FROM HIS HOLINESS THE POPE

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 7, 8 July 1922, Page 16

FROM HIS HOLINESS THE POPE

TO INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS

CONFERENCE.

The following letter was read by the chairman to the delegates attending the International Red Cross Conference:—

" Mr. Chairman, —Oh the occasion of the second meeting of the General Council of the League of Red Cross Societies, His Holiness the Pope .desires to express to you his best wishes for the success of the work,of the Assembly. In accord with the peace policy of his beloved predecessor, Pope Benedict XV., His Holiness rejoices in the humanitarian sentiments inspiring the creation of the second great central organisation _of Red Cross Societies. His Holiness is not ignorant of the work already accomplished by the League, and desires me to ask you to convey to it his warmest congratulations. "The symbol adopted by the noble institution of tiie Red Cross is an eloquent reminder that when there are wounds to be healed and sufferings to be relieved, weapons must be laid aside and the single sentiment of pity and of universal charity, of which, the Saviour of mankind has given the divine example, must animate the hearts of all. Union in the name of a common ideal, above all in the ideal of common good, is eminently calculated to promote human brotherhood. The Red Cross Societies, _in full consciousness of the task of pacification which their traditions call upon them to undertake, have desired to take advantage of their common ideal to come together and work together for the strengthening of the bonds of fraternity and solidarity between nations. _ This noble movement which has met with universal approval, has been appreciated by no one more than by His Holiness. "The further the Red Cross Societies advance on their chosen path, the greater, with the blessing of God, will be the fruit of their labours.

" I have, Mr. Chairman, yet another wish of His Holiness to convey to you, an invitation to address to your assembly; that,, forgetful of' former differences and divergences, without distinction of nationality, they -nay consent to unite in the League, in order to hasten the realisation of the aims they have set before themselves. I beHevo, shall I repeat it, that such a union of Red Cross Societies will be facilitated by the generous and unselfish spirit which they have long since made their own. "I take this opportunity of conveying to you, Mr. Chairman, my sincerest greetings. (Signed) F. C. GASPARRI."

The Chairman, in acknowledging His Holiness's letter, said that every oifurt would bo made to attain the noble idt-al therein expressed.