The Pope's Appeal for Russia

New Zealand Tablet, 24 November 1921, Page 33

The Pope's Appeal for Russia

I he Press of all colors has saluted with expressions of admiration and - consent the noble action of Benedict XV. in favor, of the Russian people decimated by famine and disease (says the London Catholic Times, for August 27). The favorable impression produced on the public by the letter of the Holy Father has had the same effect in diplomatic and political circles. Several Ministers and Ambassadors have been trying to outdo one another in praise of the Pontifical initiative. All the diplomats accredited to the Holy See have had from the Cardinal Secretary of State official communication' of the Papal document, and have been invited to transmit it to their respective .. Governments. The Pontifical representatives abroad havealso ’ been informed and have been asked to bring it to the notice of their respective Governments to which they' are accredited. The Apostolic Nuncio at Paris, Mgr. Ceffetti; has - communicated it not only to the French Government, but also to tin? Supreme Interallied Council, which, by a happy coincidence, was assembled these days in Paris. As the letter of Benedict XV. must not be considered a pure and simple diplomatic document, but a universal invitation in a work of most noble charity, so his participation will not be restricted solely to the Governments with which the Holy See maintains formal diplomatic relations, but will be extended to all, and especially to those who are in a condition to be able to co-operate more easily in the initiative promoted by the Pope. These communications will be made by means of the Apostolic Delegates where they exist, or through other channels. Meanwhile, the representatives of the Holy: See have received instructions to put themselves in relation with the various .committees which have been formed in various centres to bring help to the Russian people. At the Vatican arrive every day numerous letters and telegrams applauding the Pope’s action, often accompanied by offers of collaboration. The International Red Cross of Geneva has 'asked the Holy See to 'join in a reunion of the representatives of the committees of the Red Cross. The Holy Father has willingly accepted the invitation and has appointed as his representative Mgr. Maglione, Apostoliq Nuncio in Switzerland. v

. • —-<**x>— ———.;-'..■ '■-..--■ .'•.■" ■•.'-•'."-.'. If a man does not exercise his arm, he develops no biceps muscle : and if a man does not exercise his soul he acquires no muscle .'in his soul—no strength .of character, no vigor of moral fibre nor beauty of spiritual growth. - '