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New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIII, Issue 16, 7 August 1885, Page 23

A fresh proof of the abnormal and intolerable situation in which the Sovereign Pontiff is placed will, unless steps be taken by the Italian Government to prevent it, be exhibited before tbe eyes of the indignant Catholic world. The freethinkers of France and Italy have resolved to hold an anti-clerical Congress in the coarse of tbe present year at Borne itself. Special bonours are to be paid ts the memory of Voltaire and of Garibaldi. An ex-Syndic of Rome, M. Pianciani, a well known infidel, is to be asked to preside. No doubt numerous protests will be issued against their flagrant attempt to insult tbe Head of the Catholic Church in his own home, but they have not much chance of being listened to. Another Congress of reetbinkers is likewise this year to ha held ac Antwerp. Its organzera belong to the Federation of freethinking societies. This Federation held its first meeting at Brussels in 1880 and subsequent meetings have taken place at London, Paris and Amsterdam. On the present occasion the principal subject to be treated is that of neutral or irreligious education which is the object most ardently desired by all those who desire to' banish from human society a belief ia Go<J and the practice of those moral duties which religion incMlctAes.— Bombay Catholic Examimr.