POPE MUST NOT CRITICISE DUCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18780, 8 June 1929, Page 6

POPE MUST NOT CRITICISE DUCE.

FASCIST NEWSPAPERS COMMENT ON REPLY FROM THE VATICAN. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) „ LONDON, June 7. I he, Rome correspondent of “ The Times” says that thus, far “11 Tevere " and “ LTmpero ” are the only Fascist newspapers to comment upon the Pope’s letter, which only the Roman Catholic organs published fully, others giving only inadequate and partial summaries. “11 Tevere” ignores most of. the Pope’s points, and describes the letter as merely “ a solemn and foreseen affirmation of the Church’s viewpoint.” The paper concedes that the letter is completely consistent with Roman Catholic dogma. LTmpero’” on the other hand, violently attacks the Pope for daring to censure the Duce. “We have never offended the Church,” it says, “and the Church must not offend Fascism. Fascism is not be be criticised, save by Fascists; and the Duce by no one.” It is evident from the Pope's letter that the future is going to be full of difficulties for Italian Ronjan Catholics, who are also convinced Fascists. They are already beginning to realise that the inner conflict between their civil and religious loyalties is still far from being solved.—Times Cables.