New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-06-25
TIE pOpES ENCYCLICAL LFT1xh.

The encyccal letter of Pope Leo XIII ad-
dressed to Cardinal Gibbons marks an mpor-
tant epoch in the history Of American Cahol-
ici.m. 1t gives qIctus to the recently crcu-
lated rumors that the Roman Pontiff had de-
cided to disavow the acts of Monsgnor Satolli
in this country, and modify his policy in re-
gard to parochial and public schools In UNI
mistakablc language he confirms the authority
Of the Apostolic Delegate, and declares that
his mission is permanent. Ii will be no longer
possible, therefore, for good Catholics to qucs-
ton or c-icisc the decisions Of the Apostolic
Delegate. So far as this country is concerned,
when he speaks Rome has spoken, and all dis
cussion in Catholic circles must cease
OF itself, the establishment Of an Apostolic
Delegation in the United States would be an
event of far-rcaching importance to American
Catholicism but the character Of the questions
to be decided, and the attitude of Monsgn0r
Sao in regard TO them, as indicated by his
official declarations and acts. intensity the in
tcrCst attaching 10 his appointment. Broadly
stated, his aim seems 10 be 10 bring the Church
in this country into closer relations with Ameri
can life and institutions. That he was chosen
with that distinct purpose in view cannot be
doubted by any one who has intclligently fol-
lowed tho recent policy of the Pope still less
by those who read this cncyclical letter TO Car
dna Gibbons. IL is true that this letter is
conciliatory and cautious in tone. There are
expressions in il that will not wholly please
the extreme plr,isans on either side. Indeed,
il has been criticised as an attempt 10 carry
water on both shoulders since it commends
tho decree OF the Plenary Council of Balt
more. affirming the duty of Catholics to cstab-
sh parocha schools, while at the same time
it allows Catholics TO send their children to
the public schools. But this criticism is made
without taking into account tho difficulty Of
the situation in which the Pope finds himself.
lie is doubtless convinced that an attempt 10
carry out tho decree OF tho Baltimore Council
would work irrcparable harm to the Church
in this country. IL could not be enforced, in
the first pace for large number of the most
intelligent priests and laymcn of the Church
believe tho establishment of parochal schools
to be unnecessary and unwisc. And even il
it could be enforced it would tend to make tho
Church an alien body in tho country and array
public opinion against it.
But while the Pope may be, and apparently
is, impressed with this fact, it is no small thing
for POpo to override decree of Pcnary
Council. In fact, it can hardly be done for
he is only nfallible when speaking ex cathedra
on matter of faith The most that he can
do, feeling as he docs, is to give such liberal
Interpretation to the decree as the situation ap-
pears TO him to demand and that is what no
has done in this encyclical letter In effect, he
says that Catholic schools are TO be promoted
when it is feasible 10 do 50, but that the right
Of Catholic parents to send their children to
The public schools shall not be denied. The
sweeping character of this decision will be
understood when it is recalled that under
literal Interpretation Of the Baltimore decree
Catholics sending their children to public
schools might be, and in some eases were, cx-
communicated
The immediate effect Of this formal ndo,se-
ment OF the liberal wing of the American Catho-
lie Church may not be altogether what the
Pope hopes and desires. The controversy be-
tween the conservatives and liberals has reached
such Il stage Of bitterness that not even the
voice of Rome can at once allay it. Certainly |
the conservatives can hardly be expected Il |
hail with delight letter which condemns All |
revcrses their most cherished views. For
long time they will feel exceedingly sore, !
though Is good Catholics they will be CAREFUL
to give no outward expression 10 their feeling. |
But the ultimate effect Of the Popc's liberal
and enlightened policy will be to strengthen
the Church in this country. 1t will increase
the authority and prestige OF his Apostolic
Delegate, who has already won the cordial
respect and good will of intelligent Americans,
not only within. but without the Church. In !