The Catholic Church Against Far-Right Populism: Evidence from the Italian Case

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.