The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-11-20
The Pope.

One week ago and Plus TX. stood before
the world in the light of dethrohed mon
arch and prisoner. Even then Catholic
faith, foresaw that his trials would have nm
end and that the triumph of his enemies
would not be perpetual, but no one thought
that light would commence to break upon
the darkness so soon. Scarcely is the sa-
crilegious insolence of the italian King con-
summated in,the occupation of Rome, when
the hrst thunder clap of an avenging storm
breaks upon the guilty ear of Europe. A
general war is imminent and the very out
break OF such war must reinstate the
Holy Father in IN ost of his possessions if not
In all the States SO -wrOngfully wrested
from him of late years. Already the des-
patches intimate that Prussia will inter-
vene in his behalf and if that Power takes
such step her opponents will not dare to
stay behind.
Why does Prussia act thus7 First, Ger
many comprises an immense Catholic pop
ulation, say from twenty to twenty five
millions. In the herculean struggle that
must ensue if Germany combines with
Russia against the rest of Europe, every
nerve will be strained to the utmost and
the most latent resources must be brought
out. Every sympathy must be appealed to
and even every prejudice conciliated. How
manifest then the policy of gratifying an
immense Catholic population by protecting
their religious interests and enlisting their
religious gratitude. Prussia has already
seen what kind of soldiers the Bavarians
clio Sc,
them and get some more of the same sort.
Then again, Prussia being the avowed
champion of the Pope, how would the
Irish people stand affected to her in case
of war with England, and how would tine
Catholic element of France feel, consider
| ing its distrnst of the present Republic ?
| 1t is evident that the French Republic
would have to exert its good services with
the Italian Republicans in behalf of his
Holiness and England would be obliged to
go as far as Prussia in securing his tenn
pOrai power. Austria would suddenly be-
come very devout, as do most bad Catho-
lies when they are seriously sick, and Italy
finding one side averse to her preten-
sions as the other, would be obliged to
yield. When thieves fall out honest men
get their dues.
This general war may possibly not take
place and the result just spoken of may
not ensue, but in some such way it will be
easy for divine Providence to work it's
will without any visible exertion of mir
aculous power. The world may combine
against the children of light, and in such
strength that they will be overpowered.
Their rights will be Ignored and their" very
determination determined on, but just
when all human aid ID gone and all human
hope has failed, the Almighty will smite
the strong and deliver his chosen people.
The childyen Of Israel we're fully in the
tolls of Maraoh who would not con-
sent to tlrefr departure. There was no one
to help them and they seemed, humanity
speaking, doomed to perpetual servitude or
final extinction. But without worldly al
lies and without feats of arms on their part,
the mighty power which held them in
it's grasp was glad to let them go. In the
same way the great Kingdom of Italy may
End it expedient to relax it's grasp upon
it's sacreligious spoils and let the anointed
Vicar of God enjoy his proper liberty. 1t
is thus that the children of faith learn to
rest, not upon the arms of flesh but upon
the deliverance from on high.