The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-08-14
THE POPE's DAILY LIFE.
How the Head of the Catholic Church Eats,
Sleeps and Works.

How the Head of the Catholic Church Eats,
Sleeps and Works.
North American Review.
In SUMMER, as in winter, Leo XIII is
awakened at 6 By his private servant.
Francesca Contra, from Carpenet0. Contra
dresses customary salute to his master
and at once retires. The Pope gets
up from bed unaided. and also per-
forms his toilet unaided, except as re-
CARDS shaving. THIS operation is per-
formed by the faithful Contra, The bed
room - not the one used as such by his pre-
decessors; IL is u small and rather low cell
In the meZZaninO or entire sol, TO which he
repaired many years ago In the course OF
some restorations to the old room, and
where he has TemaInded every since. Att
O'clock he says his mass, attended by two
cappellani segreli, and hears q second mass
celebrated by one of the same attendants.
who act also as private secretaries.
1t happens sometimes that the Pope. hav-
ing been troubled with sieeplessness, gets
up with q piece of Latin or Italian poetry
composed during the wakeful hours. The
verses are generally dictated to one of the
secretaries before the mass. The breakfast
of the Pope consists of coffee, milk and
bread without butter. Soon after the Otfi-
clal reception begins. The first one. as o
rule is given to the Cardinal Secretary Of
STATE, who submits to the Holy
Father the documents received the
day before or those W hich are awaiting the
pOntifical signature. This audience lasts
more than an hour. and takes place every
day except Tuesdays and Fridays, which
are set apart for the reception of the diplO.
matte body. Cardinals. heads of cOlgrega-
tioDs generals of monastic orders. strang-
ers of distinction are received later In the
day. 1t is to be regretted that Leo XIII
Goes not accord private audiences as often
as his predecessors did.
Many strangers are Obliged to leave Rome
without having been able to see the Holy
Father. In winter. If the sun shines, the
receptions are interrupted Tor while for
a walk OF drive of half an hour in the Vati-
can gardens. Leo XIII dimes at o'clock
In the old Roman style. The dinner IL
composed of a soup. generally pate d'Italie.
aroast, a vegetable. very often fried pota-
toes and fruit. Plus IA was very fond of
boiled meat. which was served daily in n
triple form-boled chicken. boiled beef
and boiled mutton.
This plate is banished from Leo's table,
as we'll as bacon and cheese. The only
wine served is old Bordeaux. The Pope is
very apt TO glance over the journal at meal
times. He dimes alone, generally, waited
upon. in addition to the valet. By his &C Alec
seRreto, or carver, Communications Giulio
Sterbni. This official is gentleman of
refined tastes and artistic culture. owning
q good collection OF re-Rarhaelite
pictures. An invitation to take
coffee and milk after tho Pope's
macs is considered great honor, and
it is only extended to those who
have heard the mass and received the holy
communion from the POpe's hands. 1t has
lately been granted To the ex-Grand Due hess
of Tuscany and to the Princess Borghese
Aldobrandini. Altieri and Lndovisi. The
same favor Is shown sometimes to the
nephews of the Pope. In all Gases the
visitors sit at q small table placed next to
the Pores.
After dinner Leo Mi takes short rest
on chaise Tongue. the siesta never lasting
f.sll IL
the Belvedere gardens through which an
avenue more than mile long has lately
been opened. atfording many lovely points
OF view over the city and its suburbs.