In 1847, after Pope Pius IX granted unlimited freedom for the press in the Papal States, Pecci, who had been highly popular in the first years of his episcopate, became the object of attacks in the media and at his residence.
Pada tahun 1847, setelah Paus Pius IX memberikan kebebasan tak terbatas bagi pers di Negara Gereja, Pecci, yang telah sangat populer pada tahun-tahun pertama jabatannya, menjadi objek serangan di media dan di kediamannya.