Pope Pius VI and His Edict Governing the Jews

Through the kindness of the Central Archives for the History of the Jewish People in Jerusalem, the Editto Sopra Gli Ebrei, issued in 1775 by Pope Pius VI, has been made available. This work includes the text of the entire document, which contains all forty-four statutes in English translation. Images of the document in its original Italian form are provided. The book addresses the historical context and the issue of authority as it relates to the Papacy. Also included is a close reading of each statute along with commentary. The conclusions deal with core questions concerning the relationship of the Papacy to the Jewish community and its consequences. A section in the conclusions contrasts the requirements of the Editto to general principles of the Enlightenment. In addition to the Editto itself, primary sources are quoted throughout the work. A "Key to the Work" is provided as an aid to readers.