Pope Gregory XVI and Ultramontanism

Pope Gregory XVI (1831–1846) is at the center of the ultramontane movement, which emphasizes the unrestricted authority of the pope and calls for a close bond between the Catholic Church and Rome. The term Ultramontanism derives from "ultra montes" (Latin for "beyond the mountains," referring to the Alps) and denotes the church's orientation directly towards Rome, transcending national borders. Gregory XVI perceives the emerging liberalism, freedom of the press, and democracy as threats to the Christian order. In his encyclical Mirari Vos (1832), he condemns these currents and demands a return to a centrally governed church directed from Rome. His policies aim to limit the state's influence on ecclesiastical matters and to strengthen the moral authority of the church. Ultramontane principles gain significance in the 19th century but also encounter resistance. In Luxembourg, tensions arise when the Apostolic Vicar Jean-Théodore Laurent attempts to free the church from state intervention. These conflicts reflect the broader debate between advocates for an independent Rome and those who call for greater national control over ecclesiastical affairs.