FASCIST HOSTILITY

Hokitika Guardian, 1 June 1931, Page 4

FASCIST HOSTILITY

WITH THE CHURCH, i Uni tod Press Asbocmtion.— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. I ROME, May. 31. Among the Catholic Clubs that; havebeen closed is one having its headquarters at tlie palace formerly occupied by the Pope’s Vi c a r for Rome, which enjoys ultra-territorial privileges under the Latern Concordat. The Fascist newspaper “Lavoro Fascist a” again violently attacks the. CatlioTie Aetionists Party, who, it alleges, are linked with anti-F a scisis. Another accusation made in political circles, is that-the Catholic Actiouist Party’s organisation has chosen a period of world-wide economic crisis to initiate political propaganda throughout Italy with the object of demonstrating that the Romfel Catholic Party is a possible successor to the, present Fascist regime, Elsewhere, it is alleged that one of the original causes of the tension w«a tlia Vatican’s demand for a Government bn.n on the Protestant propaganda throughout the country. The Fascist Government replied that they were unable to comply with thh, pointing out that the Constitution admitted equality of all religions, THE POPE’S GRIEF. ROME, May 31. The newspaper “Ossevatore Romano’’ appeared in the streets four hours late, with an official announcement that, in view of the violent forms of the activity taken against the actions of tha Holy See, it had been decided that the Italian Bishops, would assume the. protection and direction of society. This means that the. leaders of society must take orders, directly from the Bishops. The paper “Osservatoi'o Romano’” also announces that owing to the serious situation the celebration of the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress ha a been suspended. The departure of the Cardinal Delegate to Padu a in connection with the St. Anthony anniversary celebrations, lias been suspended “owing to acts of iiyeveranee against the very person of the supreme pontiff.” The police entered the offices of all of the Catholic organisations, many - of which were closed after the police taking a way documents. The Government explains that this, step was merely provisory, owing to* the recent disturbances. The heads of the Associations immediately conferred with the Pope. “THv s is the unhappiest hour of my life,” said the Pane, in the course ot an audience on Saturday with the Papal delegate, Monsignor Borgignoni Duea. This remark is the sadder because Monday is the Pontiff’s seventyfirst birthday. Roth the Government and the Vatican circles are profoundly concerned,, and no attempt is being made to conceal the fact that a grave situation: exists. I A high Vatican official has declared tlyjt the Holy See was informed a month ago of the plot to foment the disturbances.