DEATHBED SCENES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 February 1939, Page 7

DEATHBED SCENES

Last Apostolic Blessing of Reign GATES OF VATICAN CITY CLOSED VATICAN CITY, February 10. The Pope’s last audible words were, “Peace, peace.” His Holiness tried to speak at 4 p.m., but those at his bedside realised that the end was near. High church dignitaries were summoned to the private apartments and Monsignor Camillo de Romas, sacristan of the Vatican City, administered the Last Sacrament 11 minutes before the Pope’s death. The Pope’s own confessor. Cardinal Lauri, arrived a few seconds too late. After his last words, the Pope’s lips moved slowly and Dr Rocchi said that it was occasionally possible to discern His Holiness trying to articulate a Latin prayer. Half a minute before his death the Pope feebly raised his right hand and attempted to make the Sign of the Cross, imparting the last Apostolic blessing of the reign. Those at the bedside fell down on their knees and several wept. The silence of death was proclaimed all over the Vatican City. The gates were closed. The body of the Pope will lie in state in the Vatican Hall. Cardinal Pacelli has temporarily assumed the leadership of the Catholic Church and has convoked cardinals from all over the world to meet on February 28 to elect a new Pope.