CHURCH AND STATE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 13 February 1929, Page 5

CHURCH AND STATE

THE ITALIAN AGREEMENT United Pr«sa Association—By Electric iViegraph—Copyright _ '.Australian Press Association) ROME, 11th February. Though the complete text of the settlement "will not be .published until ratified by the Italian Parliament, an official summary shows that the Pope accepts compensation of 750,000,000 lire cash, and 1,000,000,000 lire in Italian 5 per cent. Government bonds. This sum is below what Italy would have paid if the Vatican had accepted the allowance offered in 1871. The article dealing with marriage says that banns must appear in the parish church, and a priest will certify the marriage to the civil authorities. Cases concerning the nullity of marriage are reserved for ecclesiastical court's. Civil courts will enforce their decisions. The Vatican consents to the civil authorities giving judgment in separation cases. Religious instruction will be compulsory in elementary and secondary schools, according to an agreed programme.

JOYOUS DEMONSTRATIONS

ROME, 12th February. The signature of the Papal Pact was signalised by joyous demonstrations in every town. Papal flags were flown from houses in Rome, which at night was illuminated. The Vatican and Quirinal were inundated with cabled congratulations from all over the world. THE POPE A TUMULTUOUS RECEPTION (Received 13th February, 11.5 a.m.) ROME, Ifitli February. There was an imposing spectacle at St. Peter’s for what was nominally the seventh anniversary of the coronation of the Pope but was converted into a solemn thanksgiving for peace to Italy. Despite rain the crowd waited four hours for the Pope’s appearance on the balcony. The'Pope had a tumultuous reception. It is estimated that 100,000 people received the benediction. Thu crowd stood up and cheered frenziedly. It was the third time since 1870 that there had been a public benediction. Another outstanding incident was that it was the first time for 60 years that uniformed military officials entered the Basilica to participate in Mass.