Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-22
CARDINAL RAMPOLLA.
One of the Most Prominent Figures In
Affairs at the Vatican.


Rampolla, cardinal secretary of state,
has figured a great deal in the newspapers
lately Sprung from a noble Sicilian fam
lily, he is now fifty-seven years of age. Ac-
cording to the Tablet he is of tall, straight
and well-proportioned figure, with black
hair slightly streaked with gray, dark COM
plexion and mild, dark eyes, to which
dropping eyeids give pensive expression.
His step is firm and elastic, in spite of a
somewhat nervous temperament. The
Italian liberals do not like him. He is
their bette noire the embodiment in their
eyes of intransigenza, or extreme OPPOSE
ton to the pretensions of the Italian gov
eminent. He has his enemies also within
the Catholic body, men who are not pleased
with the policy he represents, who think
his conduct of public affairs and of rela-
tons with foreign governments has not
been without fault.
Perhaps it is not to be wondered at that
who has occupied such a commanding
and public position for thirteen years con-
tinuously should be subjected to severe
and often uncharitable criticism. But the
cardinal goes quietly and steadily on his
way, needless of the hubbub of disparage-
ment and content with the approval of the
sovereign pontiff whose minister he Is
There is no doubt that his influence with
the pope is very great. The holy father is
over ninety years of age, and bright as ms
1acultleS are ne must UepeUu very uiuIu
on the counSels of those about him in the
mana gement of the many and complicated
affairs which demand his attention. Cardi-
nal Rampolla sees him more than any other
cardinal, lives by his side and has auul-
ence nearly every day.
His chief charge is to act as minister OF
foreign affairs, to receive Ambassadors,
send papal instructions to nunclos ana
delegates, and see that the same are car
ried out Through him submitted to
the holy see the names and qualifications
of candidates for the episcopate IN coun-
tries not subject to propaganda. Through
his office protectorateS of religious lnStl-
tutes are assigned to cardinals, consulters
of Roman congregations are appointed and
many pontifical favors in forma gratlosa
are granted. The cardinal is also president
of the committee for the administration OF
the property of the holy see.
These manifold duties open out a large
field of work, and Cardinal Rampolla is an
indefatigable worker. He has not been one
day absent from Rome since he took up the
duties of his present office. He rises early
in the morning and devotes the first hours
of the day to meditation, mass and prayer
His worst enemies will allow that he is
man of great piety Amid all the dstrac-
lions of the secular cares of his once ne
has preserved the priestly spirit is regu-
lar in his visits to the blessed sacrament
and devoted to prayer.
About 10 a M almost every morning he Is
cIoseted with the holy father, from whom
he hides nothing, and without whose APP
prevail he does not take single step. Inc
under secretary of state awaits MN with
a Voluminous mass of correspondence at
the close of his audience. When this has
been dealt with he gives audience himself
for one or two hours. Tuesday and FRIDAY
are reserved for the reception of members
of the diplomatic corps. On other days,
both morning and evening, his ante cham
Der shows goodly number of visitors.
both ecclesiastics and laymen, awaiting
turn to bring before him various matters Of
business.