A Twentieth-Century Crusade

Chamedes offers a pathbreaking study of twentieth-century Catholic internationalism and papal diplomacy that illuminates a vast terrain of hitherto unknown transnational activity. Her book is not just an eye-opening addition to the literature on internationalism, it reframes our understanding of twentieth-century modernity. An essential contribution.--Adam Tooze, author of Crashed This is transnational history at its best. In this impressively researched book, Giuliana Chamedes reaches into all corners of the European continent as she brings forth the crucial role of the Vatican and its particular brand of internationalism in Europe's tumultuous twentieth century. It is essential reading for those interested in modern Europe and in religion.--Elizabeth Foster, author of African Catholic This important book reveals the unknown story of the Vatican's efforts to reshape international relations in the twentieth century. Facing new competition from secularism, liberalism, and communism, the Church responded with an international program of its own: 'concordat diplomacy.' In recovering this lost history, Chamedes sheds new light on seemingly familiar terrain and enhances our understanding of a complicated past that continues to resonate today.--Andrew Preston, author of Sword of the Spirit, Shield of Faith: Religion in American War and Diplomacy