VISIT TO THE VATICAN.

Shannon News, 11 May 1923, Page 4

VISIT TO THE VATICAN.

BRILLIANT .RECEPTION, BY THE POPE. UNPRECEDENTED HONOURS. (Received Thursday, 7 p.m.) ROME, May 9. King George and Queen Mary had a private conversation with the Pope at the Vatican* -lasting 25 minutes. The King wore full dress military uniform and the Queen the regulation black dress and veil, which is obligatory for ladies visiting the Pope. Great crowds thronged the route to see their Majesties in the Papal cars. The whole splendour of the Papa Court was called upon for the ceremonial reception in St. Peter’s Square, Two regiments of cavalry rendered military honours and at' the entrance to the Palace, the Swiss Guard presented arms. In St. Damascus Court was a company of the Palatine Guards with music, and the Papal flag to gether with a platoon of gendarmes, who rendered military honours, while the band played the British National Anthem.

At the foot of the stairway leading to the Papal apartments, they were welcomed by Prince Ruspoli, while at the head of the stairway, a large crowd of prelates, who were members of the Pontifical Court, surrounded them, forming a brilliant and picturesque gathering. Preceded by six palfreys, and flanked by a detachment of Swiss Guards, their Majesties proceeded t'o the Clemintine Hall, on the threshold, of which another group of prelates officers of the Vatican and an armed corps, joined the escort. The (Procession through the Tapestries Hall, which was lined by Noble Guards in red uniform. As the cortege entered the ante-room of the Papal apartment, the Pope advanced unescorted to welcome the Royal guests, and escorted them to his private parlour.

Subsequently, their Majesties, received, at the Villa Patrizi, a number of English ecclesiastics, representatives of the various English philanthopic institutions in Rome. Cardinal Gasparri arrived at the Legation at noon for the purpose of returning the Papal visit and remained to lunciheon with the royalties, which other representatives of the Vatican attended, the company numbering 20. Cardinals Bisleri, Vannutelli and Merry del Val conveyed to the British Sovereigns the greetings of the Sacred College. This is quite unprecedented and was not done for the Kaiser. RECEPTION TO BRITISH COLONY (Received Thursday, 9.10 p.m.) ROME, May 9. King George and Queen Mary attended a reception to 700 members of the British colony at the Embassy, and later attended a gala performance of the Barber of Seville in the Constanzi Theatre.