Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-06-23
HOW HARD THE POPE WORKS.
Efforts to Induce Him to Give Less Atten-
ton to Church hffairs.

The reports which have appeared in
foreign papers recently regarding the pre-
carious condition of the Pope's health
have not been unfounded, according 10
well-informed sources. Years and onerous
duties have had their effect upon a consti-
tuition which was never of the strongest.
Leo XIII. has been obliged already to lis
ten to discussions concerning his successor
among the cardinals of his court. The
fact, however says HIndependdnce Beige, Is
no cause for immediate alarm or concern,
as the Princes of the Church are
Obliged to consider the succession TO
the Papal chair during the lie
time of an incumbent. But frequent
attacks of weakness, due to an@mia OF the
brain. have led the physicians in charge OF
his Holiness TO prescribe radical changes
in his manner of life. DIR. Cecearelli, the
body physician. decided short time ago
that the services of specialist IRON the
University of Bologna were necessary TOT
the Pope. The Professor now makes tort
nightly visits to Rome to examine his DIS
tinguished patient. He soon saw tnat
Leo's life was dependent upon his eating
stronger food, taking more rest, ana
drinking more nutritious wines. Although
the Pope at first rebelled against the
change in his habits, he at last consented 10
follow, at least to acertain extent, TINS al
vice.
lnatDa0
ing, as was his wont, the octogenarlan
ruler of the Vatican now leaves his bed at o
o'clock. At that hour, in case he does not
officiate himself, he attends mass conduct
ed by the Court chaplain. On thursdays
and SUNDAYS mass is celebrated at o'clock
| in the presence of specially favored guests.
After leaving the chapel he breaks MS long
fast with cup of coffee and cream; Du;
ring his breakfast he reads the cleriosl
N.
| de Rome. At o'clock he receives
the officers of the palace, who pre-
sent their reports regarding the con-
ditfon of their charges. At O'CLOCK ap-
nears Cardinal Rampolla, the Papal Secre-
| tary Of State, who reads the lmportant
| dispatches to his Holiness, gives a briet
| account of the diplomatic situation, ana
receives instructions as TO his actions Tor
the day. At 10 o'clock he receives the re-
naming cardinals and prelates who are OF
| the head of Roman congregations subJect
| 10 his directions. At noon he takes q
! stroll in the gardens of the Vatican ana
| then receives the visits OF foreign bishops
and other distinguished people who hap
pen to be in Rome 1911.
| Although the bill of fare is still simple, 1t
| is elaborate compared with the meals for
| meflv eaten by the Pope. 1t consist OF a
| broth with egg, aroast, usually chicken, and
fruit. At times fish forms a course. In
Mace of the light Italian wines which Leo
| formerly drank exclusively, he now uses old
bordeaux. A sisStd, lasting until O'Clock,
| follows the midday meal. After his sleep no
reads. or has read to him, the foreign papers
and manifests great interest IN all inter
national affairs. At o'clock he again re-
ceivss the cardinals to listen to their re-
norts and sign any necessary. papers. Inc
| second and last meal for the day is eaten at
| o O'clock. and consists chiefly OF two SOFT
boiled eggs, a roast, and cup of Sambaya
| or Zabaeiione, warm beverage made Oh
| the white of an egg champagne or por-
| ter and rum OF maraschine. Inc VINE is
again old Bordeaux. Soon after his supper
| the Pope goes to bed.
Although his Holiness Is still busy man,
as his daily programme proves, he does
moi do more than half the work which ne
accomplished O short tune ago. ana the
phvsicians feel encouraged. Nhe Bologna
Professor at first ordered him to re-
main absolutely quiet and to grant
no audiences whatever. Laughing, the
Pope replied that it was Impossible TO
obey such an injunction. That ne add
ed "would be declaration that hsd va
cated the Papal chair. In my place 1t IS
necessary TO reign until the death struggle
makes ID impossible. We're it only. possible
TO resign? But Pope must remain rope
till the very end"