Papal Ban On Communists
VATICAN CITY, Thu. (1 p.m.) Vatican circles tonight thought last night’s Papal decree excommunicating Communists was intended to include "fellow travellers” who support Communist policy and propaganda. The decree is being translated into all languages, and is to be broadcast daily by the Vatican radio. Particular attention is being paid to Eastern European countries. One church dignitary said the decree made absolutely clear the intransigent attitude of the Church toward atheistic Communism. “To be a Communist means voluntarily to leave the Church,” he said. “Fellow travellers and sympathisers who support the Communist programme and propaganda are automatically included in the excommunication.”
Informed Vatican sources said one reason for the decree was the danger from the Communist 'fifth column, which had been insinuating itself into Catholic organisations and "perhaps even into the organism of the Vatican State.”
In Prague today the Vatican decree was being considered by the church committee of the Central Action Committee.
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Northern Advocate, 15 July 1949, Page 5
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158Papal Ban On Communists Northern Advocate, 15 July 1949, Page 5
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