The Pontifical Representation in Syria and Lebanon at the Time of the French Mandate

What is it about?

A political interpretation of the pontifical representation in Syria and Lebanon : Apostolic Delegate Frediano Giannini, the Oriental Churches and the French Mandate (1918-1936) Summary : Giannini and the seminal experience of intercommunity violence: Christians threatened in the Middle East Giannini criticizes the French mandate policies: an absurd "politique musulmane" Giannini takes charge of the defense of Christians to the detriment of Patriarchs Giannini, Rome and Middle East Christians: cross perceptions

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Why is it important?

At the beginning of the French mandate in Syria and Lebanon, the Holy See develops new aims and means of action. We have studied them through the letters written to Rome by Mons. Frediano Giannini, vicar apostolic of Aleppo and apostolic delegate in Syria from 1905 to 1936. Giannini’s reports provide a good example of the way missionaries produce knowledge about Eastern Christian communities. He tells about the trials and migrations endured by them, thus taking part in the development of a new perception of Christian communities as persecuted minorities. Giannini turns to French authorities in order to defend Christians’ interests (both Catholics’ and Orthodox’). His position is ambiguous: he feels nostalgic about the traditional French protectorate, and in the same time involves himself in political matters, taking on part of the French former role. This ambivalence reveals the rise of a new pontifical policy, based on increasing autonomy and centralization.