POPE BLESSES 100,000 WAITING AT ST. PETER’S

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 587, 13 February 1929, Page 9

POPE BLESSES 100,000 WAITING AT ST. PETER’S

NATION REJOICES AT END OF QUARREL WITH ITALIAN STATE

(United. P.A.—By Telegraph Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service) Reed. 11 a.m. ROME, Tuesday. There was in imposing spectacle at St. Peter's for what was nominally the seventh anniversary of the coronation, but was converted into a solemn thanksgiving for peace to Italy. Despite rain, the crowd waited four hours for the Pope's appearance on the balcony. The Pope had a tumultuous reception. It is estimated that 100,000 received his benediction. As he raised his hand the third time the crowd stood up and cheered frenziedly. It was the third time since IS7O that there had been a public benediction. Another outstanding incident was that it was the first time for 60 years that uniformed military officials entered the Basilica to participate in the Mass. The signature of the Papal Pact was signalised by joyous demonstrations in every town in Italy. Papal flags were flown from the houses in Rome, which at night was illuminated. The Vatican and the Quirinal have been inundated with cabled congratulations from all parts of the world. SETTLEMENT SUMMED UP An official summary of the settlement between the Government and the Vatican shows that the Pope accepts a compensation of 750,000,000 lire (about £30,000,000) in cash and 1,000,000,000 lire (about £40,000,000) in Italian five per cent. Government bonds. This sum is less than Italy would have paid if the Vatican had accepted the allowance offered in 1871.

The article dealing with marriage says: Banns must appear in the parish church. The priest will certify a marriage to the civil authorities. Cases concerning nullity of marriage are reserved for the Ecclesiastical Courts and Civil Courts will enforce their decisions. The Vatican consents to the civil authorities giving judgment in separation cases. Religious instruction is to be compulsory in elementary and secondary schools according to an agreed programme. BRITAIN’S CONGRATULATION A British Official Wireless message says the Foreign Secretary, Sir Austen Chamberlain, speaking at Birmingham last night, referred to the settlement of the Roman question. He said: ‘We are a Protestant nation; but we cannot but remember that among the subjects of his Majesty are many millions of Catholics, to whom this news will be tidings of great joy. “For myself, I would like to offer my respectful congratulations alike to his Holiness the Pope and to Signor Mussolini on this happy close of a long quarrel. May other quarrels which to-day seem as impossible of solution as the Roman question seemed in 1870 with a lapse of years find a similar happy solution.”