The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1878-04-14

osophy and theology, was, at an early age
inscribed amongst the referendarti OF both
seqnatura and amongst the domestic pre-
lates of bis Holiness. His varied endow-
ments did not escape the keen eyes OF Plus
TX, who, on the 10Th June, 1856, precon-
lied him Archbishop of Thessalonica, and
sent him as Nunico TO Florence and after
wards to Madrid, where he bad formerly
taken q most active part in the complla-
tion of the Concordat of 1851. In this
most important agreement WAS established
between the two powers in Spain. The
return of Mgr. Franchi, to Spain was made
at time NEST disastrous to the Church
and to Queen Isabella. Having returned
to Rome from the Spanish Nunciature, he
remained here some time, and in 1871 was
sent to Conetantinople in the quality of
ambassador extraordinary to smooth away
Che difficulties of tie Armenian schism
controversy. He was received with very
great demonstrations of honor by the
Sublime Porto and by the Catholics, and
all predicted that his mission would be
Through the intrigues of foreign powers
and the bad faith and inaptness of those
who ruled the Turkish Government, the
hopes conceived were only partly fulfilled.
Plus TX, created Mgr. Franchi Cardinal,
22ud of December, 1873. In the following
year the very important office of Prefect of
the Congregation of the Propaganda and
for affairs of the Oriental Rite was entrust-
ed to him. On his return from CONSTANT
nople Mgr. Frauchi was the bearer of a
letter from the Sultan to the Pontiff. Alb
du1 Aziz Khan expressed the greatest re-
spect for the Pope and praised the ambas-
sador extIaor dinary. Nov the voices of
the journals throughout Europe are un-
animous in praising the selection of Car
dinal Franchi to the Secretaryship of State
Indeed, at the present time, the most
popular sovereign in Europe appears to be
Leo XIII. He has said almost nothing,
and his acts are of the rarest, aud yet one
universal chorus goes up from the columns
of the organs of liberalism. Before many
weeks pass the tune will be changed, and
shouts of rage replace the songs of praise.
Cardinal Franchi will then receive his
share of abuse, for the Cardinal Secretary
cannot help to escape the outrages inflicted
on his master.
THE NEW PREFECT OF PROPAGANDA,
Cardinal Giovanni Simeoni, Secretary of
State to his late Holiness, Pope Plus TX,
has been appointed by his successor Pre-
feet of the Congregation of the Propaganda.
1t is to his personal merits that he has owed
his elevation TO such high positions. He
was born at Paliapo, in the diocese of
Pslestrina, on the 23d of July 1Sl6, and
having been ordained priest, he was, on
| account of his solid learning, employed in
Offices of considerable importance. In l647
| uo Wde <AuOilOE Vi guS VI
After some years we EnG him in Rome,
Prefect of Studies in the Pontitical Lyceum
of the Roman Seminary and Protonotary
| Apostolic partecipante For many years he
was Secretary of the Congregation of the
Propaganda. When the Gcumenical Coun-
Gil of the Vatican was called, Mgr. Simeoni
was one of the ConAultors for the Com
mission of Oriental Churches and Missions
and for Ecclesiastical Discipline. The
diplomatic relations between the Holy See
and the Court of Spain having been re-
established in 1875, his Holiness, Plus TX
sent Mgr. Simeoni as Nuncio to Madrid
having just preconized him Archbishop Of
Chalcedonis. The difficulties of the nun
ciature at this time were great enough, but
owing to his Judgment and prudence, Mgr
Simeoni overcame them honorably, anC
obtained that great portion of the dioceses
which remained deprived of their pastoIt
were provided with bishops. On the l5tt
of March, 1875, Plus TX created him Car
dinal, reservlng him in petto, and on the
| 18th of September, the same year, he pub
llsEed him in Consietory. Mgr. Simeon
remained in the nunciature au Madrid, ant
on the death Of Cardinal Antouelli in 1876
he was appointed Secretary OF State to hi
Holiness, Plus lX-au Office which he re-
tained until the death of that Pontif-anC
Prefect of the sacred apostolic palaces ant
tue Sacred Lauretan Congregation.