The relations of France with the Holy See in the beginning of this century were such as to demand the unceasing attention of the Papal minister. We have already given the history of the negotiations concerning the Concordat with the First Consul; we are sure that the Cardinal's narrative of other transactions between Napoleon and the Pope will prove not less interesting to our readers.
It is not a little singular that the earliest negotiation between Pius VII. and France was precisely similar to the latest, and that the name of England held a prominent place in both. It is not at all singular, however, that the Pope followed in the latest the self-same principles of conduct which he professed in the earliest, even though this faithful adherence to his duty cost him his throne, and his liberty. Soon after his arrival in Rome, from Venice, there was some reason to fear lest the French army might proclaim once more the Roman Republic, and thus deprive the Holy Father of his dominions. All anxiety was soon dispelled by the proclamation issued by Murat to his troops, then about to march upon Naples through the Pontifical territory. In this proclamation he commanded his soldiers to observe strict discipline in passing through the friendly territory of the Holy See. This recognition of the papal sovereignty was a joyful surprise to all those who heard of it. But among those who did not hear of it was a Mgr. Caleppi, just named as Nuncio to the Brazils, who had become acquainted with Murat at Florence. Filled with zeal for the Pope, Mgr. Caleppi, without having received any orders from Rome, hurried after the general and overtook him at Florence. He there induced Murat to agree to a treaty, securing the integrity of the Papal territory on certain conditions, which he promised would be at once carried to Rome and gladly accepted by his Holiness. The treaty was short, but contained one article which plunged the Holy Father into a most embarrassing position. This article declared that the Pope would close his ports against the English and all other enemies of France. Nothing could be more opposed than this to the view the Pope took of the duties of his position as common Father of the faithful and minister of peace. He had resolved to maintain a strict neutrality in the great struggle that was going on, hoping by this conduct to preserve the free exercise of his spiritual sovereignty, even in the countries against whose sovereigns France was waging war. The indiscreet zeal of Mgr. Caleppi placed him in the alternative of either breaking through his fixed rule of conduct, or of making a declaration of neutrality at a time when such a declaration was sure to be attended with the most disastrous consequences. He resolved not to ratify the treaty. In a short time Murat came to Rome, and by his frank and loyal character, won for himself the esteem of Consalvi. When they came to treat of the convention, and when the Cardinal disavowed the proceedings of Mgr. Caleppi, Murat gave a signal proof of his affection for Pius VII. It was in his power to insist on the ratification of the treaty, and to inform Bonaparte of the Pope's refusal; but he preferred to lose the credit he could have won for himself by such an act, and after employing many arguments to shake the Pope's resolution, he at length exclaimed: "Well, then, since this treaty is a source of so much trouble to the Holy Father and to you, let us throw it into the fire, and say no more about it".