Fundamental Statute for the Secular Government of the States of the Church
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The Fundamental Statute for the Secular Government of the States of the Church was the constitution of the Papal States conceded by Pope Pius IX[1] as a result of the 1848 revolutions.[citation needed] It was published on 14 March 1848,[2] on the same day as the pope issued an appeal to the people of Rome and the Papal States to raise issues of concern through lawful procedures and avoid civil revolt.[3]
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The statute provided for two legislative chambers,[2] which were to meet at the same time.[4] The first was to consist of members nominated for life by the Pope and the second, of one hundred elected deputies.[2] The laws adopted by these two chambers had first to undergo the scrutiny of the College of Cardinals, before being submitted to the Pope for his assent or rejection.[2] Ecclesiastical, or ecclesiastico-political, affairs were exempted from parliamentary interference.[2] Also the parliament was required to abstain from the enactment of laws conflicting with criticism of the diplomatic and religious relations of the Holy See with foreign powers.[2]
