Richard W. Thompson Quotes: The Hidden Power of the ‘Holy Alliance’ in the 19th Century

„The sovereigns of the ‘Holy Alliance’ had massed large armies, and soon entered into a pledge to devote them to the suppression of all uprisings of the people in favor of free government; and he [Pius VII] desired to devote the Jesuits, supported by his pontifical power, to the accomplishment of that end. He knew how faithfully they would apply themselves to that work, and hence he counseled them, in his decree of restoration, to strictly observe the ‘useful advices and salutary counsels’ whereby Loyola had made absolution the cornerstone of the society.“