DEATH OF THE POPE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 78, 21 August 1914, Page 4

DEATH OF THE POPE.

The death of his Holiness Pope IPius X., will not come as a great surprise, as for a long time past his health 'has been most precarious, and at times his hold on life slender. It was stated a Sew days ago that the news of the outbreak of war between France and Germany had greatly affected the Pope's health for the worse, and now comes the new 3 of his death, whicli will be received with much regret and sorrow throughout the world. Guiseppo Sarto, who was 77 years of age, was the son of a peasant of Eiese, in the Venetian province of Treviso. Up to the age of 40 he occupied the position of parish priest. He then became canon of Treviso Cathedral, Episcopal Chancellor, Spiritual Director of Treviso College, Dean, and eventually became Vicar-Genoral and Bishop of Mantua. In 1593 he was created a cardinal, with the title of St. Bernardo alle Ferme, and Patriarch of the ancient See of Venice. His election to the office of Pope in 1893 was a complete surprise to the outside world, to whom his name was hardly known. During his occupancy of the Papal chair lie lias done useful work in a quiet, unostentatious way, his chief controversial edicts being his encyclicals against Socialism and the modern spirit in the Church, which encountered considerable criticism.