The encyclical claimed that there were three campaigns being waged against the church at the time:
- The Kulturkampf in the German Empire"This noble constancy of the faithful Swiss is emulated with no less commendation by the clergy and faithful in Germany, who themselves follow the illustrious example of their ecclesiastical leaders. The Germans, assuming the shield of Catholic truth and the helms of salvation, fight the battles of the Lord and are a wonder to the world, to the angels, and to men who look on them from every side. All the more is their fortitude of spirit and unbroken constancy admired and extolled with outstanding praise as the bitter persecution set in motion against them in the German Empire and especially in Prussia increases with each day." Para 11, Etsi Multa
- The suppression by the post-unification Italian authorities of the Gregorian University "We have also seen recently something We never expected would happen, namely Our Gregorian University has been suppressed and abolished." Para 2, Etsi Multa
- The expulsion of the Vicar Apostolic of Geneva , Switzerland
- The enforcement of popular election of Catholic clerics in Geneva and to take an oath which the Papacy found objectionable"These same laws provide that without the government's favor, which is revocable, the pastors and vicars could not exercise any functions and could not accept any office more extensive than those which they received through popular election. Furthermore, they are compelled by the civil power to take an oath, the words of which denote apostasy." Para 6, Etsi Multa
- Anti-Catholic laws in the Swiss Cantons of Solothurn , Bern , Basel-Landschaft , Aargau and Zurich "Sad and calamitous as these events are which We have just recounted, more dreadful things have happened in five of the seven cantons which constitute the diocese of Basel, namely Solothurn, Bern, Basel-Landschaft, Aargau, and Zurich." Para 8, Etsi Multa
- Suppression of Catholic priests in Jura "Meanwhile by a decree and vote of the civil magistrates of Bern, sixty-nine pastors of the territory of Jura were first forbidden to carry out the functions of their ministry and then deprived of office." Para 8, Etsi Multa
It condemned Freemasonry , which was blamed for the widespread attack on the Catholic Church, accusing it of being "the Synagogue of Satan "."Some of you may perchance wonder that the war against the Catholic Church extends so widely. Indeed each of you knows well the nature, zeal, and intention of sects, whether called Masonic or some other name. When he compares them with the nature, purpose, and amplitude of the conflict waged nearly everywhere against the Church, he cannot doubt but that the present calamity must be attributed to their deceits and machinations for the most part. For from these the synagogue of Satan is formed which draws up its forces, advances its standards, and joins battle against the Church of Christ." Para 28, Etsi Multa
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