IAP 218: The Devil and the Dolce Vita: Catholic Attempts to Save Italy's Soul, 1948-1973, with Dr. Roy Domenico

<p>It was called the “Economic Miracle," and Italy’s economic expansion after World War II was so rapid -- and her climb from war and poverty to wealth and prosperity so drastic -- that one might be tempted to believe that God had in fact deigned to bless Italia with La Dolce Vita… the Sweet Life!</p> <p>But this “miracle” also triggered unprecedented social, cultural, and religious changes, so this week we’re unpacking those changes with Dr. Roy Domenico, the author of “<a href="https://amzn.to/3H4Brvk" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Devil and the Dolce Vita: Catholic Attempts to Save Italy's Soul, 1948-1973</a>.”</p> <p>This book tells the story of how the Catholic Church of Popes Pius XII, John XXIII and Paul VI, the lay Catholic Action association, and Italy’s near-monolithic Christian Democratic Party, worked in a series of culture wars to preserve a traditional way of life and to engage and tame the challenges of a rapidly modernizing society.</p> <p>We discuss the April 1948 Christian Democratic electoral triumph and how their nearly thirty-year political hegemony ended when pro-divorce forces dealt the Catholics a defeat in the referendum of May 1974.</p> <p>We’ll examine the Lateran Accords of 1929 and how the Vatican city-state’s relationship with Italy has evolved over the years, as well as the battles over what was considered proper decorum affected Catholic and Italian society during the 1960s and 1970s.</p> <p>And, ultimately, we’ll explore how Catholicism is a driving force in Italian culture -- even today -- and how it has affected Italian and Italian American life.</p> <p>If you’re a student of Italian history, practice the Catholic faith, or just love a great tale, you won’t want to miss this fascinating episode!</p>