Alessandro Gavazzi

Alessandro Gavazzi (1809-1889) was an Italian anti-papal agitator, born at Bologna. He was born a Catholic, and was admitted into the order of Barnabite monks. He later became a professor of Rhetoric at Naples. Initially, he became one of the most energetic supporters of Pius IX in his liberal policy, but afterwards withdrew his allegiance to him. Thereafter, he joined the Revolution of 1848, but ultimately fled to England on the occupation of Rome by the French. As an anti-papal lecturer he showed considerable oratorical powers. He delivered addresses in Italian in England and Scotland against the papacy, which were received with enthusiasm, although in Canada they led to riots. Some people mistakenly took him for an Italian Knox. "God help them," exclaimed Carlyle, who regarded him as a mere wind-bag.

Nearby pages
Alessandro Manzoni, Alessi, Alethic, Aletsch Glacier, Aletschhorn