LYING IN STATE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 36, 13 February 1939, Page 7

LYING IN STATE

SISTINE CHAPEL GUARD MEDIAEVAL COSTUMES WORN IN PROCESSION CANDLE-LIT CATAFALQUE Received Feb. 12, 5.5 p.m. ROME, Feb. 10. Thousands flocked to the churches to pray, on news of the death of the Pope, while theatres and cinemas closed and workmen throughout the day removed the red damask hangings erected in St. Peter’s for the Pope's anniversary celebrations. Five thousand gathered in St. Peter’s Square waiting for the lying in State, the body being taken to the Sistine Chapel by four Noble Guards, whose steel corselets were veiled with crepe. The diplomatic corps followed, the procession taking forty minutes to pass to the chapel. The procession was led by a sergeant of the Swiss Guards wearing the mediaeval blue and yellow uniform and carrying a huge halberd. There were grooms wearing scarlet, prelates in black, and Palatine guards in blue and purple. The body was placed on a catafalque surrounded by 12 lighted candles. On the head is the golden mitre, on the breast a silver cross and a shot gold cope covers him to the knees. Underneath is a linen surplice with fine lace. Two members of the Noble Guard, in red full dress, stand at the beirhead with swords drawn and grounded. Next there is the clerical chamberlain wearing a violet robe and the lay chamberlain in a black Spanish costume with a gold chain.

The recitation of the office of the dead in an undertone by Penitentiaries of St. Peter's, is the only sound which breaks the solemn silence of the dimlit chapel. The burial is expected to take place either on February 13 or 14 and the exact date of the cardinals’ meeting depends upon the arrival of foreigners. EFFORTS FOR PEACE TRIBUTE BY ARCHF/SHOP OF CANTERBURY. LONDON, Feb. 10. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Cosmo Lang, paid a tribute to the Pope’s unwearying efforts for peace, and said he was a man of sincere piety and bore immense burdens with dignity and courage. Particular attention is devoted in newspayer reviews to the interest of Pope Pius XI in recent international affairs and to his tireless efforts for world peace, which he maintained until the end. PREMIER’S MESSAGE HIGH TRIBUTE TO POPE

[ Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 11. The Prime Minister has forwarded for transmission to the Vatican a message expressing the profound regret of the Government and people of New Zealand on the death of the Pope. The message continues: “The untiring efforts of His Holiness in the cause of peace and justice, and his courageous devotion to duty despite failing health, have won the grateful admiration of the whole world, and the passing of His Holiness will be deeply mourned in this Dominion.” Mr. Savage also sent a message to the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church in New Zealand expressing the Government’s sympathy and paying a tribute to the Pope’s life as a high example of devoted service in the promotion of moral principles and the cause of peace among the nations, Christian justice, and social welfare.