ITALY & THE VATICAN

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1929, Page 5

ITALY & THE VATICAN

FURTHER PARTICULARS. (United Press Association—By E'ectric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, February 11. The “Daily News” Rome correspondent says there is an important clause ; iu the agreement with the Yaiicen, whereby the Pope agrees not participate in international congresses called to settle political or territorial diOiculties, unless the parlies request. Also a provision which precludes the Pope seeking membership of the League ol Nations. The Pope accepted certain modifications of the agreement. The most nn portant relates to the indemnity which is reduced to over eight millions sterling, and eleven millions in Government bonds, payable immediately. TREATIES signed. PRESENTATION OK SOUVENIR TO .MUSSOLINI. (Received this dav at 10.30. a.m.) ROME, .February 11. The Treaties wort- signed at noon. Cardinal Gasparn presented a gold pen to Signor .Mussolini as the Pope s souvenir gilt. Later ( ardinal Gasparri took the signed documents to the Pope who was delighted at the completion of a great act. Signor Mussolini similarly presented the documents to the King. Three instruments were signed at the Lateral! Palace: Firstly, the Political Treaty, settling and indefinitely eliminating the Roman question; secondly, the Concordat regulating conditions in Church and religious worship in Italy; and thirdly, the Convention, regulating financial relations between the Holy See and the Italian Government, which have been outstanding since 1870. The signatories were Signor Mussolini, Prime Minister and plenipotentiary of King Victor, Cardinal Gasparri, plenipotentiary iff the Sovereign Pontiff. ROME, Fob. 11. A cosmopolitan crowd thronged the Lateral! Square for the signing of the Vatico-ltalian Treaty. Domiuician 'Friars were in white and crown robes, and Augusfinians in black and white, and barefooted on the icy (lagstone. There were downs of country priests with iml’spcnsible umbrellas and snuffboxes, many nuns, and hundreds of international students from Propaganda College. Cardinal Gasparri, to guard against an aggravated of his chill, came in a thick mantle, with a gold crucifix around his neck. Mussolini wore the conventional silk luit and lrock cent. Only two outsiders were present, two representatives of the Vatican and Italian press bureaux. Gasparri and Mussolini signed in that order. Other Vatieanles present wore Monsignor Borgoneiue, Dili a Secretary to the Holy Congregation for Extraordinary Ecclesiastical Affairs, Monsignor Pizzardo, substitute secretary of State. Professor Paeelli, legal adviser to the Holy See.

Other representatives of Italy were Signors Rocco, Keeper of the Seals. Grandi, Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Cirnta, Under-Secretary of Council. Their coming ami going kept Caribinieri busy controlling photographers. The .'first outstanding incident in tin* ceremony at the batman Palace was Cardinal Gasparri’s welcome to Signor Mussolini, who kissed the Cardinal’s episcopal ring and hoped the event would mean everlasting good relations between the Vatican and Daly.

Cardinal Gasparri admitted during the meeting: “.I am happy. T have accomplished the most important act in my life. I now can die with an onsv mind.”

Before dispersal Cardinal Gasparri bestowed the Papal Benediction on Signor Mussolini, wlm replied, expressing the King's profound devotion to tlu* Pope.

Cardinal Gasparri provided cakes and wine and then escorted the Ditto to tlu* gab* where a crowd gave an ovation to both.

Addressing parish priests after the ceremony, the Pope said: “Some say my territory is too little, but for good and deep reasons I wished it to he as little as possible.” The documents will not be published till discussed in Parliament, hut a liberal summary is being issued tomorrow. It is expected Pizzardo will become Ximcia to Italy, and ex-Mmis-ter Fedale Letters. Ambassador to tlu* Vatican. The King is expected to make a ,State visit to the Pope cm Mav 21st. after tlu* Chamber meets.

It is suggested the Pope will likely visit Europe and America in 1930.