CHURCH AND STATE

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 18, 15 October 1927, Page 11

CHURCH AND STATE

RELATIONS OF POPE AND ITALIAN GOVERNMENT

LONG-STANDING DISPUTE MAY BE SETTLED

PAPAL STATE MOOTED

Messages from Rome suggest that the long-standing dispute between the Pope and the Jtaiian Government is likely to be settled.

Be Telegraph.—Press Association. (Copyright.) (Rec. October 14, 5.5 p.m.) London, October 13. The “Daily Mail’s” Rome correspondent says the question of the relations between the Church and the State have taken a new turn. The newspaper “Osservatore” has now disclosed concessions which the Government might make to the Vatican in order to pacify the Holy See. The “Osservatore” says: “It is necessary that the Vatican should have temporal power in order to demonstrate its independence before the world. The Government should form a new Papal State, however tiny, over which the Holy See should has undisputed sway, which can be done without loss of prestige, since it would be restoring what was illegally taken away in 1870. The Vatican asserts that this is possible without the necessity of foreign intervention.” The statement has caused a deep impression. Apparently Signor Mussolini is about to reap the fruits of his longsighted policy of pacification towards the Vatican.—Sydney “Sun” Cable.

(Rec. October 14, 8.5 p.m.)

Rome, October 14,

The long-standing dispute between the Pope and the Italian Government since 1870 is likely at last* to be settled. The “Osservatore Romano” publishes an official note declaring that the Pope is awaiting the Italian Government’s recognition of liis temporal powers, without the intromission of other States. In other words, the declaration, which has been long expected, seems to mean that the Pope has decided in favour of the Fascist Government’s suggestion to recognise the Pope as the sovereign possessor.of the remainder of the former Papal States. On the other hand, the "Morning Post’s” Rome correspondent expresses the opinion that the restoration of some land is necessary, pointing out, in the words of the newspaper, “The Vatican will never invoke any international tribunal, awaiting the sense of rectitude and justice of the Italian people. The Pope is the sole judge of his own liberty, and at present he does not feel free.”