How did the Lateran Treaty affect Italy’s domestic policy?

The Lateran Treaty significantly influenced Italy's domestic policy by establishing Catholicism as the state religion and granting the Vatican independence.

The Lateran Treaty, signed in 1929 between the Kingdom of Italy and the Holy See, had profound implications for Italy's domestic policy. The treaty consisted of three parts: a political treaty recognising the Vatican City as an independent state, a financial convention, and a concordat establishing Catholicism as the state religion of Italy. This marked a significant shift in Italy's domestic policy, as it was the first time the Italian state officially recognised the Catholic Church's sovereignty.

The recognition of Catholicism as the state religion had a profound impact on Italy's domestic policy. It meant that religious education in schools became compulsory, and religious marriages were recognised by the state. This gave the Catholic Church a significant influence over Italian society and culture, shaping the country's domestic policy in ways that are still felt today. The Church's teachings and values became deeply ingrained in Italian society, influencing everything from education and social policy to family law and moral norms.

The treaty also had significant political implications. By recognising the Vatican City as an independent state, the Italian government effectively ceded a portion of its territory to the Church. This was a significant concession, as it meant that the Vatican was no longer subject to Italian law and could conduct its affairs independently. This had a profound impact on Italy's domestic policy, as it meant that the Italian government had to negotiate with the Vatican on issues that affected both entities.

The financial convention of the treaty also had significant implications for Italy's domestic policy. The Italian government agreed to pay the Vatican a substantial sum of money as compensation for the loss of the Papal States in the 19th century. This had a significant impact on Italy's fiscal policy, as it represented a substantial outlay of public funds.

In conclusion, the Lateran Treaty had a profound impact on Italy's domestic policy. It established Catholicism as the state religion, granted the Vatican independence, and committed the Italian government to a significant financial settlement. These changes shaped Italy's domestic policy in ways that are still felt today.