The Election of Pontiff .

Southland Times, Issue 19117, 6 August 1903, Page 2

The Election of Pontiff .

A COMPROMISE ? CARDINAL SARTO SELECTED, c PIUvS K. 1 3?ei- "United Press Association- < By Electric Telegraph.— Copyright. I ROME, Aug. 4. Cardinal Sarto has been elected Pope, After his election, Cardinal Sarto, following the usual ceremony, pionounced a public benediction fiom the inner balcony of St. Peters, and was received with acclamation by an enormous crowd. The new lope, who, at the time of his election was Patriarch of Venice, is 08 years of age, and described as being oi conciliatory temper and a favourite with Clericals and Liberals alike. He is of humble origin, having risen from a country curacy. He had commanded that the Gospels be read and explained in the vernacular on Sundays and feast days in the diocese of Venice, where his firmness remedied the deplorable laxity of his predecessor's indulgences. His election was welcomed by the King of Italy, who is visiting Venice. Sarto has taken the name of Pius K. ROME. Aug. ",. THE INSTALLATION. Received 6th, 0.53 a.m. Cardinal Sarto was elected on the seventh ballot. He declared that he was an unworthy choice, but if it pleased God to direct the vote of the Sacred College in, his favour he was prepared to submit. The Cardinals, kneeling, received first Pontifical benediction, conj.ffat.ulated him and kissed his hands. Assuming the pontifical vestments the ; Pope, seated in the sedia gestiotaria, received the Cardinals' adoration, each, kneeling, kissed his hands, foot and cheeks, the .Pontiff returning the kiss of peace. Meanwhile Cardinal Macchi announced to the great crowd surging round the Basilica the result of the election, which was received vrth enthusiasm and the ringing of bells. Later the Pope, wearing a white soutane and red stole, appeared in the inner loggia of St. Pete's, blessed the congregation and was received with thunderous acclamations and cries of " Long life to Fius Tenth." A great procession of diplomatics, high prelates and notables subsequently visited the Vatican to cfTei their congratulations. The new Pope's distinguishing characteristic is piety. He is considered clever, firm, kind and of rare sagacity. SYDNEY, Aug. ">. The feeling in Catholic circles here is that Cardinal Sarto is a happy choice.