All'origine degli orientamenti liberali del vescovo Michele Maria Caputi

This study analyses the action carried out by Bishop Michele Maria Caputi (1808-1862), belonging to the Order of Preachers, and of liberal orientations, in the events related to unification of Southern Italy to the rest of the country. All the reasons for the conflict between intransigent Catholics and liberal Catholics are highlighted, and above all the danger feared by the Holy See and discernible in the pro-unification movement, but even more so in Caputi's liberalism. The primacy of freedom of conscience, with all its political consequences, especially with regard to the temporal power of the Church, clashes strongly with the Church of Pius IX. Caputi represents 'the unhappy bishop' who has distanced himself from that part of the Catholic Episcopate which is faithful to the cause of Pius IX and which gives proof of a 'splendid example' to the whole world. On the basis of a dossier that contemplates all the accusations and crimes imputed to Caputi, the Holy See is ready to act against the liberal and rebellious bishop. However Caputi's death prevents the Holy See from applying the punishments due in such cases.