PISTOL IN ST. PETER’S.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 144, 3 June 1911, Page 4 (Supplement)

PISTOL IN ST. PETER’S.

PLAN TO KILL THE POPE

I During a religions service in tho ■ basilica of the great cathedral of St. Petr's in Rome, on the 4th ult.. a man approached the chapel where the rfEciatmg clergy were assembled and fired a shot from a revolver at one of the priests The basilica was full of worshippers and pilgrims. Tile man missed lit- aim, hut wcunited a policeman who was standing near bun among the crowd of the faithful. The jKiliceman contrived, in spite of the wound, to seize the man before he could fire a second shot. The miscreant is an Austrian named Desanti, 42 years of age. He said he was absolutely resolved to kill a priest because his uncle and aunt gave their money to the Church', and he was so snnoved at this that he killed both his aunt" and uncle. For this, he maintained. the priests were responsible. He ‘ added that he came to Rome in August I last with the intention of murdering the Pope. He tried to get a place as gardener at th.? Vatican, but was unsuccessful. As he could not kill the Pope he resol vet l nt least to murder b priest. He had a knife and about in his possession. There are some doubts as to his sanity The Pope was much impressed by the incident.' and caused the most minute inquiries to b-> made. On learning of the intended murder of himself by D-santi. the Pope said, “Poor madman,! 1 pardon him,” and then gave orders for the strict surveillance of the V atican employes and for the prohibition of the entrance of all unauthorised persons. Tire basilica will have to be con•■ecroted afresh, as it is held to bo -”.Jlii?d bv tho crime