The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-05-12
The POPE AND The PROPHET.
From the New York world.

from the New ork World.
Is Leo XIII. the strong-willed. clear
headed, successful pope of to-day, super
stitious? 1t Is said that all great leaders
of men have had their little beliefs in
magic or divination, and have trusted at
various times to trivial things for effects
them.
Macbeth looked more to Dunsinane
wood than TO his army, and IL cost him
his crown and his life. Leo XIII. has
more than once alarmed his friends and
puzzled his opponents by actions that did
not seem TO be prompted by shrewd diplo-
mocy. He has taken up measures and
started policies which only a man who
hoped for a long life ought to undertake
His supporters have always contended
that in his delicate state of health he
should confine his attention and labors to
matters which might get to maturity at
least before he departed. Instead of ac-
cepting their advice, he has spread him
self on series of policies which would
make the most vigorous ruler or diplo-
mat shudder to contemplate.
When his friends protested and pointed
out that his health had never been sound
that he was endangering practical inter-
ests in taking up others which the flu
ture to look after, that he must
not expect to live far beyond 20, he has
secuted their warnings and worked away
at the most venturesome enterprises as
if ne had the secret of an earthly immor-
tality.
Ali Rome knows and smiles at the
pope's reason for his supposed impru-
dence. They 60 not smile as readily as
they used, since time is backing up his
faith in the prophecy that was made con-
corning his reign seventeen years ago.
The pope relies on a prophecy to carry
him up to q certain date. Devout Cath
olics accept such a prediction if IT be made
by the right sort of prophet, and will acqmt
the pope of superstition. Others may act
differently
When Pious TX was approaching his end
there was the usual speculation as to his
probable successor. The present pope was
then the Cardinal Pecci, chamberlain of
the vatican, not in favor with the Romans
or the pope and popularity supposed, from
his fragile appearance, to have consump-
ton. He was noted as a student and a
lover of the Thomistic philosophy, and he
stood faint chances of becoming pope, such
a chance as Tom Reed has Of becoming
The favorites in the field were Car
dinals Bilio and Franohi. At that time
there lived in Rome an old and sanity
priest known as Padre Philippe. He
worked miracles, led a laborious life
among the poor and was sought far and
near by the sick and the Wretched for
help in all forms of human suffering
His superior said TO him one day, be-
tween Jest and earnest: Padre Philippe,
who will be our next popeg With sew
eral brothers Of the community the two
were recreating in the convent garden
Padre Philippe answered with prompt
ness and simplicity, although he was
the humblest and least pretensious of
men: Cardinal Pecci Will be the next
pope, and he will reign twenty years"
There was an immediate protest from
ALL Come, now, Padre Philippe, can't
you do better than that? Who is there
that does not know how poor are the
cardinals chances? And then he has con-
sumption"
II know nothing but that he will be
pope and will reign twenty years" was
the only remark that could be got from
the priest in reply to raillery and inquiry
When II became known that Padre Phil
ippo had prophesied in Cardinal Pecci's
favor. the diplomatic corps began to study
his chances closely.
When, in 1878, Plus TX. died and Car
dinal Pecci entered upon the active du-
ties of the Office of chamberlain, he took
charge OF the vatican made the officiai
and formal examination Of the dead pope
by tapping his forehead with a gold ham
mer in the presence of high state Off
Gals, and then announced his decease 10
the world. He practically represented the
papacy during the interregnum. saw 10
the arrangements for the conclave which
was TO elect the next pope, and did ali
with so much spirit and confidence as 10
surprise the people. who had thought of
him as a languid consumptive.
He went into the cOnclave with hts
brother cardinals. As most people know.
each cardinal ard his secretary have =
room to themselves and the entire BODY
are shut up in one section Of the palace
in such way that no one can reach