POPE NOT TO TOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18946, 18 February 1925, Page 10

POPE NOT TO TOUR.

! REPORT DISCOUNTED, PRISONER IN THE VATICAN, LONDON. Feb. 11. Inquiries in influential Roman Catholic circles, including Cardinal Bourne's staff, idiscourit the story of the probability of a tour of the toorld being made by the Pope. It is pointed out that His Holiness is [virtually a prisoner in the Vatican. It is hoped that his freedom will soon eventuate, as a result of the better feeling now prevailing in Italy toward the (Papacy. Nevertheless, even if the ban M'ere removed, the suggested tour is most tmlikely because of "the remarkable slowness with which the Vatican moves. " The Catholic Church thinks in centuries, and is legislating and working, not for the 'week-end, but for all time," said pno authority. -Although it is recognised that Catholics {would welcome such a visit, and that the (public throughout the world would give the Pope a most cordial personal welcome, it is unlikely that His Holiness (would embark on a world-tour until he yas assured of his reception as the head "tit -Christendom, At present a visit under fuch Conditions is impossible, and would result in conflict with the heads of the Protestant churches, especially where a fStato religion prevails. The fact remains, however, that the Vatican entertains hopes that a future Pope will eventually be able to' visit his Pock throughout the world.