Resumen de Frammenti di diplomazia pontificia. Russia e Santa Sede durante la prima Segreteria di Stato del Cardinal Consalvi, 1800-1804
This article studies the diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Tsarist Russia from 1800 to 1804, shedding new light in particular on the role played by Cardinal Secretary of State Ercole Consalvi. The essay aims to identify Consalvi’s contribution to the dispute between Rome and Saint Petersburg, separating it from that of other cardinals and Papal delegates. Firstly, this study examines the controversy about the title of Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, resolved after three years of lengthy negotiations. Secondly, it describes the efforts made by the Holy See to obtain by the Tsar the permission to send a nuncio with spiritual jurisdiction to Saint Petersburg.
Moreover, some paragraphs are dedicated to different «ecclesiastical affairs» involving the Holy See and Russia. Finally, the essay analyses the Vernegues’ affair, a diplomatic feud between Russia and France about a French émigré with Russian citizenship, resulting in Saint Petersburg cutting diplomatic ties with Rome.
