The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-05-06
AN EPOCH IN RELIGION.
The Forthcoming Encycli-
cal Letter.
What the Important Docu-
ment Will Contain.
The Principal Work OF the
Present POntificate.
A Resume or the Social Teach
A Resume or the Social Teach
ings Of the Pope.
It Will Mark an Epoch in the History
OF the Age.

ROME, April ga representative Of
the New York Associated Press has had
an interview with prominent dignitary
of the Roman catholic church regarding
the forthcoming encyclical letter of Pope
Leo XIII on the social question. This
gentleman is especially we'll qualified to
give an opinion on the subject, as he not
only holds high ecclesiastical rank. but
gave the pope much assistance in drawing
up the long expected document. In re-
ply to the question "Is the encyclical let
ter ready?" the ecclesiastic said:
eyes, the pope has finished II, but he has de.
cided to wait until the LIST of May is passed be-
fore giving it TO the public. The work of
tTanslating II into French, Italian and German
Is, also almost completed, although il will not
DO absolutely ended TIL the day on which the
date of its publication is definitely fixed, as the
pope has the habit of modifying his writings
by omissions additions up to the very mo-
ment of publication"
"What do you think Of this encyclcal?"
at is the principal work OF the present pom
tiicate, the synthetic resume Of the whole
political and social teachings OF the pope. He
has worked at il for many years. sometimes for
long periods without interruption. He has
condensed the doctrines of the greatest doctors
and theologians on these matters and adapted
them to the requirements of conditions of the
present epoch. He has also brought into re-
QUESTION the leading intellects of the United
States and OF Europe. The incident Of the
knights of Labor and the generous interven-
ton of Archbishop Gibbons have contributed
in no small degree to establish and fix In the
mind of Pope Leo XIII the definite form Of
his document, which will mark an epoch in
the history of our times. His aim has been to
define the true doctrine and soothe
the minds OF those who have been
hitherto undecided as to what
Iide to take in the present democratic move
ment; and he will succeed, above all, with the
catholics, who IN some countries, especially in
France and Belgium, are far from being in
unison in regard TO these points so important
10 democratic life. The pope has aimed at find
ing q superior synthesis, a fruitful unity OF ali
the various doctrines. He insists, with equity,
on the rights and duties Of everything and Of
all. of capital of labor, of the state and of the
individual. He is utterly impartial; he is
neither for nor against any interest or any
school He gives the truth and proelaims
justice upon all and for all. One of the prin-
cipal ends that the pope has in view is to fur
nish catholics OF all countries with O common
ground of action. He greatly deplores
any divisions in the catholic party. tending as
they do, 20 diminish the social influence and
moral action of the church. He desires to de-
prive his adversaries of the slightest pretext
for pretending that the church has only charity
as her program, and nothing definite or precise
to offer 10 society. The schisms which mani
Tested themselves at the congress of Liege. and
also in France, have profoundly grieved the
holy father. for they have diminished the
prestige OF the church and obscdred the social
benefits wrought by the church.
sand the texts it adapted to present cir.
cumstances?
Perfectly. Leo XIII always speaks so
ss to be understood BY every mind
He has quite given uo the ancient ecclesiastical
phraseology. His ideal is TO harmonic the
teachings and traditional doctrines of the
church with all that is great, good and gener-
Gus in the social and intellectual
is eminently harmonious, sympathetic, con-
ciliating and pacific. cannot tell
you all that Is in the present encyclioal, but
say that it will make very considerable
impression, for it is an enlightened work, aim
ing soely at unity and Cancellation. During his
labors OF specifying the respective position OF
capital and labor, of the state and the individ-
ua, of bringing into relief thestrict justice and
the infexible rights of all those factors that 60
TO make up society, indurtry and work Leo
XIII has seen the conflict between the phases
Of human passions, despotisms and revolutions
His encyoical will not be a cry of protest
against all the elements which form modern
life. he seeks to coneiliate them all by the
acceptance of all legitimate interests and by
reciprocal respect of all rights"
OOes nos 1HO POP0 sPeoA VI cHAiAty III tnls
encyclical%
"Yes, but he delimits its sphere Of action
He has devoted much space to set forth il.
greatest claims, but his object, above ell things
has been the teaching of social justice"
What are the pope's views in regard to state
intervention
THAT is the delicate point. II is incontesta
bic that the church cannot give up or
these purely historical contingencies absolute
~ definite instructions The social problems
are continually changing and modifying; each
period has its particular needs, its own eco
nomic conditions. Things that are good anC
equitable today old and inapplicable TO
morrow. Therefore Leo XIII will be found
from doctrinsl point of view, somewhat re
served on this matter, even although