THE POPE BLESSES PILGRIMS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 61, 30 March 1937, Page 5

THE POPE BLESSES PILGRIMS

-Pire'ss Ass'n-

First Public Appearance Since Illness THOUSANDS CHEER

(Bv Tsleeraph-

-Copyriglit.)

VATIOAN CITY, Mareh S84 UnprecedOnted crowds packed Bomo When. the Pdpe made his flrst public I appearance since his illness in order to iattead the Easter service at St. Peter's. There was much anxiety at the Vatiean lest the Pope overtax his . Strength and cOntraCt a chiil in the vast Jdraughty spaces of the Cathedral, and itharefOre, strong precautions were •taken. A speCial' throne was erected 1 1> enaibie the Pope to transfer from his ipdrtable chftir without mott&ting the 'Steps. The chair and the balcony from •Which he blessed pilgtims assembled in :the square Were enclosed in glass to •prevent draughts. A fanf are of trumpets announced the Pontifl's arrival at the Cathedral, and as he entered 50,000 Children cheered and criad ' 1 Viva la Papa When the people had their flrst view of his Holiness many clapped their hands, while hundreds of women fluttered kandkerehiefs. Barely has St. j Peter's been So crowdedw The Pope •waited iill the applause had died down, and then pronounced .the Latin WOrds iOf the blessing in a flrm and strong ' voice. After Mass his Holiness was' carried on to the balcony, whereupon the vast erowd in the Square, estimated to be at least 150, 600, burst into wild cheers. The Pop6 bleSsed them and carried :back to his apartments. ; The whole cereaony was broadcast i throughout the world from the Vatiean wirelesS Station, with explanations in six languages. The Pope cried with joy when he refcurned to his apartment, where Dr. Milani administered a stimulating cordial. It is reported that the Popo told inmates that he Was tired but happy.