Power, faith, and state in a Catholic century .
This volume traces how pope Urban VIII, Emperor Ferdinand II, and Richelieu shaped a continent’s fate during the late 1620s and beyond, blending religious reform with political strategy to redefine Europe’s balance of power.
In a period when Papal diplomacy collided with imperial ambition, the book follows key events such as the edict of restitution and the resulting shifts in church and state. It shows how Rome’s priorities influenced monarchs and vice versa, and how the Catholic restoration changed the course of wars, alliances, and faith across Europe. The narrative moves from Italy to the Empire, illustrating the interconnectedness of religious and political conflicts.
- A careful passing of key figures through pivotal moments and decisions
- Close analysis of church-state tensions, concordats, and restoring Catholic influence
- Context on how papal and imperial policies affected Protestant groups and Catholic power
- A scholarly, readable account of complex diplomacy and military campaigns
Ideal for readers of European religious history, early modern politics, and the long struggle between Catholic restoration and rising secular power.