Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1892-08-05
The Private Life OF the Pope.

l"iovanni Amadfs Paper, The Pope at Home -
in the August North American Review1
In summer, as in winter, Leo XIII. is
awakened at six by his private servant.
francesca Contra. from Carpineto. Cen
ira knocks at the door, opens the blinds.
addresses customary salute to his mas
ter and at once retires Ths pope gets ND
from bed unaided, and also performs his
toilet unsided, except as regards shaving
This operation is performed by the faith
tul Centrs. The bedroom is not the one
used as such by his predecessors: it is a
small and rather low cell in the mezzauipo
or entire sol, to which he repaired many
years ago in the course of some restors-
tions to the old room, and where he has
remained ever since. At seven O'Clock he
says his mass, attended by two cappellspi
segreti, and hesrs a second mass celebrated
by one OF the same attendants, who also
act as private secretaries. 1t happens
sometimes that the pope, having been
troubled with sleeplessness, gets up with
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
without butter Soon after the official re-
ception begins. The first one, as a rule.
Ia given to the cardinal secretary of state.
who submits to the holy father the docu-
ments received the day before. or those
which 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 diplomatic body. Cardi-
nails, heads of congregations, generals of
monastic orders, strangers OF distinction,
are received later in the day. 1t is to be
regretted that Leo XIII. does not accord
private audiences as often as his predeces-
sors 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
awhile for walk or a 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 a soup.
generally pate d'Italie, a roast, vegetable
very often fried potatoes and fruit Pins
TX. was very fond of boiled meat. which
was served daily in a triple form-boiled
chicken. boiled beef and boiled mutton.
This plate lie banishei from Leo's table as
well as bacon and cheese. The only wine
served is old Bordeaux The pope Is yerv
times. He dimes alone generally. waited
upon, in addition to the valet, by his seal
CO segrete, or carver. Commentators Gin
lis Stirbini. This official is q gentleman
of refined tastes and artistic culture, own
ing good collection of preraphaelits pic
lures. An invitation to take coffee and
milk after the pope's mass is considered
great honor, aud 1t lie only extended to
those who have heard the mass and re-
eeived the holy communion from the pope's
hands. 1t has lately been granted to the
ex-grand duchess of Tuscany and to the
Prince Borghese, Aldobrandini, Altieri and
Ludovisi. The same favor is shown some.
times to the nephews of the pope. In all
cases the visitors cit at small table placed
next to the pope's. After dinner Leo
XIII. takes short rest on q chaise lounge.
the siesta never lasting beyond the hour.
Then follows drive In the Belvedere gar
dens, through which an avenue more than
q mile long has lately been opened, afford
ing many lovely points of view over the
city and Its suburbs.