CHURCH AND STATE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 12 February 1929, Page 5

CHURCH AND STATE

ITALIAN CONTROVERSY ENDED SIGNING OF TREATIES HISTORIC OCCASION (United Press Association.—By Electrio Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Association) (Received 12th February, 10.30 a.m.) ROM K, lltli February. The treaties were signed at noon. Cardinal 'Gusparri presented a gold pen to Signor .Mussolini as the Pope's souvenir gift. Later Cardinal Gusparri look the signed documents to the L’ope, who was delighted at the completion of the great act.

Signor Mussolini similarly presented the documents to the King. Three instruments were signed at the Lateran palace—firstly, the political treaty settling and definitely eliminating the Roman question; secondly, the concordat regulating the conditions of the church and religious worship in Italy; and thirdly, the convention regulating financial relations between the Holy See and the Italian Government, which has been outstanding since 1870.

The signatories were Signor .Mussolini, Prime Minister and Plenipotentiary of King Victor, and Cardinal Gasparri, plenipotentiary of the Sovereign Pontiff.

A cosmopolitan crowd thronged Laterun Square for the signing of the VnticoItaliau treaty —Dominican Friars in white and brown robes, Augustinians in black and white, barefooted on the icy flagstones, dozens of country priests with indispensable umbrellas and snuff boxes, many nuns and hundreds of international students from the propaganda college. Cardinal Gusparri, to guard against the aggravation of a chill, came in a thick mantle with a gold crucifix around his neck.

Signor .Mussolini wore the conven tional silk hat and frock coat.

Only two outsiders were present—representatives of the Vatican and of the Italian press bureaux. Cardinal Gasparri and Signor Mussolini signed in that order. Amid the general solemnity the humorists of Rome note that the Jews prepared for street markets thousands of flags mingling the Italian Tricolour with the Papal State colours, so that even the ghettos have cause for rejoicing at the settlement. The first outstanding incident in the ceremony at the Lateran Palace was Cardinal Gasparri’s welcome to Signor Mussolini, wlio kissed the Cardinal’s episcopal ring and hoped that the event would mean everlasting good relations between the Vatican and Italy. Cardinal Gasparri admitted during the meeting, “1 am happy I have . accomplished the most important act in my life. I now. can die easy in mind.” Before the dispersal Cardinal Gasparri bestowed the Papal benediction on Signor Mussolini, who replied expressing the King’s profound devotion to the Pope.

Cardinal Gasparri provided cakes and wine, then escorted the Ducc to the gate, where the crowd gave an ovation to both. Addressing the parish priests after the ceremony, the Pope said: “Some say my territory is too little, but for good and deep reasons I wished as little as possible.” The documents will not be published till discussed in Parliament, but a liberal summary is being issued to-mor-row.

The King is expected to make a State visit to the Pope on 21st April, after the Chamber meets.

It is suggested that the Pope is likely to visit Europe! and America in 1930.