THE NEW POPE.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1922, Page 2

THE NEW POPE.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.

BLESSES HUGE CROWD -

ROME, February 6. His Eminence Cardinal Eatti, Archbishop of Milan, has been elected Pope. The election was completed at the thirteenth b'allot, Cardinal Ratti thereat receiving 38 votes. The new Pope, breaking with all pre- j cedents, instead of blessing the huge crowd who had asembled, from the ■> balcony in the side street did so from the balcony overlooking the Square. The Pope three times blessed the people whilst a body of Italian troops assembled there presented arms.

POPE’S STANDING. ROME, February 6

The new Pope has only recently occupied 1 the position of Ecclesiastical Commissioner in the Upper Silesian plebiscite. It was at the unanimous request of Germany, Poland, and the inter-AUied Commission, that he acted thereon. He obtained the Cardinal’.s hat only , at last year’s Consistory. (Received This Dav at 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, February 7. The French press hails Ratti’s election enthusiastically. The “Matin” declares the election is a striking victory for Christianity, scientific, social and democratic progress. The “Eclair” says Ratti having followed with the greatest interest, the post-war on international .questions is abreast of all modern problems.

AMERICAN CARDINAL’S DIFFICULTY. ’ ROME, February 6. Cardinal O’Connell arrived in Rome by special train, but just too late to participate in the Papal election. He is expected to repeat the strong expression of regret he made in 1914, that the existing rules do not allow the transAtlantic Cardinals to vote at the Papal election. This time he may also make a formal plea for a chance in the Papal constitution.

CARDINAL GASPARRI REAPPOINTED. ROME, February 7. The Pope has re-appointed Cardinal Gasparri as the Papal Secretary of State.