CEDED TO THE POPE

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1929, Page 6

CEDED TO THE POPE

RECENT AGREEMENT. SIGNOR MUSSOLINI SOLVES A PROBLEM. AUCKLAND, Jan. 17. The agreement reached in the solution of the Roman Catholic problem bv which Italy cedes to the Pope a piece of territory containing over 11.000 to Io.DOO inhabitants, over which his Holiness will have nominal sovereignty, will cause great .rejoicing throughout Italy, said the Rev Father Salsa, a missionary sent to Australia and New Zealand by the Pope, in au interview to-day. “A solution lias been found to a problem which lias vexed Italy since the States of the Church were annexed by the House of Savoy in 1870, and it is to Signor Mussolini that thanks are due.” said Father Salsa. “Oil the day when the terms of Gie. agreement are officially promulgated there will be national rejoicing and thanksgiving.- It will be the greatest day since 1870, as the Pope will no longer be a prisoner in the Vatican. The extent of territory ceded will not matter greatly. It is the underlying principle that is all-important. V corridor to the sea' is not claimed, because it is realised that it is unnecessary to have sea frontage in these days of aerial travel. Aeroplanes and seaplanes will serve the purposes of the Vatican. “No doubt the fact that a- la pal State will come into existence will excite the animosity or anger of French Freemasons, who are opposed to the Catholic Church and the Vatican. Mussolini has been too strong and lias overthrown Freemasonry in Italy. Mussolini is all-powerful. Were it not for Mussolini there would he 1 no King; indeed one might go as far as to say that the. King is grateful to Mussolini for preserving the throne. Signor Francesco Crispi, at one time Prime Minister, and one of the most prominent politicians, before lie died said ; Tho greatest man in Italy "hall be the man who will he able, to. solve the Roman question.' I can think of no itJie.r niiin who could have found tl is happy solution to. die Roman omlilem. It cm he taken that Mussolini has made this gesture, to synchronise with the Holy Y ar, celebrating the jubilee of the Pope’s first Mass. Signor Mussolini has completely re-organised Italy. Order has evolved out of revolution. The Fascisti are aR-powerful." Asked if the Fascisti wore obedient to the Holy See, Father Salsa said the membership was overwhelmingly Catholic. Of course the Fascists were not theologians, and there were times when they erred, but in the past they had always suffered the fatherly correction of his Holiness and mended their ways. Speaking of the Pope, Father Salsa said his Holiness iva- a wonderful man. of great personal charm, a tireless worker and a Pontiff beloved throughout the length and breadth of Ttalv. “His mind is enriched with much scientific learning,” said Father Salsa. “He distinguished himself long befo'e being made a Cardinal as chief of the great library at Milan. That is a position requiring much literary know ledge and ability. As an alpinist he is known throughout the work* In his younger days he scaled Monte Bianco, Cervino and Monte Rosa. From those lofty, snow-mantled peaks he looked out upon the wide and picturesque stretches of southern Europe. So to-day from the confines of the Vatican this benign and learned Pontiff looks out upon the panorama of the world, discharging his onerous duties with much wisdom, discretion and benevolence.” In conclusion Father Salsa said that Signor Mussolini had acted with great, statesmanship in coming to an agreement with the Vatican. “Signor Mussolini is essentially a- practical man.” said Father Salsa. “He knows how to weigh realities. Perhaps 1 can sum him up when I say he is not a poet—you understand. In the days before lie rose to fame Mussolini was not a practising Catholic, but in recent times lie, has given more attention to his spiritual duties and, is frequently seen, at Mass.”