Ideological Transfer of Italian Fascism: The Role of the Catholic Church in Interwar Austria and Hungary

After the dissolution of the dual monarchy, Austria and Hungary’s geopolitical position in the Danube area was crucial to Mussolini’s ambitions to gain influence in the region. This made it necessary for him to interfere in both countries according to his political interests. Being the state’s central ally, the Catholic Church had political and ideological influence in both Austria and Hungary. In determining whether and how elements of Italian fascism were adopted by government and society, the interests of ecclesiastical representatives – dominated by the wish to maintain their privileged status quo – seem to have played significant roles.

This doctoral project examines to what extent the Roman Catholic Church during the pontificate of pope Pius XI (1922-1939) contributed to the reception of ideological transfers of Italian Fascism to Austria and Hungary. Analysing the attitude of the national episcopates as well as the Vatican decision makers towards Italian influence provides information about the process of such transfers and helps identify italo-fascist elements in the Austrian and Hungarian authoritarian regimes. The concluding comparison of the neighbouring countries aims to determine and analyse country-specific elements or differences that were decisive for a positive or negative reception and put them in their historical context.