The course is designed to acquire a good knowledge of the Early Modern and Modern history of the Church, with specific focus on the inner life and on the political-international context of the time. Further, on the evolution of the Roman Curia, the papal diplomacy and the missionary activity of the Church in the new world. And at last, topics concerning the confrontation of Catholic doctrine with new currents of thought, modernity and social issues in the period under exam, will be discussed. In order to foster the students’ ability to synthesise and orientate themselves with regard the historical issues, the use of primary sources and main literature regarding the above-mentioned topics will be provided.