POPE SPEAKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 37, 13 February 1931, Page 5

POPE SPEAKS.

RADIO BROADCAST. SPEECH FROM THE VATICAN. NEW MODEL STATION OPENED CLEAR RECEPTION IN AUCKLAND. The new radio station installed at the Vatican, constructed according to the plans and under the supervision of Signer Guglielmo Marconi, began to function shortly after 3.30 this morning, New Zealand time, when millions of listeners throughout the world had the opportunity of hearing for the first time, through the microphone, the voice of the Pope. It is the most powerful station in Europe, and one of the most powerful in the world. His Holiness Pope Pius XI. has. followed with great pleasure the care with which the famous inventor has provided Vatican City with this modern means of communication with the world in the most perfect manner possible. The director of the new station is Father Giuseppe Gianfraiir ceschi, president of the Pontifical Academy of Science. Historic Occasion. From the first day of his Pontificate the present Pope has evinced a great interest in the widespread flock committed to his care, and evidence of his desire to get into close touch with thepi was shown in his giving from the balcony of St. Peter's, on the day of his election, nine years ago yesterday, a blessing to the world. Since the seizure of Rome in 1870 no previous Pope had given a blessing outside the confines of St. Peter's or the Papal apartments of the Vatican. It is within recent memory that the declaration of the Vatican City as an independent sovereign State became an accomplished fact, and the Pope took advantage of the rapprochement with Italy to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary ot his ordination at the Basilica ot St. John Lateran, thus being tha first Pope to pass through the streets of Rome since 1870. In his endeavour to take every advantage of modern inventions to facilitate an efficient means of communicating with his people, at the end of last year the Pope equipped a comprehensive telephone system which gave him communication with all lines radiating from Rome. Now His Holiness has gone a step further, and by means of the most up-to-date and efficient radio station in the world has, | through the instrumentality of the inventor of radio telegraphy, Senatore Marconi, instituted for the first time in 1900 years a direct communication between the Pope and every Catholic in the civilised world. This morning's broadcast was the most remarkable one yet given, because the inventor of radio introduced His Holiness by means of his invention to the millions of his Catholic subjects throughout the world. . The broadcast was particularly clear, but at times one found it difficult to pick up the introductory remarks. The Pope's arrival was announced by a bright fanfare of trumpet's, played by members of the Pontifical Gendemeriu. Marconi Speaks. 'Prior to the address by hid Holiness, Signer Marconi made a short speech in presenting the radio plant made under his own direction for the Pope. He spoke both in Italian and in English. In addressing the Pope he spoke first of the marvellous radio equipment which was now placed at the disposal of men fur quick communication throughout tlje world," said Signor Marconi. The Pope ness to control the forces of Nature by the genius of man which enable him to allow his voice to be heard all over the world, said Signor Marconi. The Pope had his children spread throughout the globe and naturally these children would like to hear the voice of their common father. This was only right, for they needed the direction of the Supreme Pontiff into whose custody had been committed the deposit of faith. Signor Marconi said he was gratified to know that he was in some way instrumental in allowing the Catholics of the world to hear that voice, their consolation and guide in life. He hoped the use of radio by the present Pope, the first whose voice was heard around the world, the interests of God, so close to his heart, would be furthered. "It remains for me now to invite your Holiness to give this venture your blessing and allow your scattered children to hear your voice," he concluded. Immediately* afterwards Signor Marconi delivered the same address in English.

Pope Speaks in Latin. The Pope, whose speech in Latin was interpreted by a local listener, said he was pleased to be able for the first time to address all his children throughout the world. As Signor Marconi had said, this was rendered possible by the inventive genius of man in making full use of the forces of Nature, set at man's disposal by Almighty God. His Holiness then paid a warm tribute to scientists and their advancement. He commended their industry and said that in making full use of the faculties given to them by God they wer- drawing down God's blessing upon their work, not only because of their own industry, but because of the help they afforded mankind. He desired to see a like zeal displayed by men in general in bringing about the fpll play of God's precepts in their daily lives. If men were consumed with real zeal in the cause of Christ then the world would be more in accordance with God's design. The Pope continued on this theme, the need of the peace of Christ in this world to-day. The Pontiff spoke so rapidly that it was difficult to gather anyt-hiu more than the gist of his remarks. Towards the conclusion of his speech he greeted all the Governments and peoples of the world, Finally, the Pope gave his Apostolic blessing to all Governments and countries, to all workers and employers, "to our separated brethren, and, finally, to our children scattered beyond the furtherest of the further confines of the world." The concluding words of the blessing "In Nomine Patns et Filji et Spiritus Sancti, Amen," were distnotly heard. After the ceremony the gathering adjourned to the Acadomia of the Lincei.

HEARD IN SYDNEY.

HUNDREDS OF LISTENERS. • (Received 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, this day. The wireless broadcast of the Pope'sspeech from the Vatican was heard in Sydney early this morning. His voice was remarkably clear, and was amplified to hundreds of listeners at St. Mary's j Basilica.