This volume brings together reports and communications presented at the conference held in the Aula Magna of the Department of Legal Sciences of the University of Ferrara on 16-17 October 2009 on the theme: “The Church in Italy: today”. The issues addressed concerned the relationship between the Church and politics, the Church and society, the Church and the economy, and the Church and the law. These issues were analysed from a historical and theological perspective, supported by the various doctrinal and jurisprudential interpretations proposed and imposed since the entry into force of the Republican Constitution. The plurality and diversity of opinions fuelled the debate and provided further explanation of the concepts expressed by the various authors, demonstrating the continuing relevance of ecclesiastical matters and the indispensability of religion in Italy in its various forms. In the hope of having contributed, albeit in a limited way, to the study and debate on some of the most sensitive issues related to ecclesiastical matters, the editor would like to thank those who contributed scientifically with their writings and those who contributed financially to the realisation of the conference.