Concordat of 1801

Definition

An agreement between Napoleon and Pope Pius VII that reestablished relations between France and the Roman Catholic Church after years of disruption caused by the French Revolution.

Analogy

Imagine two friends who had a big fight (the French Revolution) but then decided to make up (the Concordat). They agreed on certain terms so they could be friends again - just like how Napoleon and Pope Pius VII agreed on terms to restore relations between France and the Church.

Related terms

Pope Pius VII: The pope who signed the Concordat with Napoleon. He served from 1800-1823 during a tumultuous period for both Europe and for Catholicism itself.

Secularization: The process through which religion loses social and cultural significance. During this time, many people were moving away from religious institutions like churches due to political changes brought about by events such as revolutions or wars.

Napoleonic Code: The French civil code established under Napoleon in 1804. It was a major step in replacing the previous patchwork of feudal laws and is one of the few documents that influenced almost every legal system in the world.