KING VISITS THE POPE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 110, 10 May 1923, Page 5

KING VISITS THE POPE.

A BRILLIANT CEREMONIAL. RECEPTION IN THE SQUARE. SPLENDOUR Or FATAL COURT. <Bj Ceble.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 11.30 a.m.) ROME, May »• King George and Queen Mary had a private conversation with the Pope at the Vatican, lasting twenty-five minutes. The King wore full dress military uniform, and the Queen regulation black dross and veil, which is obligatory for ladies visiting the Pope. Great crowds thronged the route to see their Majesties pass in the Papal cars. The whole splendour of the Papal Court was called upon for the ceremonial reception in St. Peter's Square. Two regiments of cavalry rendered military honours. At the entrance to the Holy Palace Swiss Guards presented j arms. In St. Damascus Court was a! company of the Palatine Guards with the Papal flag. These, together with aj platoon of gendarmes, rendered military t honours, -while the band played the British anthem. At the foot of the Royal stairway I leading to the Papal apartments they I were welcomed by Prince Ruepoli, while" lat the head of the stairway a large crowd of prelates, who are members of the Pontifical Court, surrounded them, terming a brilliant and picturesque gathering. Preceded by six palfrey*. I and flanked by a detachment of Swiss ! Guards the procession proceeded to the ! Clementine Hall, on the threshold of i which another group of prelates and ' officers of the Vatican armed corps joined the escort. The visitors proceeded through the tapestries hall, which was lined with noble guards in red uniform. As the cortege entered the anteroom of I the Papal apartment the Pope advanced unescorted and welcomed the Royal guests, escorting them to hie private parlour. . . Subsequently their Majesties received at Villa Patrizi a number of English ecclesiastics and representatives of various English philanthropic institutions in Rome. Cardinal Gasparn arrived at the Legation at noon, for the purpose of returning the Papal visit, and remained to luncheon, with the, Royal visitors, other representatives ol the" Vatican also attending, the company numbering 20.—(A. and NX Cable r ) PATH OF CO-OPERATION. KINO'S SPEECH IN ROME. (Received 11 a.m.) ROME, May 9. King George placed wreathe on the tombs of King Victor Emmanuel and King Humbert, and also on the tomb ot the Unknown Warrior. King George visited the International Institute of Agriculture. In a speech he expressed his personal active interest in _the iortuneiand misfortunes of the agricultural industry, not only of his own country and the Dominions, but throughout the world. Hie sympathy went out to hie fellow agriculturists Who had to combat special difficulties owing'to the severe fall in prices following the war's upheavals. The way to peace and prosperity was uphill, but perhaps the best arid most direct path was along lines of co-operation so admirably followed by the International Institute, which supplied farmers of all countries with the latest practical scientific information.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)