The Vatican’s ‘Index Librorum Prohibitorum’ was a list of what?

Banned books.

The Vatican’s “Index Librorum Prohibitorum,” which translates to “Index of Prohibited Books” in English, was a list of publications deemed heretical, or contrary to morality by the Catholic Church. Established by the Sacred Congregation of the Roman Inquisition in 1559, the Index was a significant part of the Church’s response to the theological and cultural upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. It represented an attempt to protect the faithful from doctrinal error and moral corruption, particularly those ideas that were considered a threat to faith and the foundations of society as understood by the Church.

The Index Librorum Prohibitorum included a wide range of materials, reflecting the Church’s concerns over the spread of heterodox ideas and the increasing accessibility of printed literature. Works that were critical of the Church, those that promoted Protestantism, or questioned established doctrines, and writings that were seen as immoral or indecent were all likely to be included. The list featured some of the most influential thinkers and writers of the time, including scientists, philosophers, and theologians. Notable figures such as Galileo Galilei, Martin Luther, John Calvin, and even later, writers like Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas, found their works listed on the Index.

The creation of the Index was part of the Counter-Reformation, the Church’s effort to counter the Protestant Reformation and reform the Church from within. The Church sought to control the religious and moral narrative and viewed the Index as a tool to guide the faithful away from what it perceived as harmful influences. The existence of the Index showed the Church’s recognition of the power of the printed word and its potential impact on the beliefs and morals of its followers.

However, the enforcement of the Index varied greatly over time and by region. In some areas, especially where the Catholic Church held significant sway, the Index had considerable influence. In other areas, particularly where Protestantism had taken hold, the Index was largely ignored. The advent of the Enlightenment and the subsequent emphasis on intellectual freedom and expression further eroded the Index’s power and influence.

The contents of the Index and the criteria for listing a book evolved over time. The Church periodically updated the Index, adding new titles and occasionally removing others. This process reflected changing theological, political, and cultural contexts, as well as shifts in the Church’s approach to censorship and doctrine.

The Index Librorum Prohibitorum was officially abolished in 1966 by Pope Paul VI, a decision influenced by the Second Vatican Council’s emphasis on religious freedom and a more open engagement with the world. The abolition of the Index marked a significant shift in the Church’s stance on censorship and its approach to dealing with works that it found objectionable.