PAPAL STATE.

Grey River Argus, 13 February 1929, Page 5

PAPAL STATE.

THE TREATY SIGNED. Pope and Secretary Pleased. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Aasn.) ROME, February 11. At noon to-day the Treaty betW en the Government of Italy and the Papacy for constitution ef the Papal State, was signed at the Lateran Palace. A cosmopolitan crowd throngeu Lateran Square for the signing of the T 3 aty. “ Dominican friars in white and brown robes were present, alsc Augustinian friars, in their black and white, standing barefooted on the icy flagstones. There were dozens or country priests, with indispensibl’umbrellas and snuff boxes, many nuns ,and hundreds of international students from the Propaganda College, The Papal Secretary of State, Cardinal Gasparri, to guard against the aggravation of his chill, came in, a thick mantle, with a gold crucifix around his neck. Otl* r Vatican representatives present were Monsignor BorgojncLni Duca, (the secretary to the Holy Congregation for extraordinary ecclesiastical affairs); Monsignor Pizzardo (substitute Secretary of Statbl) and Professor Pacelli (legal «dviser to the Holy See). Other representatives of Italy wLre Signor Roccq (Keeper of the Seals); Signor Grand! (Under Secretary of Fcreig: Affairs) and Signor Ciunta, Under Secretary of the Council. Th ir coming and going kept the Carabinieri busy, controlling photographers. The first outstanding incident in the ceremony at the Lateran was Cardinal Gasparri’s welcome to Signor Mussolini, who kissed the Cardinal’s Episcopal ring. Cardinal Gasparri presented a gold pen to Premier Mussolini as the Pope’s souvenir gift. Three instruments were signed at the Lateran Palace. Firstly a political traaty settling and indefinitely aliminatinjg the Boman question; s condly, a Concordat regulating the conditions of church and religious worship in Italy; and, thirdly, a convention regulating the financial regulations between the Holy See and the Italian Government, which had been outstanding since 187<p.. The signa tories wlte Signor Mussolini (Prime /Minister anl Plenipotentiary for King Victor) Cardinal Gasparri (Plenipotentiary for the Sovereign Pontiff).

Signor Mussolini wore the conventional silk hat and frock coat. Only two outsiders were presf jnt, two representatives of the Vatican and Italian Press Bureaux. Cardinal Gaspari i and Signor Mussolini signed in that order. Later Cardinal Gasparri took the signed documents to the Pope, who was delightbid at the completion of the great act. Signor Mussolini similarly presented the documents to the King. At the Lateran Palace the Premier said he hoped the treaties would create lasting good relations between the Vatican and Italy. Cardinal Gasparri admitted during the meeting: “I am happy. I have accomplished the most important act in life. I can now die easy in inind. ’ ’

Before the dispersal, Cardinal Gas parri bestowed the I’apa.l Benediction on Signor Mussolini, who replied, expressing the King’s profound devotion to the Poplx Cardinal Gasparri provided cakes and wine and then escorted the Dace to the gates, where the eroWti gave an ovation to both.

Financial Settlement. NOT SO GOOD AS OFFERED BEFORE. (Received February 12 at 8.35 p.m.) ROME, February 11. Though the complete text of the settlement of the Roman question, will not be published until it is ratified by the Italian Parliament, an official summary has been published. This shows that the Pope accepts as compensation 750 million lire in cash and 1000 million lire in Italian five per cent. Government bonds. This sum is below what Italy would be paid if the Vatican had accepted the allowance which the Italian Government offered in the year 1871. 9 — — TREATY AND MARRIAGE. RECOGNISED AS SACRAMENT. (Received February 12 at 8.35 p.m.'' The articles in the Treaty dealing marriage days: “Th,e state regards matrimony as the basis of family dignity, and in agreement with the Catholic tradition, the people recognise matrimony as being a Sacrament re cognised by Canon Law.” The Banns of marriage must appear in the Parish Church. The Priest will certify the marriage to the civil authorities. Cases concerning the nullity of mar riage are reserved for the Ecclesiastical Courts. The Civil Courts will enforce their decisions. The Vatican, however, consents to the Civil authorities giving judgment in separation cases.

Religious instruction will be compulsory in the elementary and in the secondary schools, but according to an agreed programme. NEW PAF_> STATUS. TREATY’S BAR FROM LEAGUE. LONDON, February 11. The “Daily News’s’ Rome correspondktot says: An important clause m the agreement Is one whereby r Pope agrees not to participate in international congresses called to settle political or territorial difficulties. unless the parties request. The Treaty also precludes his seeking memberahip of the League of Nation*. The Pop* has also accepted aertaln

modifications of the agreement. The most important relates to the indemnity which was reduced to over eight million sterling and eleven million In Government bonds payable immediately. POPE’S COMMENT. SMALLEST STATE BEST. ROME, February 11. Addressing the parish, priests, afti.x the ceremony, the Pope said. “Some say my territory is too little, but for good deep reasons, I wished as little as possible.” The documents an? not to be publish ed till discussed in. Parliament but a liberal summary is being issued tomorrow.

It is expected that Monsignor Piazardo will become Papal Nuncio to Italy and ex-Minister Fedale will be Italy’s Ambassador to the Vatican. Th 5 King is expected to make a State visit to the Pope on April 21, after the Chamber meets. It is suggested that the Pope is likely to visit Europe and America in 1930. ITALIAN REJOICINGS. (Received February 12 at 10.30 pja.) ROME, February 12. The signature of the Papal-ItaHan Pact has been signalised by joyous demonstrations in every town. Papal flags are being kown from the houses in Rome, which ®t night are illuminated. The Vatican and the Quirinal ar< inundated with cabled congratulation! from all oyer tfaa world.