Thread by @PapalZouaveUS

On this day 153 years ago, Sep. 10, 1870. The Kingdom of Italy began it's invasion of the Lazzio region. The last remaining territory of the Papal States. 60,000 Italian troops crossed the border hellbent on taking Rome.🇻🇦🧵

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After Napoleon III was captured at the Battle of Sedan during the Franco-Prussian war. "Italian" King Victor Emmanuel II saw an opportunity and began his plans to take Rome.

He wrote Bl. Pius IX a letter and sent Count Gustavo Ponza di San Martino to deliver it on Sep. 8th.

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The letter, which really was just a guise to request a bloodless takeover. Stated that because France was weak and had removed the French garrison stationed in Rome the month prior. In order to maintain law and order from revolutionaries, Italian troops had to occupy Rome.

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Bl. Pius IX did not appreciate the hypocrisy in the letter, there were no revolutionaries in the Eternal city wreaking havoc. The story was merely a cover. He energetically turned to Count Ponza and exclaimed. 'What a race of vipers! Whited sepulchers!

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See how far the Revolution has caused a king of the House of Savoy to fall! Without being born a prophet or the son of a prophet, I tell you that you will not remain in Rome." Ponza was so startled at the Pope's response that upon leaving he mistook a window for a door

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and almost fell to his death. The Pope then wrote back to Victor Emmanuel, "I have been given a letter from Count Ponza di San Martino which Your Majesty has addressed to me, but which is not worthy of an affectionate son who glories in the profession of the Catholic faith,

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and who prides himself on his regal loyalty. I will not enter into the details of the letter in order not to renew the pain which it originally caused me. I bless God that He has allowed Your Majesty to shower with bitterness the final period of my life.

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On the other hand, I cannot agree to your request, nor can I assent to the principles contained in the letter. I again call upon God and place in His hands my cause which is entirely His. I beg Him to grant many graces to Your Majesty, to deliver you from

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all dangers and to grant you the mercies you need"

Italian troops proceed to Rome and captured the Eternal city on Sep. 20th, 1870. 19 Papal Zouaves were killed that day defending the Holy See. Unfortunately, contrary to what Pius IX said Victor Emmanuel II remained in Rome

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Perhaps the Pontiff words have a deeper meaning. Such as the revolution won't win against the Church of Rome or that Victor Emmanuel's family won't retain control over Rome, which is true since the monarchy was abolished in 1946.

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Bl. Pope Pius IX,
Pray for us!