued by all popes. So he clearly saw this means of communication as a very effective tool. And so we're going to take a look at his papacy by talking about Just a few of the key ones.
- [27:29]
Tracy B. Wilson
The first of his encyclicals on the evils of society, outlines the many issues readily seen in the world at the time of the writing, which was in 1878, not long after Leo XIII became pope. Pope he notes the various problems the world faces, how there's bloodshed and civil strife all around, and the reason, per this letter, is the lack of religious devotion. Leo wrote, quote now the source of these evils lies chiefly. We are convinced in this, that the holy and venerable authority of the Church, which in God's name rules mankind, upholding and defending all lawful authority, has been despised and set aside. The enemies of public order, being fully aware of this, have thought nothing better suited to destroy the foundations of society than to make an unflagging attack upon the Church of God, to bring her into discredit and odium by spreading infamous calumnies and accusing her of being opposed to genuine Progress.
- [28:37]
Holly Fry
As the 19th century came to a close, Pope Leo XIII chose to address what many perceived as a growing problem for the Cath Church, and that was Americanism. This ideology, which actually remains controversial today, embraces the idea that social mores of the Church need to change and adapt with the social changes of the world rather than create a division or gap that could lose followers. A lot of the language around this effort for reform in the 1890s invoked the phrase greater liberty, suggesting that Catholics might have more freedom in the ways they conducted their daily lives than Old World Catholicism might allow. Leo XIII's response to Americanism was contained in his writing Testem Benevolentie Nostre. It was not favorable. This is a letter that is addressed to the Archbishop of Baltimore at the time, James Gibbons, but as an encyclical, copies were also sent to every bishop.
- [29:36]
Tracy B. Wilson
In the U.S. it's a long document, but in it he sums up the issue. Quote the underlying principle of these new opinions is that that in order to more easily attract those who differ from her, the Church should shape her teachings more in accord with the spirit of the age and relax some of her ancient severity and make some concessions to new opinions. Many think that these concessions should be made not only in regard to ways of living, but even in regard to doctrines which belong to the deposit of the faith. They contend that it would be opportune in order to gain those who differ from us, to omit certain points of her teaching which are of lesser importance and to tone down the meaning which the Church has always attached to them.
- [30:27]
Holly Fry
So Leo XIII makes the case that there is just no way that the Church can soften any of its doctrines in the pursuit of more followers, stating, quote, let it be far from anyone's mind to suppress for any reason any doctrine that has been handed down. Such a policy would tend rather to separate Catholics from the Church than to bring in those who differ. There is nothing closer to our heart than to have those who are separated from the fold of Christ return to it, but in no other way than the way pointed out by Christ.
- [31:00]
Tracy B. Wilson
Toward the end, he flatly denounces Americanism. Quote from the foregoing. It is manifest, Beloved Son, that we are not able to give approval to these views, which in their collective sense are called by some Americanism. If this is to be so understood, the doctrines which have been adverted to above are not only indicated, but exalted. There can be no manner of doubt that our venerable brethren, the bishops of America, would be the first to repudiate and condemn it as being most injurious to themselves and to their country. For it would give rise to the suspicion that there are among you some who conceive and would have the Church in America to be different from what it is in the rest of the world.
- [31:48]
Holly Fry
So this was a hot button issue. And the reason this idea of some Catholics wanting to appeal to a wider range of followers had gained so much attention is tied to the loss of political power for the Church. So starting in the late 18th century, Catholicism had started losing a lot of its political power. But as various countries changed their religious affiliations and as the Papal States had been taken over by Italy, and it became an increasing concern that the Church was going to need to bolster its standing in its numbers somehow. And the Church recognized well before Leo's time as Pope that tying so much of their identity and power to being the national religion for various countries was only going to become problematic. And for some, that meant they needed to reform, to gain numbers at the individual level in an effort to regain some of that lost dominance. But as Leo's letter indicated, the Holy See was not in agreement with that.
- [32:46]
Tracy B. Wilson
There was also ongoing work on Leo's part to reconcile the ideas of the Church with philosophy and science. As early as 1879, Leo was writing about this potential reconciliation, suggesting that philosophy could actually enhance faith. In an encyclical titled on the Restoration of Christian Philosophy, he wrote of science, quote, divine providence itself requires that in calling back the people to the paths of faith and salvation, advantage should be taken of human science also. An approved and wise practice, which history testifies was observed by the most Illustrious Fathers of the Church. In that same encyclical he wrote of philosophy, quote in the first place, philosophy, if rightly made use of by the wise in certain way, tends to smooth and fortify the road to true faith and to prepare the souls of its disciples for the fit reception of revelation. For which reason it is well called by ancient writers, sometimes a stepping stone to the Christian faith, sometimes the prelude and help of Christianity, sometimes the Gospel teacher.
- [34:00]
Holly Fry
The writing of Leo XIII that has gotten the most attention recently is his work Rerum Navarum, which he wrote in May of 1891. So that name literally translates from the Latin to new things, but it been translated into English writing as revolutionary change. And this was an open letter with the heading Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor. And this document opens with this paragraph, quote that the spirit of revolutionary change, which has long been disturbing the nations of the world, should have passed beyond the sphere of politics and made its influence felt in the cognate sphere of practical economics is not surprising. The elements of the conflict now raging are unmistakable in the vast expansion of industrial pursuits and the marvelous discoveries of science, in the changed relations between masters and workmen, in the enormous fortunes of some few individuals and the utter poverty of the masses, the increased self reliance and closer mutual combination of the working classes, as also finally, in the prevailing moral degeneracy. The momentous gravity of the state of things now obtaining fills every mind with painful apprehension. Wise men are discussing it, practical men are proposing schemes, popular meetings, legislatures and rulers of nations are all busied with it. Actually, there is no question which has taken deeper hold on the public mind.
- [35:31]
Tracy B. Wilson
From there Leo XIII walks through the issues of economic disparity and suffering and noted, quote that some opportune remedy must be found quickly for the misery and wretchedness pressing so unjustly on the majority of the working class. For the ancient workingman's guilds were abolished in the last century and no other protective organization took their place. He also states his issues with various reform movements and notes that the contentions of socialism, quote, quote are so clearly powerless to end the controversy that were they carried into effect, the working man himself would be among the first to suffer. They are, moreover, emphatically unjust, for they would rob the lawful possessor, distort the functions of the state, and create utter confusion in the community.
- [36:23]
Holly Fry
But then he does make the case for labor unions, writing quote to sum up, then, we may lay it down as a general and lasting law that working men's associations should be so organized and governed as to furnish the best and most suitable means for attaining what is aimed at, that is to say, for helping each individual member to better his condition to the utmost in body, soul and property. It is clear that they must pay special and chief attention to the duties of religion and morality, and that social betterment should have this chiefly in view. Otherwise they would lose wholly their special character and end by becoming little better than those societies which take no account whatever of religion. What advantage can it be to a working man to obtain by means of a society material well being if he endangers his soul for lack of spiritual food?
- [37:18]
Tracy B. Wilson
So the legacy of Pope Leo XIII isn't exactly as open minded in all aspects of his philosophy as some accounts might make it seem. He didn't exactly make a lot of change within the Church, although he certainly inherited it at a time when change was all around him. It in a lot of ways he was a staunch defender of the Church's traditions, even when those traditions had lost their cultural relevancy in the eyes of a lot of Christians. But he was also a scholar and he was able to view the world through that lens, which meant that he could be open minded when seeking for a relationship between the Church and a changing world. And he recognized that not everyone in the world was or ever would be Catholic. Catholic. He was willing to develop relationships with non Catholic and even non Christian countries. And he was able to wield a great deal of political power because of his ability to connect with a wide range of leaders.
- [38:17]
Holly Fry
In the early spring of 1903, Leo XIII's 25 year Jubilee was celebrated, something that most people had never expected of a man that was perceived as being extremely frail when he first became Pope.
- [38:31]
Tracy B. Wilson
Pope Leo XIII died on July 20, 1903. He had developed pneumonia earlier in the month and never recovered. As he neared the end of his life, he told the Secretary of Apostolic Briefs, Cardinal Mackey, quote, I am near the end. I do not know if all I have done has been good, but I have obeyed my conscience and our holy faith.
- [38:55]
Holly Fry
In the book History of the Church, the Church in the Industrial Age, which we mentioned earlier in this episode, there is a really great passage in the description of his time as Pope, which I think sums things up nicely. So that is where we will lead it. Leave it. It is quote, Pope Leo XIII led the Catholic Church into a world which had risen from revolution. With an attitude which can only adequately be termed optimistic, he attempted to reconcile an uncompromised tradition with the modern spirit.
- [39:26]
Tracy B. Wilson
There we go.
- [39:28]
Holly Fry
That is Pope Leo Tweak Talk about a lot behind the scenes.
- [39:33]
Tracy B. Wilson
Give us some listener mail.
- [39:35]
Holly Fry
I do. This is a listener mail that is in reference to our recent episode on the Meiji Shrine. It's from our listener Brian who writes hello Holly and Tracy. I have been a longtime listener but I have never felt I could offer enough to write in. In you know what, you don't have to ever feel like you owe us anything if you just want to write and say hey, people can. Don't feel obligated to have a thing. Brian writes, I am an Australian working in Japan as an English instructor and have a deep love for Japanese history and culture. The festivals are some of the most fun, chaotic events you will ever attend. Unfortunately, there has been a bit of poor behavior by tourists at shrines as of late, with one tourist carving their name into the Torii gate at Meiji Shrine and others doing pull ups on the gates at other shrines. The way I blanched when I first read this email. Brian continues Holly I actually live near where Star Wars Celebration was held and had many friends come to Japan for it. So I'm glad you had a great time if you get a chance to come back. There is a district in Tokyo called Nippori, but it is also called Fabric Town. It has many shops selling fabric, buttons, buckles and other things related to sewing, which I know is right up your alley. It is also where I work. Well, see you soon Brian. He continues, I don't have my own pet so I am including pictures of my nephew Dimitri. He is a big Russian blue who loves chicken so much he has taught himself how to undo, cling, wrap and even open cooler boxes. Eskies in Australia love the work and the different views you provide. He also writes, P.S. thank you for the message about working on the weekends as I am one of those people that has to work weekends. This cat is so funny to me. There's one particular picture of the cat standing on the counter rifling through the cupboard and it fills my soul with bliss because I've had cats that do that and they're terribly naughty but I just adore it. Thank you so much Brian. I'm horrified that people are misbehaving at shrines as I said in our behind the scenes and I think during the episode I found that visit incredibly moving and really lovely. So it troubles me that people behave like jerks. Stop it. But thank you for writing us and sharing that. And also I had heard whispers about Fabrictown but I was scared. Oh yeah, because listen, I did Russian nesting suitcases where I pack one suitcase and put it inside other suitcases. But even so, we were pushing the limit when we actually checked our bags and got on the flight and I didn't wanna make it any scarier. My bigger thing was not even the flight. It was the car ride from the hotel to the airport. Cause there were three of us and we all had multiple things and it had been dicey coming in before the rush was nesting. Suitcases exploded, right? So I was like, I don't think this is the trip to go to Fabric Town, but next time I'll just show up with nothing but one pair of pants and a dream. Yeah, buy everything in Fabric Town.
- [42:29]
Tracy B. Wilson
Wash everything in the sink every night.
- [42:32]
Holly Fry
Yeah, if you would like to write to us, you could do that@historypodcastheartradio.com if you haven't subscribed to the show and you think that sounds like a good time, you can do that really easily on the iHeart app. Or you can also do that wherever else you listen to podcasts. It's super Easy Peasy.
- [42:56]
Tracy B. Wilson
Stuff youf Missed in History Class is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
- [43:10]
Lester Holt
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- [43:41]
Annabe
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- [44:12]
Tom Brokaw
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- [44:42]
Lester Holt
This is Bowen Yang from Las Culturistas.
- [44:44]
Holly Fry
And I'm Matt Rogers and we're the host of Las Culturistas.
- [44:47]
Lester Holt
It's Pride month and you know what that means.
- [44:49]
Holly Fry
Friendship parties. Dancing.
- [44:51]
Lester Holt
Correct.
- [44:51]
Holly Fry
And do you know what the perfect thing to bring to any Pride event is? But when we talked about this, I'm not a thing. Oh, not you. I meant Casamigos. Okay, Chic. And honestly, the only other corre a.
- [45:02]
Lester Holt
Casamigos margarita during Pride. Now that's a sleigh.
- [45:05]
Holly Fry
Ah, Casamigos. Anything is a sleigh because anything goes with my Casamigos. Anything goes with my Casamigos. Bo, you're a poet.
- [45:12]
Lester Holt
Please drink responsibly. Imported by Casamigos Spirits Company, White Plains, New York.
- [45:15]
Holly Fry
Casamigos Tequila, 40% alcohol by volume.
- [45:18]
Tracy B. Wilson
This is an I heart podcast.