Since the late 1990s far-right populist parties have increasingly presented themselves as the better
defenders of the Catholic identity of Europe, they asked for the exhibition of religious symbols in
public places, and they campaigned for the defence of Catholic morality values. Even though the
greater relevance of religious tropes in the rhetoric and political action of far-right populism has been
welcomed by traditionalist Catholic organisations, it has faced the increasing opposition by Catholic
authorities that have publicly warned against populism. The contrast between the Catholic Church and
far-right populism has been particularly evident in Italy, a country in which religion continues to have a
relevant role in politics and society. Immigration, dialogue with Muslim communities, the defence of
territorial solidarity, and the instrumental appropriation of religious symbols in support of ethno-
nationalistic claims have provoked several conflicts between Catholic authorities and the Northern
League (Lega Nord – LN) in Italy. This paper would like to explore the different phases in the
problematic relationships between the Catholic Church and the Northern League since the foundation
of this party in the early 1990s. Through the study of the LN’s publications, Church documents, public
declarations of political leaders and religious authorities, and news in the press this paper would like to
provide a long-term historical perspective on the development of the relationships between the
Catholic Church and far-right populism in Italy in order to understand the reconfiguration of the role
of religion in the political sphere prompted by the rise of far-right populism.
