Dr. John Rao indicates that the entire struggle for Catholic freedom and a Catholic declaration of independence from the regalist-naturalist stranglehold was symbolized by the work of Pius IX. Pius IX, however, not only unleashed Catholic enthusiasm; he helped to bring on the Revolutions of 1848 which ultimately forced him to recognize that a deeper clarification of what the Catholic position really was needed. Taken from: Phoenix in a Fiery World: Church in the 19th Century - 1999 VonHildebrand Institute