Abstract

The essay reconstructs the complex relationship between the ecclesiastic hierarchy and Moro's DC, in the period 1960-1962. The main point of contrast concerned the objections of the more conservative sectors of the Vatican and CEI (Italian Episcopal Conference) toward the choice of opening an area of government to the Socialist Party. In reality, the issue laid bare other important questions within both the relative majority party and the ecclesiastic ranks. On drawing closer to the opening to the Left, it can be noted how the DC was actually distancing itself from hierarchical control and moved towards its definitive establishment as a secular party. Similarly, the ecclesiastic ranks were divided among those who understood the benefits to be derived from such as situation and those who were unwilling to break away from the logic of power politics that had dominated since the end of the Second World War. In this perspective, the two-year period 1960-1962 provided some answers to the typical dilemma of the DC, between Catholic action and political action, opening major areas of reflection on the relationship between politics and religion in a democratic context.