Pope Pius VII

Definition

The head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1800 to 1823. He is best known for his Concordat with Napoleon, which reestablished relations between France and the Church after they were disrupted by the French Revolution.

Analogy

Think of Pope Pius VII as a mediator at a school who helps two students (France and the Church) resolve their issues after a big fight (the French Revolution).

Related terms

Papacy: The office or authority of the pope. During this time, it was held by Pope Pius VII.

Excommunication: A religious censure used to deprive, suspend or limit membership in a religious community. This was often used as a tool by popes like Pius VII to maintain control over their followers.

Concordat of 1801: An agreement between Napoleon Bonaparte and Pope Pius VII that reestablished relations between France and the Roman Catholic Church after years of disruption caused by the French Revolution.