Summary of David I. Kertzer's The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

Sample Book Insights:

#1 On June 23, 1858, police visited the Mortara home and asked for Momolo. His wife, Marianna, was terrified to say that he was not there. The police asked for each of the Mortara children, from oldest to youngest, and Momolo was forced to comply.

#2 When the Marshal checked all the Mortara family members, he announced that he would take Edgardo with him. The Mortaras were terrified, and pleaded with the Marshal not to take their son.

#3 The Mortaras were told that their son had been secretly baptized, though they had no idea how or by whom. The Inquisitor, Father Feletti, said that he had acted in good conscience because everything had been done punctiliously according to the sacred Canons.

#4 The Mortara family’s vigil was interrupted by the arrival of Moscato and Padovani, who brought news that the Jews had obtained a delay in the boy’s deportation. The neighbors were shocked to hear that the Inquisitor had given in to their demands.