"Echoes of Pio IX": 19th historiography and politics on the creation of a papal state for the middle ages

With this article we present some reflections about the theoretical institution of the Papal States as an object of historiographical studies. Modeling this theme in the writing of History resulted from the pioneering study by the theologian John Miley in the mid-19th century. This contextual reference is indicative of an important epistemological nexus: the formation of the new object of studies was conceptually outlined to reflect the characteristics of political actions of the pontificate of Pius IX (1846-1878). Although the theme has permeated the 20th century constantly attracting the attention of historians, the nineteenth century parameters that have shaped its scientific study remained untouched, perpetuating the adoption of controversial analysis criteria. In general, the historiography remains attached to the pioneering work of John Miley, and this is the central argument given to this article.