The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-04-18
SEEING THE POPE.
How Leo Appeared at the Anniversary of His
Elevation to the Papaoy.

Elevation to the Papaoy.
Bishop Foss. in the chicago Advocate
With the natural curiosity of foreigner of
Yankee extraction to distinguished
prisoner bat not knowing how to bring 1t
about without running the risk of being expect
ed to kiss his hand las is the custom at his for
NAL receptions), heard the tantalizing question
from day to day, and waited. Since Sept. 20,
marched into Rome, "his Holiness has been
pleased to assume the role of prisoner"
After that date Plus TX never passed the
limits of the Vatican palace and grounds. and
Leo XIII has maintained similar seclusion.
He does not even allow tourists to ascend the
dome Of ST. Peters at the hour of his MONDAY
walk in his garden, and on the single day In the
week when the ascent is free to the public he
omits his walk Formerly, the Pope used fire.
quenty to ride about the streets in superb state,
with couriers in advance. ard the awe-struck
multitudes kneeling as he passed. In conse-
quence Of the change brought about on that
memorable September day. few of the young
men In Rome have ever seen the Pope, and the
curiosity of strangers to see him Is greater than
ever.
So listened with keen attention when the por-
ter of my hotel said to me morning: Would
you like to see the Popep and brought to me q
man who had for sale permesso" for the grand
spectacle Of the day, the procession to the
Sistne chapel on the occasion of the
eighth anniversary Of the Pope's coronation.
paid him Ave lire for it, and made my way
to the Vatican. Throngs of people were crowd
ing its magnificent marble staircases with the
quick step OF eager expectation. The air was
filled with the chatter of many voices. Ladies
and gentlemen in full dress, soldiers with brill
liant uniforms, priests, monks, and ecclesiastics
of every grade jostled each other in the large
vestbule Of the Sistine chapel and the corridor
adjacent The Swiss guard, with their lofty
plumes and halberds. an hour before the Popes
appearance, cleared passages through the dense,
good natured throng from the private apart
ments Of the Pope, and from the head of the
great staircase TO the doorway of the chapel
and files of soldiers were stationed on both sides
to keep back the crowd Through these
passages came the ambassadors from
several nations with their suites, some of them
most gorgeonsly appareled and all honored with
military salute as they passed. Germany,
Spain and Brazil were thus represented, as
learned from the conversation of the bystanders,
and there were several other embassies whose
nationality could not ascertain. After a very
long and wearisome waiting the great procession
moved The military escort was followed by
numerous cclesiastics-priests, bishops, arch
bishops, and then the cardinals with their brill
liant scarlet vestments Each cardinal was
followed by two cardinal priests and an
attendant who carried the long train
Of his robe As they slowly passed all
eyes were fastened on them, a buzz of whispers
announced thir names. and there were numer-
Gus feminine explanations of 'sOh" ''Ahp and
Eli In several languages A moment later
The two hours murmur was instantly hushed; a
suppressed. half -articulAte, solemn, general
All" indicative of the very climax Of admiring
satisfaction and abject reverence, swept through
the throng. The crowd was so dense that kneel-
ing was ont of the question, but multtudes sank
as low as possible. Not o lip moved, and
scarce a breath was drawn, as the
sslfs:yled vicegerent Of the Almighty
passed. The Pope arrayed in magnificent robes
spangled with gold, and wearing lofty tiara
L I'M will oil vyae cd an ut,
throne borne on platform above the heads of
dozen men. He is seventy-six years of age. and
looks much older His face is thin and wrinkled
mild and oenignant
As he thua passed by. in more than regal
state, he turned his face from side to side and
waved his hand In benedction over the people,
many Of whom have no doubt, felt that to be
the supreme me M snt of their lives. When the
procession had en.ered the Sistine Chapel the
most delicate sir .ins of sacred music broke
forth, and the religious ceremonies celebrating
the anniversary of the accession Of Leo XIII
began.