Preganjanje duhovščine v priključenem delu Primorske in coni B Svobodnega tržaškega ozemlja
Persecution of Clergy in the Annexed Part of the Littoral and Zone B of the Free Territory of Trieste

Summary/Abstract: In line with the provisions of the peace treaty with Italy, a large part of the Archdiocese of Gorizia became part of Yugoslavia on 15 September 1947; the same applies to the Diocese of Rijeka and part of the Diocese of Trieste-Koper. Franc Močnik became the apostolic administrator for the Yugoslav part of the dioceses of Gorizia and Trieste-Koper. Even before the annexation, activities of the Church in Zone B under Yugoslav administration had been under close surveillance; violence against priests had started and was further exacerbated after the annexation. Udba, the secret political police, launched an active “differentiation” of the clergy right after the annexation. It collected materials against undesirable priests, starting arrests and trials. Franc Močnik was driven out of the country twice by an incited mob; in 1948, he was succeeded by Mihael Toroš, who first held a different view of the authorities, collaborating with them and being a member of the Cyril-Methodius Society (CMD) at first. After four years, he changed his opinion radically, becoming a harsh critic.

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