Szentszéki stratégiák a magyarországi püspöki székek betöltésére 1945–1964 között
Strategies Applied by the Holy See in order to Fill the Hungarian Episcopal Sees between 1945 and 1964

Summary/Abstract: The study examines the means and methods with which the Holy See experimented between 1945 and 1964 in order to provide for the continuity of the hierarchy which was indispensable in Hungary for the government of the dioeceses and the administration of the sacraments. It also analyses the process whereby the Papacy had finally come to accept an utterly disadvantageous compromise and signed the partial agreement of 1964. A thorough examination of the sources has proved that during the pontificate of Pius XII the Papacy merely aimed at short- or at best medium-term solutions, and treated separately the cases of incapacitated bishops from those of vacant episcopal sees. Although John XXIII likewise wanted to exert freely the papal right of episcopal appointment, instead of short-term measures applied thus far he again made steps in the direction of gradually connecting episcopal ordo and ecclesiastical jurisdiction. However, as the unilateral measures taken by the Holy See all foundered on the stiff resistance of the Hungarian regime, the Papacy, profiting from the more pragmatic policies which the Hungarian government adopted from the 1960s, eventually decided to pursue negotiations. It was by this means that the pope hoped to secure the functioning of a hierarchy in Hungary which would be treated as legal by both the state and canon law. A possible alternative would have been the establishment of a secret hierarchy; this, however, was judged too risky on the basis of the available experience, and was consequently only applied in those countries where no acceptable compromise was available.

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