The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-08-05
IN THE sIsTINE CHAPEL.
How the New Pope Received the News
of His Election.

ROME, Aug 4.-The scene inside the Vat
lean following the election of the Pope
was less interesting, though not so
tumultuous the scene outside. While
Prince CHICO. the master of the conclave,
was drawing up the official act of the cleo
ton and acceptance of the newly-elected
Pope, the latter, surrounded by his friends,
disappeared into a small room near the
altar, where he donned, who can say with
what feelings of triumph and humility, the
white robes of his office. Plus X was as
sisted by his conclavist, who first knelt
and kissed his masters hand and thus re-
ceived the first apostolic blessing given
by Plus X.
The~new Pope was attired all In white
with the exception of red shoes, which
was quite regular, but he did not stop to
remove the red cardinal stockings for the
white papal ones, and these showed as he
raised his gown to move forward. When he
was quite robed the secretary of the con-
clave. Monsignor Merry del Val, kneeling,
offered him the papal white cap, amidst
breathess silence He did not follow the
precedent created by Pope Leo, who de-
clined to give his red cap to the master of
ceremonies as a sign that he would soon
be created cardinal, but with a slight
smile Sarto took the white cap placed
it calmly on his head, and dropped the red
one lightly on the head of Monsignor Merry
del Val amid murmur of approval. This
is taken as a certain indication that the
happy recipient is soon to be raised to the
cardinalate.
AS the new Pontiff stepped from behind
the altar. the only touch of color about
MIN being his red and gold shoes, he
really seemed to be the embodiment of his
holy office. His face was pale and clearly
softened by emotion. He paused a moment
as he came before the expectant cardinals
then seated himself on the throne, with a
hurried movement, as though he had sud-
denly grown weak His back was to the
altar and he was enthroned to serve the
so-called First obedience of the cardinals
They came forward, one by one, some calm
and smiling, others sober and noncommit-
tai, while still others found considera BILE
difficulty even at this hour in concealing'
their too obvious disappointment. All kissed
his hand and foot, while he saluted each
on the cheek with the kiss of peace. Then
all broke into the tie Deum' with such eff
feet that scarcely an eve was dry.
Plus X then arose, ana in a voice at first
tremulous, but gradually becoming full and
firm, administered the papal blessing to all
of the members of the Sacred College. 1t
was received with bowed and uncovered
heads. Tie fiShermans ring, not having
yet been found, a new one designed by
Camerlengo Oreglia was placed on the
Pontiff's finger as symbol of renewed
church has once more sovereign head.
Sarto bore himself with becoming dignity,
and gave no outward sign of eXultation in
this, the supreme moment of his life.
In the meanwhile masonS and carpenters
| had been busy breaking down doors so that
the cardinal deacons, together with the
master of ceremony and conclavists and
| many others might proceed to the balcony
of ST. Peters. Slowly Cardinal Macchi,
secretary of the congregation of apostolic
briefs, advanced and announced in a loud
| voice the election of Cardinal Sarto. Fol-
| lowing is liberal translation of the an
nouncement, which was made in Latin: Il
announce to you with great pleasurel that
we have elected as Pope the Most Eminent
Reverend Cardinal Joseph Sarto, who has
| taken the name of Plus X.
| Then the bells of st. Peters doomed out,
| as did those of all the churches of Rome,
giving the glad news to the world.
As Cardinal Macchi returned to the Sis
| tine Chapel, after having performed his
plus duty, the new Pope arose and another
\ effort to make some kind of a procession
| was made. but Puius Y was literally car
great concourse and preceded by the cross.
| He was stopped every step or two by those
anxious to kiss his ring and receive the
papal blessing. which Sarto accorded with
| great benignity and patience.
AS the new Pope passed along many of
| those present tried to prove that they had
always known what the result would be
and how satisfied they all were: why. of
gathered / always said Ii would be he" If
| any of these compliments reached the ears
| of the Pontiff he gave no Sign thereof.
When he arrived at the door OF his cell the
Pope turned. and, raising his bands. gave
| in voice almost suffocated with emotion,
| his benediction to the assembly. which re-
/ ceived il on Bonded knees.
| After short rest, imposed by the fatigue
and emotion of his election, Plus Y joined
/ his court at the ducal hall for the solemn
benediction which he was about to give to