The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-08-22
LIFE IN THE yATiCAN---THE EVERYDAY
LEE OF THE POPE.


A newspaper man penetrated into the
Vatican, and portrays in this style the
personal appearance and habits of
Plus the Ninth:
Plus the Ninth possesses an excellent
constitution. His form is above the
middle stature, he has broad chest, and
4 full but small hands, and his gait is
slow, but even on the most solemn oc-
casion entirely natural and unaffected.
His large, expansive head, with the reg
ular, harmonious features, indicates rare
mental faculties; the broad and high fore,
head is shaded by dense silver-white
hair At the first blush the countenance
of the Pontiff exerts an indescribably
winning effect upon the beholder, so
great is its kindness and sweet express
ion. His nose is not large, but aquiline
and beautifully shaped; the mouth
which bends somewhat toward the pro-
truding chin is singulariiy chiseled,
the lower lip being apparently parted
. in the middle. The entire right side of
the body is somewhat weaker than the
left; the right cheek is not full, the right
eve is more shaded by the eyelid, owing
to an accident with which Plus the
the Ninth met in his youth. The whole
face is wonderfully lit up by the radiant,
afable expression of the large black
eyes.
The Pope rises every morning at half
past six O'Clock; in summer time, gener-
ally, somewhat earlier. He is accustom-
ed to be his own servant in many
matters, and always shaves himself In
effect, he-has retained none of those ar
istocratic habits of his earlier life,
except an extraordiary prediction for
the greatest cleanliness. At half past,
seven o'clock he reads mass in his ora
tory; thereupon he assists at another
mass, which is celebrated by one Of the
priests at the Vatican, so his religious
duties are fulfilled by half past eight
o'clock. His soul being strengthened by
prayer, his mind is free and collected for
the labors of the day. He leaves the
chapel and partakes ofa light breakfast,
consisting of biscuit and a mixture of
coffee and chocolate. Now, the major
domo, the high chamberlain, and the
private secretary, receive their instruc-
tons sconcerning the audience and admin
istration of the affairs. Then appear in
the side galleries ofthe Vatican the Off
GERS and petitioners, and shortly after
wards the ministers of state, cardinals,
some heads of converts, as we'll as the
ambassadors and travellers who wish to
be introduced to the Pope, receive audi
ence. The Pope receives them all, with
out exception in his cabinet, which is
furnished in the plainest manner. The
whole furniture consists of large table,
on which there are a crucifix and Wri-
ting materials; large easy chair, which
the Pope himself occupies, and another
chair destined for his guest.
At three o'clock the time for receiving
visitors is up, and the Holy Father re-
pairs to the dining hall, in the right
of the immense building, the windows
of which enable him to look out on the
Monte Cayallo. This hall is very large
and contains only a table, covered with
crimson velvet and an arm chair, both
standing on a platform surmounted by
a canopy which is adorned with the
Papal coat of arms. In Rome the Pope
dimes always alone, in accordance with
an ancient custom; but in the country
tor instance, at Fascati or Albano-a
lew cardinals and other prelates are
admitted to his table. The habits of
the last few Popes were very frugal and
their meals of the plainest description.
nder George XVI the expenses of the
fapal table amounted to three dollars
day; and Plus TX, who, when an
archbishop and cardinal, spent only
dollar dollar day for his table, practices the
same economy since he has become Pope
Lof course, only when he dimes alone.
At the close of his repast he retires to |
| MS bed-chamber; where he holds short
slesta. At o'clock his carriage is ready
W. w take him into the country, where he
81 seIHefaily promenades on foot for about
+n tI nour. At six he has already returned |
W. ,ron 'he Vatican. Now he sists down to
teu U'A Aa ana does not stop before half past
tinn - aiter Ie prayer and short medita-
cbamhon n ,h HIS oratory, retires to his bed
'er, ofhia where he meets the minister
Oraaa,+ NJ mls mouse, who has always to he
n'n the Pope goes to bed. He