Gemelli, medievalismo e modernità. Un progetto per l'Italia

The essay, which constitutes the interpretative basis on which the contributions published in this volume rest, analyses the synergy between medievalism and modernity emblematic of Father Gemelli’s cultural project. This very synergy is found at the origins of Catholic University. The figure of Father Gemelli is reviewed in light of available historiographical acquisitions, attempting to overcome approaches within the history of Italian Catholicism that do not acknowledge his peculiarities. The essay serves itself of studies and researches that the author has carried out recently on archival and published sources and aims at an overall review / aims to provide an overall review of Gemelli’s unique perspective. In particular the study touches on the modernizing vision distinctive of his project and of his approach to catholic culture. Furthermore, emphasis is also put on Gemelli’s reflections developed during the First World War; the national perspective from which he observed the relationship between Catholicism and Post-War reconstruction and the echoes of medievalism towards the Fascist règime.