Etiquette at the Vatican.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 72, 18 October 1884, Page 5

Etiquette at the Vatican.

The Vatican is the most ancient and ceremonious court in the world, and to obtain an audience of the Pope requires considerable influence and patience. The visitor makes application in person, provided with a letter to Mgr. Machi, grand chamberlain. After cooling his heels in an anteroom of the palace, he takeshis turn and is admitted into the office of one of the secretaries of of the grand chamberlain. No English is spoken here, and if the visitor does not speak either French or Italian he might as well stay at home. The name and address of the applicant is entered in a large book kGpt for the purpose ; the card and the letter of recommendation are inclosed in an envelope, which is addressed to Mgr. Machi. The applicant is then expected to retire to allow the dozen or more persons waiting in the anteroom to go through the same routine. If the application has been successful the applicant will, in two or six weeks, receive notification that an audience will be held at a certain hour on a certain day, at which he is to have the honour ot being present. The regulation costume on such occasions is for gentlemen full evening clre.°s, including a white cravat, but no gloves ; for ladies, a black silk dress, Gentlemen are never admitted at the Vatican on any public occasion without a dress coat ; even when the Pope officiates in the Sistine chapel this is required.