DEATH OF THE POPE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2383, 24 January 1922, Page 2

DEATH OF THE POPE

London, Jan. 22. His Holiness the Pope, Benedict XV., died at fi o'clock last night. THE CLOSING SCENES. Rome, Jan. 20. The whole of the Sacred College and Diplomatic Corps had been summoned to the Pope’s bedside. The Pope’s condition was normal until 11 o’clock last night, when inllammation spread over the whole bronchial system, and the heart was weakened.

Rome, Jan. 21

By the Pope’s bedside towards the end were the Cardinals in purple cassocks, kneeling in silent prayer. The hush was only broken by the sobs of those at the bedside, the low chant of the Penitential Psalms, and an occasional delirious word from Die dying Pontiff. The Pope fully realised his condition, and lmnded his will to Cardinal Gasparri. He was afterwards visited by his nephew, the Marquis C'iiiesu, whom His Holiness requested to pray for him. The Pope made a desperate fight for life, and in his lucid moments his indomitable will reasserted itself. He conversed with the prelates and nurses, and when he was informed that the entourage werep raying for Die world’s peace, the Pope replied, “I would willingly offer my life for peace.” Then he quietly watched Diose around his bed. He was suffering greatly, but rallied at midnight, and instructed the Major Domo to wake him in time for morning service in the chapel adjoining the sickroom.

The death throes began at 5.20, and the last Absolution was given by Cardinal Giorgi. Cardinal Gasparri was called al 5.30, because Die Pope had fallen into a coma. Dr. Cherubini pronounced Dial death had occurred at six o’clock.

SYMPATHY IN BRITAIN. London; Jan. 22. During Ihe morning service in Westminster Abbey, Die Dean, Dr. Ryle, announced tli£. Pope’s death, and added: “Although there exist great differences between the Church of England and the Church of Rome, we are all members of one great church throughout the world. Therefore I ask you to kneel for a few moments in silent prayer, expressing prayerful sympathy with ■your fellow Roman Christians in the loss they have sustained.