Viva Pio Nono!
Welcome to Papal Zouave International, a historical society dedicated to promoting and preserving the memory of the Papal Zouaves—a unit of brave Catholic soldiers who came from across Christendom to defend Bl. Pius IX and the Papal States during Italian Unification (1860–1870).
Explore Our Work“The Papal Zouaves called their effort the ‘Ninth Crusade,’ and cultivated within themselves the chivalric qualities worthy of medieval knights.”
Why We Exist
Our Mission
Papal Zouave International exists to recover, preserve, and share the history of the Papal Zouaves and the Catholic causes connected to their legacy.
Through original research, historical publications, translations, the Fidei et Virtuti Journal on Substack, videos, and public outreach, we work to ensure that this remarkable history is remembered and made accessible to a new generation.
About Papal Zouave International
1860–1870
Their Story
As the Papal States came under attack during Italian unification, Catholics from across the world answered the call to defend Pope Pius IX.
By 1860, thousands of volunteers from nearly thirty countries had come to Rome. Among them was the Franco-Belgian Battalion, soon reorganized into the legendary Papal Zouaves. For the next decade, these men fought in defense of the remaining Papal States until the fall of Rome in 1870.
Discover Their HistoryCarry the Memory Forward
Preserve Their Legacy
The story of the Papal Zouaves survives because generations have chosen to remember it.
By becoming a member of Papal Zouave International, you help support historical research, the recovery and publication of forgotten works, translations, and the continued growth of the Fidei et Virtuti Journal on Substack.
Become a Member
Publications
The Papal Zouave Bookstore
Latest Research & Writing
The Fidei et Virtuti Journal
Explore the latest research, rediscovered writings, translations, and contributions from historians published by Papal Zouave International on Substack.
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Get Involved
Take Part in the Mission
Papal Zouave International depends on members, volunteers, and supporters who believe this history is worth preserving. There are several ways to take part in the mission.
01
Become a Member
Join Papal Zouave International and directly support our research, publications, translations, and the continued growth of the Fidei et Virtuti Journal.
Explore Membership
02
Volunteer
Contribute your time and skills through historical research, transcription, translation, writing, archival work, media, or other projects that help recover and share this history.
Volunteer With PZI
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Support the Mission
Financial support helps make possible the recovery of forgotten works, new publications, translations, historical research, and public outreach.
Support Papal Zouave InternationalResearch & Reference
Explore the PZI Resource Library
Discover historical documents, recommended scholarship, rare and sought-after works, and organizations preserving the history of the Papal Zouaves.
Primary Sources
Historical Documents
Explore surviving matricules, archival collections, veteran publications, and other primary sources related to the Papal Zouaves and the men who served in their ranks.
Explore Historical DocumentsResearch Library
Books & Articles
Browse recommended books, academic research, articles, and rare or sought-after works connected to the Papal Zouaves and related Catholic military movements.
Browse Books & ArticlesDirectory
Related Organizations
Discover museums, historical societies, associations, and organizations around the world preserving the history and legacy of the Papal Zouaves.
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Contact Papal Zouave International
Have a historical lead, archival material, a research question, or something else that may help preserve the history of the Papal Zouaves? We would be glad to hear from you.
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