THE POPE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3159, 12 August 1881, Page 3

THE POPE.

An American correspondent, speaking of the present Pope, and comparing him with his predecessor, says:—ln personal appearance, Pope Leo is tall and exceedingly thin. His face resembles rather strikingly Voltaire's, as handed down in the old engravings, the Pope's expi'ession being more amiable, though not less penetrating. His complexion is extremely pale. His movements are slow and dignified, and his manners simple and resolute. His voice, slightly nasal and weak in familiar conversation, is sonorous and brilliant in formal addresses and ceremonies, but never approaches that of Pius IX., which could be heard on Easter Sundays from end to end of the immense square before St. Peter's Church. In his private life Pope Leo may be characterised as plain, courteous, witty and dignified. But his humor is never expansive or profuse, as Pio Nono's was. Leo XIII. is thoughtful, reserved, disdainful of flattery, aiid inexpert in various kinds of economy. Pius IX. was lavish in spending money ; the present Pope has put the Vatican on a bread and water footing, as it were. In the splendid ceremonies of the Church his simple dignity contrasts with the dazzling magnificence which was so much effected by his predecessor. Pius IX. was anj'eloquent speaker, and the sight of a fresh listener always gave him a fresh impulse to talk : Pope Leo is a cautious speaker, preferring the use of his pen to that of his tongue. He is an elegant Latin scholar, and profoundly learned in the Italian language. French he speaks indifferently well, but no other foreign language. Purity, clearness, and elevation characterise his literary style, and these qualities are observable in sundry well-turned verses, both in Latin and Italin. He cherishes an intense admiration for Dante, and knows the " Divino Comedy almost by heart.