Gentiloni Pact

[1][2] Due to the evolving relationship between the Catholics and the Italian liberal state, in the 1910s Giolitti saw a way to further his clout and sway over the masses after the extension of suffrage to all adult males.

In 1904, Pope Pius X informally gave permission to Catholics to vote for government candidates in areas where the Italian Socialist Party might win.

The Vatican had two major goals at this point: to stem the rise of Socialism and to monitor the grassroots Catholic organizations (co-ops, peasant leagues, credit unions, etc.).

Since the masses tended to be deeply religious but rather uneducated, the Church felt they were in need of conveyance so that they did not support improper ideals like Socialism or Anarchism.

Eventually, Giolitti was forced to resign by his anti-clerical allies in March 1914, and was replaced as prime minister by Antonio Salandra on appointment of King Victor Emmanuel III.