THE PAPAL STATE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1929, Page 6

THE PAPAL STATE

THE NEWS IN ITALY. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, Feb. 9. It is a curious fact that the news of the settlement of the Roman question has thus far been withheld from the Italian public, as the Italian press has been strictly prohibited from publishing anything. Hence, wliat the whole world already knows will become officials news in Italy only to-morrow, when Signor Mussolini will ■ issue a simple communication to the public. The official agencies will communicate the news to tho Italian press, and the nation’s first intimation will be given on Sunday during the celebration of PopePins Xl’s coronation.

CEREMONY AT ST. PETER’S. LONDON, Feb. 9. The ceremony in connection with, the-seventh anniversary of the Pope’s coronation, instead of as hitherto, being held in the- Sistine Chapel will be held in the Basilica of St. Peter’s. At the conclusion of the ceremony, tlia Pope will appear at the Loggia front of St. Peter’s, accompanied by Cardinals and will bless the people of Rome. The Pope will also extend his blessing to the entire Roman Catholic world. Troops will pay the Pontiff honours, and a military salute will be fired from the batteries near Rome. The bolls of Saint Peter’s and of all the churches in Rome will be rung. It is pointed out that the settlement in no wise means that the Government. intends to enforce the Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church in Italy. It is stated that no marked change is likely to occur immediately in the relations between the British Government and the Holy See.

AVTLL POPE VISIT ENGLAND. LONDON, Feb. 9. It has been suggested that now that the Pope is in a position to leave the Vatican, he may journey to London and return the State visit paid him by Their Majesties at Rome m

1923- , . . . . The Pope knows London, which lie visited before bis election, and His Holiness speaks splendid English. Nevertheless, it is doubtful whether l, e will leave the Vatican territory for some time. Should lie go to London. he would have to be received with the full honours paid to ©or ereigns, and lie will come, not as Head of the Church, hut as a King. A “Daily Express” special correspondent points out that the attitude of in an v Protestants in England towards the Holy See is decidedly militant,, and says a State visit w likely to create a peculiar position. The present 'Popes / last visit to London was in 1914, when lie attend, ed Afass at" Westminster Cathedral.