THE POPE ON THE ITALIAN GOVERNMENT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVIII, Issue 6, 6 June 1890, Page 29

THE POPE ON THE ITALIAN GOVERNMENT.

The Pope made a stirring speech on April 20 to 5000 Italian pilgrims in the hall over the vestibule of St. Peter's. Twelve cardinals and twenty archbishops and bishops were present, besides many of the Eoman nobility.

As the Pope denounced the persecution of the Church, the building rang with cheers and shouts of " Long live the PopeKing." This is the Pope's speech :—: —

'• Among the grave solicitudes of the apo9tolic ministry which we exercise, one of the bitterest and most poignant is that which concerns the condition of the Church in Italy and the Italian people. If we have always to signalise the dangers that menace us, this time we have a motive more just to do so, as for some time now these perils have become more grave. Beside", facts speak for themselves.

" The war that the Satanic hatred of parties wages against the Catholic religion is openly sustained here by the authorities, who have declared in favour of these parties. The laws and acts which, directly and indirectly, concern the Church and religion are, in Italy, made under the direct inspiration of these paities, which all obey.

" There is, in fact, tangible evidence that the action of the authorities in ecclesiastical matters fully responds to their sectarian aspirations and to their culpable designs, which henceforth are no mysteries to anyone. It is sufficient to record the articles of the new penal code against the clergy, the standards of June last, the discourse in Palermo, the proposed law on Church affairs, and others which are in course of preparation.

" It is a continuation of the war which was commenced by the destruction of the sovereignty of the Pontiffs, and which all along its course manifests itself more and more in the intentions of the agitators — that is to say, in war a I'outrance, made without truce ? gainst religion and against the Church of Jesus Christ.

(1 In presence of this state of things, the duty imposes itself on the Italian Catholics of showing what they are with a bold front and uncovered visage in order to preserve the inestimable treasure of faith.

" There can be today only two camps clearly defined : the Catholic camp, resolved tor emain always united at any price to their bishops and to the Pope, and the camp of the enemy, who fights against them. Those who, through cowardice, fear to show themselves, and who wish to remain between the two camps only to swell the ranks of the foe. as the Divine Word tells us. We cannot do less, beloved ones, than congratulate ourselves on the sincerity of your open profession of faith, and appreciate your homage and the protestbtion of your perfect union with us. By this you not only fulfil a sacred religicus duty, but you also give proofs that you are the most sincere friends of your country. We know there are those who accuse you of being enemies of your country, but if one judges between you and your accusers according to the facts, one must look at the services that they pretend to have rendered to Italy, of which they claim to be the best friends.

" They do everything they can to uproot religion from the hearts of Italians, which ib the first benefit, or rather a treasure of immense wealth.

•'When the foundations of Bociety totter to their overthrow, sound morale and purity, on which depend the prosperity of families and the strength of nations, are profoundly corrupted from day to day, by the weakening of religious sentiment, which is the soul and support of these ; and if one adds to these the causes so strong and so numerous of every perversion, and every sort of license, there is reason to be appalled at the future of generations to come. We do not speak of material prosperity and wealth, for every one knows to what miserable condition these are reduced now.

" We ask you, who are the best friends of Italy? " Those who wish to see the country religious, controlled by morality, flourishing an t blessed of God. or those who snatch from Italy all the sources of blessing and prosperity ? " Those who wißb to live in peace with the Pope and the Church, and be both loved and respected abroad, or those who wish to foment a most fatal conflict in the heart of Italy, which enfeebles her and exposes her continually to the gravest perils on the part of the enemy ?

'• Those who wish to remain faithful to God and the faith of their ancestors, or those who deliver the country over to the mercy of sectarian strife, the evil effects of wbich let loose the passions of the multitude, and leave society without defenders against the subversive elements that prevail 7

" It is for this reason, beloved sons, that you should unjte yourselves more and more to the Church and the Pope, in thus allowing yourselves to be guided by those two most noble affections, love of religion and of country — duties which latterly we have incalculated in all Catholics,

"Love of Church and attachment to the Faith encourage men to make profession of that faith and defend its union with us and with mutual concord of sentiment and active Christian education of children.

" These duties in this solemn circumstance we remind you of, and we imprees them anew on you, who are nearer than all others to the Apostolic See, and who have in this respect most particular duties."

If ever an English gentleman of modern times could awaken in us the thought of the blessings awarded to the patriarchs of old in their children, it would be Mr. Thomas Weld of Lulworth, the founder of Stonyhurst. Among his de3cendants Father Gallway count 9 "one Cardinal, one Archbishop, three Bishops, one Red^mptoriat two secular priests, two Benedictines, five Jesuits, and 12 nuns,'! and we believe the list is by no means complete, and that the marvel, lous blessing is far from being exhausted. Yet he only died in 1810 ]