Habsburg Hungary and the Papal Court (1605–1689)

Abstract

The study discusses the problems and evolvement of the 17th century relations of the Holy See and Hungary. One of the most important aspects of these were the debates about the royal right of patronage that culminated in appointing the bishops. As part of the latter, when someone was appointed as a bishop, canonical investigation process (processus informativus) was conducted. These processes were useful sources of information of the Holy See about the state of the Hungarian Catholic Church. Furthermore, the Pope and the dicasteries could gain information from the compulsory ad limina visits. The Holy See could follow the realization of the deliberations of the Council of Trent also through the nuncios. From the other side, the Hungarian Catholic Church could not do without its representation in Rome: the cardinal protectors, the imperial legates in Rome and the episcopal agents could effectively represent their interests.