The Roman Question

"The Roman Question" by Edmond About critically examines the complex political landscape of the 19th-century Papal States. The story explores the author's journey into documenting the grievances of those living under the Pope's rule during a period of significant Italian unrest. Shedding light on the challenges of the papal government and the Pope's role as both a spiritual leader and a temporal ruler the narrative exposes deep-seated societal tensions and the people's longing for reform and improved governance. This leads to his observations on the dissatisfaction and issues with class, societal problems, and the pressing need to separate the Pope's religious authority from political influence, effectively setting the scene for the book's profound exploration of the Roman Question.