POPE BENEDICT XV.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 16, 5 September 1914, Page 6

POPE BENEDICT XV.

THE ELECTION A SURPRISE

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.]

Rome, September .5

Cardinal Bella Chiesa is 55) years of ago, a member of an ancient and noble family. Recently he was Archbishop of Bologna, and was. formei ly associated with Cardinal Rampolla in the secretaryship. He is expected to revive the late Pope Leo’s policy of strengthening the political foundations of the Church. The election was a surprise, but is warmly acclaimed.

“ALL CATHOLIC FRANCE COULD

DESIRE.”

(Received 9.0 a.m.) Paris, September 4

The press generally are satisfied at the election of Cardinal He la Chiesa, and declares that he is all Catholic France could desire.

(Received 12.20 p.m.) London, September 4

The Times, in a leader on the new Pope, says: The Pope belongs to the Romanalla school. His election to the See of Bologna in 1907 was regarded as the shelving of a diplomatist, whose views no longer harmonised with those of the Vatican. He is still credited with strong French sympathies, and his desire to facilitate conciliation in France may have influenced the Conclave’s choice. It -is unlikely he will sanction any marked change in the Vatican’s recent attitude towards modernism.