History of the Italian Republic through a referendum. In April 1945, the Allies of World War II advanced in the Po plain supported by the Italian resistance movement, and defeated the fascist Italian Social Republic, a puppet state instituted by Nazi Germany and headed by Benito Mussolini. Mussolini was killed by resistance fighters in April 1945. Victor Emmanuel formally abdicated on 9 May 1946; his son became king as Umberto II of Italy. A Constitutional Referendum was held on 2 June 1946. Republicans won, and the monarchy was abolished. The Kingdom of Italy was no more. The House of Savoy, the Italian royal family, was
Cathedral of Christ the King (Lexington, Kentucky) May 12, 1946. Parish functions were held in a pre-fabricated structure. Christ the King School was opened in 1951 and the Sisters of Divine Providence formed the initial faculty. The present church and rectory was built in the Modern and art deco architectural styles from 1965 to 1967 for $1.5 million. On January 14, 1988 Pope John Paul II established the Diocese of Lexington, and Christ the King became the cathedral for the new diocese. The Cathedral Center was added to the parish facilities in 1992. Cathedral of Christ the King (Lexington, Kentucky) The Cathedral of Christ the King is