Indeed, the papal states were a fascinating institution. From a link in the submitted article: > It is easy to forget that even if its political constitution w

Indeed, the papal states were a fascinating institution. From a link in the submitted article: > It is easy to forget that even if its political constitution was at odds with Europe’s ascendant liberalism, the Papal States of the 19th century was a fully functioning, modern state. Secchi contributed much to its welfare, helping with the construction of electric railways, installing lightning rods on important buildings, coming up with a system for the lighthouses in the ports and ensuring drinking water was potable. He supervised a precise geodetic survey along the Appian Way that became the basis for accurate maps of the region. -- <https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2018/07/26/angelo-secchi-jesuit-father-astrophysics https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2018/07/26/ange...>