THE POPE’S DEATH.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1922, Page 3

THE POPE’S DEATH.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. HOW END GAME. ROME, January 22. A few hours before the Pope’s death ja, great change came in his condition. At tliree o’clock in the morning the features became cadaveric in their pallor, the blood circulation was. irregular, and the extremities began to turn cold. The Pope lost consciousness at a.m., but, just before he died, his eye® opened for a moment, and rested on the weeping group at his bedside. Then the rigidity of death supervened. The Pope several times invoked the spiritual aid of the Madonna of Pompeii.

BODY LIES IN STATE. ROME, January 22. The Pope’s body has been transferred to the Throne Room where it lies in state. On its arrival there, the body was viewed first by the Vatican authorities and the International Diplomatic Corps at. the Vatican. Prince Chigi has now assumed charge of the Vatican.

ALL DOCTORS GOT! A JOKE AT DEATH’S DOOR. ROME, January 22.

When the Pope regained consciousness on Saturday evening, he asked Cardinal Vico to say Mass in his chamber oh Sunday morning, but Benedict’s wish was fated not to be fulfilled. To .those around his bedside he said with a smile: “Do you know how much I have spent on doctors during my life ? Two lire I*’ This Was the Pope’s last flicker of intelligence. His heart then gradually ceased to function. The Pope died on the fifth day of his illness. All his strength had not left the dying man. Once he sat up and drank some water. He then expressed hia willingness to dress, and he had he gently restrained by the monk who aoted as his nurse, and by his sister Countess Pensico, who was present at the end with her two sons. There were also present Cardinal Georgi, and the Pope’s personal attendants. The death room overlooked the great Piazza of St. Peter’s, and it was provided with only the simplest of furniture, namely, a brass bedstead, a writing table, a washstand, and a praying stool. THE CROWD OUTSIDE. In the courtyard below, throughout Saturday afternoon and evening, the chief clergy, diplomatists, and the leaders of Catholic society waited while there was an animated scene in the square, where there were crowds waiting until the small hours of Sunday morning. Once the news came out that the JPope had rallied;, and a monk cried): “A Miraiole!” There ensued eome excitement until a bulletin was issued to the effect that His Holiness was again sinking.

AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY. LONDON, Jan. 22. During the Sunday morning service in Westminister Abbey, the Dean of the Abbey, Doctor Ryle, announced the Pope’s death. The Dean added: “Although there exist great differences ns between the Church of England and the Church of. Rome, we are all members of the great Christian Church throughout the world. Therefore, I ask you to kneel for a few moments, in silent prayer, expressing your prayful a-mu-pathy with your fellow Roman Christians in the loss which they sustained.” King George, of England, sent telegrams of enquiry during the Pope’s illness.

BODY NOT EMBALMED. ROME, Jan. 23. In his will, tho Pope expressly for bids the embalming of Lis body.

THREE NAMES MENTIONED. HOME, Jan. 23 The Sacred College is now discussing details of the burial of Benedict XV, and the election of his successor. Many are stated to be in favour of the election of Cardinal Gasparri as the next Pope, although the election of a dead Pope’s Secretary of State is an almost unheard of proceeding. Other names mentioned for the Papacy are Cardinals La Fontaino and llatti. It is considered that the choice is liekly to fall oil a man who is versed in Statecraft, rather than on a Theologian. A continuance of liberal constructive policy towards the Austrian States is desirable, so, Cardinal Gasparri is a possible selection. ROME, Jan. 22 The Italian Government advised its representatives abroad to grant passports immediately to all the foreign Cardinals who are proceeding to Romo. BENEDICT’S DREAM. SOCIAL AND HUMAN QUESTIONS. ROME, January 23. During one lucid interval, the late Pope said to the old Doctor Battistini: “My dream was of the great and human social questions.” This was in reference to the problems of the world s reconstruction after the war. His Holiness also said: “Let us willingly offer our lives for the peace of the world.” Almost his last words were: “If the Lord desires me still to labour for His Church, I am ready, but if He says ‘Enough!’ then, let His will be done.” Dr Battistini kent down, and prayed: “Take me Lord; but spare the Pope.” The dying man received the Sacra*ments again at midnight. He could hardly hear the celebrating Monseigneur declare: “The Mass is finished!” though the Pope’s lips moved as if in prayer. Masses were celebrated continuously in the chapel adjoining his bedroom but the Pope was unable to follow them. CONCLAVE TO MEET. ROME, Jan 23. The Conclave for the election of c new Pope, assembles on 2nd February

SYMPATHETIC ATTITUDE. ROME, January 22. The Italian Minister of Justice has presented the Italian Government/s condolences to the Vatican. The Italian Government for the first time in the history of United Italy ordered the municipalities to half-mast flags. Places of amusement will be closed for two days. The action is regarded as most significant. The King and Queen of Italy led the national solicitude, and prayed for the Pope in their private chapel.

IRISH MINISTRY’S CONDOLENCE. LONDON, January 23. The heads of the Irish Government Messrs Arthur Griffiths and Michael Collins, have telegraphed 'to Cardinal Gasparri as follows: “We convey you condolence on behalf of the Irish nation.” All the amusements and other fixtures arranged for Monday in Dublin have been postponed. THE LATE POPE. “ THE TIMES ” SERVICE, (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 23. The “Times” in an editorial dealing with the Pope’s attitude during the war, states his two most creditable acts were intercessions with French and German Governments for the exchange of prisoners and the rebuke against the Germanophile press campaign in Spain. The Pope was a man with high, noble qualities, and was deeply moved by the horrors of the war. It is generally considered his successor will lie au Italian, as France enters tlie conclave shorn of three Cardinals, Amette Dublourg and Decubrieres. The sacred college at present consists of sixty instead of seventy Benedicts, the sudden Meath preventing the fulfilment of France’s expectations of creating several new Cardinals.