DEATH OF CARDINAL RAMPOLLA

New Zealand Tablet, 5 February 1914, Page 45

DEATH OF CARDINAL RAMPOLLA

. ’ ’ ‘ The death of Cardinal Rampolla closes a momentous chapter in the history of the Papacy, in which some of the greatest personalities and the most dramatic events crossed the stage in the great drama of the Church and the civil power (says the Universe). In the words of the grief-stricken Pontiff, ‘ he was one of the greatest men in the Church, and became even greater since he retired from State affairs.’ Of noble family, like Leo XIII., on* of the most consummate diplomatists of his age, and a man of singular holiness am on , holy men, he was* marked out by nature and training,in the minds of all who knew him, and especially by the Cardinals In Conclave for the election of a successor to Leo XIII., as the man pre-eminently fitted to fill the Holy See at a time of extraordinary crisis. But it was ruled otherwise. He became, in fact, a martyr in defence of the independence of the Holy See, for it was the veto of Austria thrown into the scales by the Car-dinal-Bishop of Cracow that determined his effacement. But with the indignity passed away the veto. No monarch will ever again claim an intrusion into the Conclave. .The policy of the Cardinal as Secretary of State had been one of .support of France and Russia against the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria, and Italy. He was a strong advocate of the restoration of the Temporal Power, and against Italy he threw his weight by leaning to the other Powers, thus anticipating the Alliance and Entente Cordiale of France, Russia, and England. When, on August 2, 1903, the majority of votes was being cast for Cardinal Rampolla, and the Bishop of Cracow, Cardinal Kolzielska Puyzna, made his dramatic intervention, the Cardinal-Secretary withdrew his candidature, and from that time retired into privacy with the quiet dignity of a great man. The story has been often told, and is well known. When the veto was presented, the Cardinal rose and said: ‘Deeply I lament that the liberty of the Church has sustained so great an injury, but, as for myself, nothing could have happened more welcome or more fortunate.’ Pius X. wished him to go as Papal Legate to France, which honor he declined on the ground that his policy would not be acceptable to the French people. He could not in consistency abandon his Liberal policy for the Conservatism that was in favor in France. It was in deference to his own urgent wish, and against the wishes of the Pope, that he was allowed to retire from all active participation in affairs of State, but in his retirement during the past nine years he made the Church his debtor by unremitting historical research, for he has greatly enriched the literature of the Church. Cardinal Mariano Rampolla del Tindaro was of Sicilian birth but of a noble Tuscan family. lie was born at Polizzi, in the diocese of Cefalu, on August 17, 1843, and, therefore, was in his 71st year at the time of his death. From his earliest years he was destined for the Church. After a preliminary education in Sicily, he passed to the Vatican Seminary, and thence to the Capranican College, through which avenue to distinction he entered the Academy of Noble Ecclesiastics, where he prepared himself for the priesthood and the diplomatic service. He was ordained in 1875, and was appointed Auditor of the Papal Nunciature in Madrid. His high qualities displayed in that office singled him out for rapid preferment to distinguished appointments at Rome, and in the Papal Courts abroad. Serving in Rom© till 1882, he was consecrated titular Bishop of Heraclea, and appointed to the Nunciature of Spain. During his presence in Spain the Carlist rising took place, when, pursuing the Papal policy of supporting the de facto Government of the country, he took an active part in support of the reigning dynasty. In 1887 he was created Cardinal by Leo XIII., and in the same year made Secretary of State. His policy in Spain was dictated by Leo XIII., following the famous Encyclical of Gregory XVI. It was acted upon by Leo XIII. later in his relations with France, when he advised French Catholics loyally to accept the Republic. They both, the Pope and his [ Secretary, suffered for their enlightened and consistent policy in thq defection of . many • French Royalists, and

the diminution in the Papal revenue from Peter’s 1 enoe, and it also led directly to the intervention of the Austrian Veto, and the exclusion of the Cardinal from succession to, his illustrious master. Pope and Secretary were one in their thought on public questions, as they were one in action, and when Leo XIII. died Cardinal Rampolla ended his public career. His noble stature was over six feet in height— and his strong personality were the outward signs of that inward strength of character which made him one of the world’s greatest men. If he was immersed in public affairs, he preferred the privacy of the sanctuary, and his humility was as remarkable as his resolute, and fearless adherence to principle. ’ An Appreciation. The following personal impressions given in the Daily Telegraph by ‘ One Who Knew Him,’ will be read with special interest. ‘ln the eye of the world Cardinal Rampolla was a diplomatist and politician, but in private life he was a humble and pious priest. Strictly in keeping with his Sicilian character, he combined “ the dignity of a Spaniard with the polish of a Frenchman.” Whilst Leo XIII. occupied the Papal chair, Cardinal Rampolla was compelled to pay a prominent part in worldly affairs, but the work was never to his taste. lie much preferred prayer and private meditation on matters spiritual. ‘ . ‘ His strong face was greatly mollified by a kindliness of expression which only those who met the illustiious man can imagine. The features betokened a wonderful combination of strength and gentleness. He had a full share of the intensity of his race. Young Rampolla gave up at an early age all thought of worldly aggrandisement: he was of a pious and contemplative nature, and, having followed the vocation, as himself expressed it, of “a humble servant of God,” he adopted the religious life whole-heartedly. The fact that he rose to a position of eminence was in spite of himself. Given his own way he would have much preferred to remain a simple parish priest, but the Vatican has a wonderful —nay, infallibleway of recognising talent consequently Rampolla became a Prince of the Church.' The late Cardinal shared with the present Pope a warm love of children. When in their presence he was radiantly happy, and on more than one occasion he has been heard to express the opinion that to play with little children was the most exhilarating recreation on earth. He would frequently ask a child to pray for him and for his intentions, and was quite sure that the simple prayers of the young were the most efficacious. .To see him absorbed in his own breviary was an edifying sight. The choir 'might go wrong, irreverent altar-boys might talk or make a noise, but Cardinal Rampolla was oblivious to all shortcomings once his attention was fixed on the Holy Office. Himself an aristocrat, his principal concern was for those in the humble walks of life. He would take infinite trouble on behalf of any poor body of pilgrims visiting the Pope, whilst those in an exalted station were allowed to look after themselves. ‘ There was no mock humility about Cardinal Rampolla. He was conscious of his powers, but made strenuous efforts to subdue his own personality. The mere fact of his forsaking his brilliant prospects in the outside world is proof enough that he was not ambitious for earthly glory. No man entering the Catholic Church can be sure of attaining high rank—for it is the most democratic institution in the. world, as witnessed by the election of Pope Pius X. ‘ Submission to authority was the Cardinal’s great principle. When in power ,he insisted on obedience, but when his lot was that of a subordinate -he never, for a moment questioned the ruling of his 'superiors. In his spare time he loved to chat with people frbin foreign countries, and he was highly appreciative of humor. His hearty laugh at a good joke was most refreshing; but, above all, Cardinal Rampolla’s out-“ standing characteristics were piety and true humility.,’