Jesuits as Counsellors

What is it about?

The fortunes of Jesuits offering political counsel and the fervent debates triggered by their activities take us into the heart of early modern European, especially Catholic political culture. Jesuits gave political advice and educated members of the Catholic elite—from secular and ecclesiastical princes to magistrates and young nobles lower down the political and social hierarchy—during a period of profound change to the outlook, organization, and exercise of government. This special issue explores the complex process which saw medieval polities gradually mutate into early modern bureaucratic governments through the prism of Jesuits as political counsellors.

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Why is it important?

The contributions in this special issue make new windows into early modern Catholic political mentality, identity and the fundamental processes of political, social, religious and ideological transformation that define the muddled story of "modernity".

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