Venice (Italy) History Papal Interdict, 1606-1607

The Venetian Interdict of 1606 and 1607 was the expression in terms of canon law, by means of a papal interdict, of a diplomatic quarrel and confrontation between the Papal Curia and the Republic of Venice, taking place in the period from 1605 to 1607. While it was active, the Interdict saw expulsions of some religious orders from Venice, a pamphlet war, and intense diplomacy by France and Spain to resolve the issue. Paolo Sarpi was one of the most prominent Venetian figures involved in the interdict. Leading defenders of the legitimacy of the interdict were the Jesuits Robert Bellarmine and Antonio Possevino.