The Classic Studies on the First Vatican Council collection offers a variety of perspectives on this monumental event by contemporary observers, including Henry Edward Manning, the archbishop of Westminster at the time; Swiss-American theologian Philip Schaff; and Italian statesman Francesco Nobili-Vitelleschi. Concerned about the rise of rationalism and liberalism, Pope Pius IX called the First Vatican Council in 1869 to deal with contemporary problems and defend doctrine. The proceedings of the council—particularly a heated debate about papal infallibility—impacted not just the Church, but the balance of power across the globe. These volumes offer Latin and English translations of the documents distributed in preparation for the council, as well as the resulting constitutions and other official documents. Influential figures offer commentary on their personal observations of the event, as well as its theological and civil ramifications.