Original sentence: Beginning in December 1869, the First Vatican Council was held in the city.In July 1870, the Franco-Prussian War began.King Victor Emmanuel II then sent Count Gustavo Ponza di San Martino to Pius IX with a personal letter offering a face-saving proposal that would have allowed the peaceful entry of the Italian Army into Rome, under the guise of protecting the pope.Some historians have argued that its proclamation of the doctrine of papal infallibility in July 1870 had political as well as theological causes.The Pope remained totally opposed to the designs of Italian nationalism
Edited sentence: In July 1870, at the very last moment of the Church's rule over Rome, the First Vatican Council was held in the city – defiantly affirming the doctrine of papal infallibility.In the same month of July 1870, the Franco-Prussian War began.King Victor Emmanuel II sent Count Gustavo Ponza di San Martino to Pius IX with a personal letter offering a face-saving proposal that would have allowed the peaceful entry of the Italian Army into Rome, under the guise of protecting the pope.The Pope remained totally and vehemently opposed to the designs of Italian nationalism