«La Sodomia è peccato et è pena d’ogni altro misfatto». Corpi, potere e disciplina nel Collegio Urbano (1729-33)

Sodomy, Sexualities, Masculinities, Collegio Urbano, Propaganda Fide, Discipline, Religion, Bodies, Power hierarchy

Abstract

This contribution provides insight into the internal tensions within the Collegio Urbano of Propaganda Fide recorded between 1729 and 1733. At that time, a group of students submitted letters and spontaneous statements to the cardinals of the Congregation in an attempt to denounce illicit and unconventional relationships between the rector, Moriconi, and some students of the College. The objective of this research is to establish a connection between the theme of sexual discipline among clergy and aspects that have hitherto been overlooked, including but not limited to clerical masculinity, the relationship between physical and spiritual integrity, and power hierarchies in the College. The study employs a range of primary sources to reconstruct the context in which the events took place and to explore the establishment of an unequal relationship between seminar students and superiors.