THE PONTIFICATE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 188, 11 August 1903, Page 3

THE PONTIFICATE.

FIB PBKB ASSOCIATION. Rohe, August 9. ' The King of Italy was agreeably surprised at Cardinal Sarto's election, and recalled with pleasure his visit to 'Venice. Anyone is able to obtain an audience with die Pope. Many atones are told of his simplicity. He dismissed his ooach in the Vatican Gardens, because his legs were good enough. He begged the architect not to make hit apartments too : ■mart, and on another occasion sud " A poor man like me dosen't want such a big household." PETER'S PENCE PROPOSED DECENTRALISATION. Beodved 10.10.47 pm. Rome, August 10. The foreign Cardinals propose an international commission to manage Peter's pence. They suggest decen- , traliaation to enable the Cardinals at a distance to settle affairs of minor im- . poftaw?* on their own authority. BJTHRONIZmON CEREMONY. A NOTABLE GATHERING, QBE IT ENTHUBIABM. Received 10. 11.4 p.m. Rome, August 10. About 50,000 persons were invited and tbey filled tbe Basilica before the ceremony commenced. There were many thousands outside. The entire diplomatic body, the , Italian aristocracy and many ladies , Were present. Mr Thomas Esmonde, representing . the Irish Parliamentarians, was also present. The ceremony occupied many hours. The Pope, arrayed in pontifical robe?, with a mitre on his head and ac compioied by <he Cardinals, eeated himself on the throne in the portico of the Basilica. Cardinal Rampolh de livered a epsech of homage. His Hoiiticxi was then borne aloft on the Bedia Gestatoria. Surrounded by the Flabilii, and p oatded by dignitaries and Cardinals he entered the Basilica amid a flourirh of silver trumpets and acclamations from the vast congregation. Toe Poiitificial Guird rendered military hoLOurs. After signing for silence, the Pope pronounced the Benediction. He was next carried to the Clementine chapel, one of the pontificial ceremonieri walking in advance and burn ing three pieces of tow, exclaiming, " Holy Fi«he r in transi', gloria mundi." The Popp, seated on bis throne, received the act of Obedience, the Cardinals kissing his feet, knees, and face, the bishops kissing bis foot and knee, the lesser dignitaries kissiDg the foot only. Mass was then celebrated, and at the srment of the elevation, silver trumpets resounded from top of the cupola coops, tbe people kneeling, The Pope was then borne to the Podium before the altar of confession, where Cardinal Macchi removed the mitre, replacing it with a jewelled tiara, and pronouneed the enthronisatioD. Tne Pope exhibited deep emotion, and blessed the congregation in a leud clear voice. This was followed by a burst of enthusiastic acclamation. His Holiness, who was much fa'igued, returned to the Yatiean in a sedan chair.