The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-04-11
asrnIng Star and Catholic MESSENGER.
NV oKLrANs. suNpAY, ApRIL II ,t7s
The Pope and the German Bishops,

We take from the Koln. Toiss Zs1faH9 OF SAT
.sd.y, 18th March, the following version OF tine
Rrief lately addressed by the Pope 10 the
Biahops Of Germany
PIUs r.P. H.
"yenerable Brethren, Health and Apostolic
BAbeSistion. ~, frs
neither the age nor the anger of the mighty,
nor the threats, nor the loss OF property nor
even exile imprisonment, and death IN Tue
atrugele for the defence of both justice ana
ecclesiastical hits, distinguished we Lnu'cu
a Christ IN the earliest centuries, ana mas al
ws,s consequently, been its badge OF hopor az
y clear proof that true and noble heerty-the
sppty name of which, indeed, every where re-
osGDds, but the reality OF wn,ch Is never o,s
E,)syed-dwells in it alone. characterization OF
ATE Church, reverend brethren, you have anew
observed by undertaking to show the real
meaning of the DEGREES Of the Vatican Coun"
ell, which vas dangerously misrePFeseh1ea IN
a circular despatch which bad gained pu bic
jty SO that the faithful should not he led into
erroneous conceptions, nor further Pretex'
given for the detestable MISUNDERSTANDING or
Tor throwing obstacles in the way OF the Tree
election of q new Pope. So great, indeed, is
she ciearness and soundness of your JOINT
celebration that it would leave nothing TO be
desired if the deceptive assertions OF certain
pExnals did not require explicit testimony rom
"a ipasmuch as they have endeavored TO
maintain the view of that despatch refuted by
yon, and to depreciate yoar explanation win
SAe faithful under the pretext that IL uPhelu
abe DEGREES Of the Council and did not cor
r,spopd TO tie will of the Apostolic See. We
-nbesitatiprly 1epel these malicious and slam
serous representations and suspicious 1our
explanation gives the real Catholic doctrine
Aaa the teaching of the Holy Council and oil
the Apostolic See with luminous and unpeach-
able proofs, go firmly based aud clearly e1'
plained as to convince every right minded
1,an that the DEGREES in question contain moth
izcnew or " Inch made any alterations in former
relations, or which could offer any pretext FOL
stilI further expressing the Church aud throw
ipp difficulties in the way of new Papal cleo
zion As TO this last point, you have acted WIZ
upeciaI circumspection, for, without entering
INTO explanations, you have proudly MAIN
saiDed that everything ID from tnis mouenI
rejected by you which could obstruct the fire.
election of the Head of the Church, and hav'
armIy declared that 10 the authority of thu
GhaFsh alone appertains q judgment on th'
validity Of the election. To no other cause u
hat severe storm TO be attributed by which
xbs Church, the teacher of truth, is every
where oppressed and the whole world shaken
iAan 10 the errors sown by the old enemy OF Cos
md Ican, IN order to plunge everything int
upDfassion. AS, therefore, weapons must b
airected az ainst error, the source OF all evil
ztnrinue, reverend brethren, to expose and r.
sNI II, whatever guise it assumes, rs you hav
isone by your excellent declaration. Thos
vbo are OF right mind cannot possibly be uI
Bffnenced by the beams of truth, especial
NJ it shines The brighter through Your nobl
oGsnstaucy. Error once dragged TO light an
suppressed with such force cannot possibly e.
dzslHe eventual destruction. May the Diviu
mercy soon grant this TO the oppresse
&huIch aud weird, and may the Apostolic Bel
alfetion be to you pressge of this operatio
Of grace, which benediction, Neuerab
Brethren. we most lovingly impart,
pledge Of Our special goodwill, to you and
all yeur dioceses.
@6lyeu at Rene, at st. Peters, 2ud Marc
ELS, in the 29th year OF Our Ponttticate.
Plus PIP, TX"