POPE IN ROME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23542, 30 December 1939, Page 7

POPE IN ROME

VISIT TO PALACE ROYAL RECEPTION CONCORD BESEALED CHURCH AND STATE By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright ROME, Dec. 28 With a rare show of Papal pomp and Royal ceremony the Pope today visited the King and Queen of Italy to repay the recent Royal visit to the Vatican. The bells of St. Peter's rang out as the Pope set out from the Vatican at 10 a.m. A Royal mission in St. • Peter's Square conveyed the first greetings from Their Majesties, after which the Pope and his suite entered 18 cars, forming the Papal cortege. The Governor of Rome, in greeting the Pope on the border of Italy and Vatican City, said the visit symbolised the drawing together of the Eagle of the Roman Empire and the Cross of the (lonian Catholic Church, The route to the Quirinal was elaborately decorated and lined with troops, behind whom stood great crowds of onlookers. The Pope, who was wearing a scarlet hat, frequently gave the Papal blessing to the crowds. Hour's Talk in the Palace Cardinal Mnglione and 40 high dignitaries also took part in the procession. Their Majesties received the Pope at the Palace. The Prince and Princes 3 of Piedmont, and Count Ciano and his wife attended Their Majesties. The Pope accompanied them to the throne room, where there wore three thrones. Thev conversed for some time while the Papal retinue mixed freely with the Court in the ante-room. The Papal and Royal Standards floated side by side above the Quirinal. After an hour's talk, during which the Pope met members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries, His Holiness returned to the Vatican, largo crowds cheering him enthusiastically. Pope's Address to Their Majesties The Pope's address to Their Majesties is described as "very warm and most important." The King replied cordially. His Holiness said the visit to Their Majesties resealed the happy concord between Church and State. He invoked Divine protection for the Royal Family. He said he hoped that the peace which Italy's rulers were safeguarding apd which was making Italy greater and more respected all over the world would be a stimulus to new understandings among the peoples at present at war. A durable peace would be sought in" vain outside Royal ways of justice and Christian charity. The press hails the visit as "the realisation of the dream of the Mussolinian era.'' Signor Mussolini will visit the Pope on January 4, and well-informed ecclesiastic circles believe His Holiness will personally return the visit. DUCE TO VISIT POPE LONDON, Dec. '29 It is reported from Rome that Signor Mussolini is to visit the Pope next Thursday.