The Abolition of the Papal Government in 1798

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 25, 1870

The Abolition of the Papal Government in 1798.

THIS was not the work of Napoleon Bonaparte, as sometimes represented. It was effected by General Berthier, acting in the name of the French Republic. France was at that time under the control of what was called “the Directory,” a body of five men, of whom Bonaparte was not one. The Directory was overthrown by him, Nov. 9 (18th Brumaire), 1799.

Here is what the Encyclopædia Americana says of the capture of Rome, and the overthrow of the papal government, by Berthier:

“In January, 1798, he received the chief command of the army of Italy, and was ordered by the Directory to march against the dominions of the pope. In the beginning of February, he made his entrance into Rome, abolished the papal government, and established a consular one.” Vol. 2, p. 81, article, Berthier.

Correspondents, please remember that it was Berthier, and not Bonaparte, who did this work; and that Berthier was not the general of Bonaparte at that time.