CHURCH OPPOSED

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 209, 1 June 1931, Page 9

CHURCH OPPOSED

Serious Unrest in Rome POPE’S UNHAPPINESS Cause of Tension Debated RELIGIOUS CLUBS CLOSE By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright (Rec. May 31„'7.30 p.m.) Rome, May 31. “This is the unhappiest hour of my life," said the Pope in the course of an audience on Saturday with the Papal Delegate, Monsignor Borgignoni D’Uca. This remark is the sadder because Monday is the Pontiff’s seventy-first birthday. Both the Government and Vatican circles are profoundly concerned, and no attempt is being made to conceal the fact that a grave situation exists. A high Vatican official declared that the Holy See was informed a month ago of a plot to foment disturbances. Among the Catholic clubs closed in Rome is one having its headquarters at the Palace, formerly occupied by the Pope’s Vicar for Rome, which enjoys extraterritorial privileges under the Lateran Concordat. The Fascist newspaper “Lavoro Fascista" again violently attacks the Catholic Actionists, whom, it alleges, are linked with anti-Fascists. Another Accusation. Another accusation in political circles is that the Actionists’ organisation has chosen a period of world-wide economic crisis to initiate political propaganda throughout Italy with the object ,of demonstrating that the Roman Catholic Party is a possible successor to the * present regime. Elsewhere it is alleged that one of the original causes of tension was the Vatican’s demand for the Government ban on Protestant propanganda throughout the country. The Government replied that it was finable to comply, with this, pointing out that the constitution admitted the equality of all religions. The newspaper “Osservatore Romano” (organ of the Vatican) appeared in the streets four hours late, with an official announcement that in view of the violent forms of activity against the actions of the Holy See, it had been decided that the Italian Bishops would assume the protection and direction of Society. This means that leaders of Society must take their orders directly, from the Bishops. Celebrations Suspended. The paper also announces that owing to the serious situation the celebration of the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress will be suspended. The departure of the Cardinal Delegate to Padua in connection with the St. Anthony anniversary celebrations is suspended “owing to acts of irreverance against the very person of the Supreme Pontiff.” The police entered the offices of all Catholic organisations, many of which were closed after the taking of documents. The Government explains that the step is merely provisory owing to the recent disturbances. Heads of associations immediately conferred with the Pope.