WORLD-WIDE SYMPATHY

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 30, 23 July 1903, Page 18

WORLD-WIDE SYMPATHY

WHAT NEW ZEALAND CATHOLICS ARE DOING The marvellous yijahty displayed by the Pope durum the greater pait oi his last illness of se\enteen days buoyed many up with the hope that he would be the victor for a time in the wrestle with death and h\e on for yet a time to (ill the throne that he has giaeed by his many \irtues. On Saturday Drs Lappom and Ma/ '/oni reported him out of danger, and for a brief space hope told a flattering tale. Then came, on Monday messages telling of restlessness, of deep depression extreme unction, and the other last, solemn rites for' the dying. The final struggle had commenced at 10 o'clock on Sunday evening. By noon on Monday there was a marked change for the worse m the condition of the illustrious patient. The Cardinals weie summoned, and Cardinal Vannutelh recited the praydrs for the dying Mons. Pifieri, the Pope's saenstan, gave absolution. There was but little sign of consciousness till the Pope's three nephews knelt at the bedside Then by a supreme effort the Pope raised his hand in the act of blessing repeating the gesture in the direction of the Cardinals

and the household. At half-past one unconsciousness supervened, and the breathing was more difficult, ceasing at four minutes past four o'clock after a slight convulsive movement. Throughout the 17 days' struggle the Pope has exhibited marvellous courage and no impatience. He pieserved his intellect throughout. Cardinal Oregha, the Camerlingo, assumed control after the death. All strangers were ordered to leave the Vatican The closing of the bronze gates informed the public of the Pope's death. Tile Camerlingo verified the Pope's death with the customary ceremonies, omitting the tapping of the forehead ihiice with a silvci hammer, but sprinkling instead with holy water lrom a siher bowl, while calling aloud thrice ' (iioacchino, 1 the dead Pope's name. He then pronounced the Pope dead. The fisherman's ring was ilien removed from the Pope's hand and the body attired in pontifical vestment, and removed to the tapestry chamber, preliminary to a public exposition at St. Peter's. The Pope's death created a gieat impression in Rome. The populace were quiet and reverent Many shops closed, and flags were half-masted. The bands stopped playing, and vast crowds congregated at the Vatican and St. Peter's The Italian Government has promised the Conclave complete libeity in connection with the election of a successor to Leo MIL A London message states that profound sorrow is expressed throughout Europe at the Pope's death. The press unanimoulsy laud his saintly character. The ' Times ' says the late Pope was a groat bishop, thinker, and student. President Roosevelt cabled to Cardinal Rampolla : ' America is conscious the Christian world has sustained a gieat loss ' Regiet at the Pope's death was widely expressed in Sjdney, the flags on the Government buildings being half-masted.