APPOINTING A CARDINAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 36, 12 February 1914, Page 4

APPOINTING A CARDINAL.

The Loudon “Standard” gives an interesting account of the elaborate procedure gone through in appointing a Cardinal, and special interest centres in the matter at this time in view of the cable received a few days ago announcing that the Pope is summoning a Consistory to elect ten Cardinals. The full number of Cardinals is seventy. When vacancies occur and new cardinals are to be appointed, the Pope summons the “Secret Consist-

ory.” Its members assemble in a hall in the Vatican, and gather round a dais at the head of the room. In perfect silence tile Holy Father enters and seats himself on the crimson chair. He then addresses the cardinals of the Consistory, referring to the dignity and responsibility of their high office, and the importance of their mission on earth. Finally he names the new cardinal or cardinals and the members of the Consistory rise, doff their red silk caps, and bow in acquiescence in his Holiness’s choice. “By the authority of Cod Almighty and that of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and our own, we create the following .cardinals”— such is the solemn form used by tbe Pope .to " create the' ’’hew cardinals. There are other ceremonies after the Pope’s decision is made known. The most imposing ceremony is that which takes place at the presentation of the scarlets hats. The Pope takes his seat in state on a canopied throne of gold, and all the great dignatories of the Church, ambassadors to the Holy See and the notabilities of Roman society, form tbe reverent audience. The elder cardinals approach and kiss the Pope’s hands and the Master of Ceremonies gives the sign, and the newly-appoint-ed cardinals are. introduced. Entering one by one, each bows low before the throne, kisses the Pope’s outstretched foot and is embraced. When all of them have performed this ceremony the Pope presents each with the famous scarlet hat. The “Standard” also states that when a cardinal dies this cherished treasure of scgrlet silk adorned with many tassels, is placed on his bier and hung above his tomb.