Chapter 11 Summary

Of all the different types of principalities, only the Ecclesiastical is left to discuss. All of the problems a prince will have with this type of territory are limited to the time leading up to their acquisition. This is the only type of dominion that may be kept without talent or fortune. It does not matter how well a prince rules them. Ecclesiastical provinces alone can be held without defending them. Their people will not revolt even if they are ungoverned. They are held to the prince by religion. These states alone are secure and happy.

Ecclesiastical provinces are held and exalted by God. It would be rash and presumptuous to discuss them. Still, it may be useful to discuss the reasons why the Church gained so much power in Italy when the rulers did not respect it. The major causes of such...