POPE AND SOCIALISM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1511, 20 July 1905, Page 2

POPE AND SOCIALISM.

DUTY OF CATHOLICS. Bat; ffeolagraßh, Press ftss'c, Cody slight Received 9.35 p.m., July 19. Loudon, July 19.

The Times correspondent states that the real gist of the encyclical is that it is the duty of Italian Catholics to prepare to fight the approaching predominance of the Socialist by active participation in political life. If Catholic action in guilds and confraternities is to be efficient it must adapt itself to social needs, and employ practical means, even the public life of the State, which enables Catholics to co-operate for the people’s welfare through the participation of Catholics in the legislative power. Acting as senators and deputies is already forbidden; yet the supreme good of society may demand dispensation by bishops. This imparts , the dnty to all Catholios to seriously prepare themselves for polibioal life, as already exhibited iu the commimei and provincial oouncils by establishing an electoral organisation. Catholios entering a public career must further the social and economic welfare of tho Fatherland, and particularly of the people, on distinctively Christian principles and defend the supreme interests of the Church. Tho forces of Catholicism must act with the utmost energy and per sevoranos. The confraternities, aiming at Christian civilisation, ougbt to act with reasonable freedom in political matters, foreign to purely spiritual ministry, but iu the domain of politics as in other domains the doctrine applies, “ He that heareth you heareth me.”

The Pope is sensible of special dangers threatening the clergy in politios. They were tempted to attribute supreme importance to the material interests of the people, neglecting the graver interests sacred to the ministry. A priest should not appear as a party man.and should not take part in political associations without tho bishop’s permission. The enoyolioal is no academic disquisition. It declares that it is not enough to point out the good, but necessary to carry it out in practice. The Times in a leader says the enoyolioal instructs Catholics to prepare for political life if summoned to act. If a Catholic party be formed it must be led against Socialism —the foe of society, civilisation and Christianity.