Religion Subdued: The Political Figure of Christ in the Work of Giovanni Battista Comazzi (1654–1711)

This article focuses on the work Politica e religione nella persona, parole ed azioni di Giesù Cristo by Giovanni Battista Comazzi, an emissary of the last duke of Mantua at the court of Vienna. Comazzi examined the actions and teachings of Christ described in the Gospel of John as a source for political guidance. The research reveals an attempt to establish an exegetical basis for challenging ecclesiastical interference, asserting the primacy of politics and advocating a poor and exemplary Church. Censored by the Holy Office, the work was ultimately framed within the clash between the papacy and the Empire.