Modernism during the Pontificate of Benedict XV: Between rehabilitation and Condemnation

This essay offers an overview of Pope Giacomo Della Chiesa's attitude towards Catholic modernism and modernists. It notes the main theological orientations of Benedict XV, who reiterated the condemnation of modernism, the "synthesis of all heresies". It also examines Della Chiesa's papacy from the viewpoint of the policy of curial appointments, which involved several non-integralist prelates, while some anti-modernist cardinals, such as Rafael Merry del Val and Gaetano De Lai led the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office and the Consistorial Congregation. Finally, some cases of supposed modernism are analyzed, concerning Francesco Lanzoni, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, Giovanni Semeria, Ernesto Buonaiuti. From these we can deduce the tolerant attitude of Benedict XV: if he confirmed the doctrinal condemnation of modernism issued by Pius X, he nevertheless introduced a change of methods towards those accused of modernism, trying to overcome the resistance of the conservative wing of the Roman Curia.