The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-08-11
Private Life of the Pope.


In Summer, as in Winter, Leo XIII. Is awak-
ened at six by his private servant, francesca
Contra, from Carpeneto. Contra knocks at the
door, opens the blinds, addresses . 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 regards
shaving. This operation is performed by the
faithful Contra. The bedroom is not the one
used as such by his predecessors; it is . small
and rather low cell in the mez-aniao entire sol,
to which he repaired many years ago in the
course of some reservations to the old room.
and where he has remained ever since. At
seven o'clock he says his mass, attended by
two cappellani segreti and hears a second mass
celebrated by one of the same attendants, who
act also as private secretaries. IL happens
sometimes that the Pope, having been troubled
with sleepessness, gets up with piece OF
Latin or Italian poetry composed during the
wakeful hours. The verses are generally die
tated to ono of the secretaries before the mass.
The breakfast of the Pope consists OF coffee.
milk, and bread without butter. Soon after.
the official reception begins. The first one. as
q rule, is given to the Cardinal Secretary OF
State, who submits to the Holy Father the
documents received the day before, or those
which are awaiting the pontifcal 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 diplomatic body. Cardinals, heads OF
congregations. generals of monastic orders,
strangers of distinction, are received later in
the day.
It is to be regretted that Leo XIII. docs not
accord private audiences as often as his pre-
decessors 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 for q while for
walk or drive of half an hour In the Vatican
gardens. Leo XIII. dimes at one o'clock in the
old Roman style. The dinner is composed OF q
soup, generally pate d'Italie, q roast vege-
table-very often fried potatoes, and fruit.
Plus TX. was worry fond of boiled meat, which
was served daily in q triple form-boiled
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 journals at meal times. He dimes alone,
generally. waited upon, in addition to the
valet, by his scalco segreto, or carver. Common
datore Giulio Sterbini. This official is gen.
tleman of refined tastes and artistic culture,
owning good collection of pre-Raphaelite
pictures. An invitation to take coffee and milk
after the Pope's mass ia considered a great
honor, and it IL 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 exGrand Duchess
of Tuscany and to the Princes Borghese. Aldo
brundini, Altieri, and Ludovisi. The same
favor is shown sometimes to the nephews OF
tho Pope. In ell cases the visitors sit at .
small table placed next to the Pope's. After
dinner Leo XIII. takes short rest on chaiss
Tongue, the siesta never lasting beyond the hour.
Then follows drive in the Belvidere gardens,
through which IN avenue moro than mile
long has lately been opened, afording many
lovely points OF view over the city and Its
suburbs.