The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1903-08-08
LE0rS SUCCESSOR Plus K.

Gods will is fulfilled The Holy Ghost,
through the cardinals of the Sacred College, elc-
waited the patriarch of Venice to the head of the
church militant. Cardinal Sarto-Pius Ms the
chosen successor of Leo XIII, of blessed memory
Few had in mind the patriarch of Venice
the to be elected 1t is almost certain that no
thought of the dignity to fall to his lot crossed
the mind of the Venetian cardinal when he set out
for the conclave, nor while the ballots were being
counted, Rather did he hunby expostuate with
the cardinals who congratulated him and insisted
that it was the will Of Providence he should
cept. Then, IN voice broken with emotion: IF
this cup cannot pass from me-" The same words
that uplifted the voice in the Garden of
Olives. The same resignation to the will
of the Father that the PROSTATE Christ expressed
in his agony Il do accept" Thereupon the patri-
arch of Venice, fulfilling the law of the conclave,
became the head of the church. How like the choos-
ing of Cardinal Pecci for the ponti6cate all this
seemed
No one can accurately forecast what the future
of the church may develop under Plus y. Like
his predecessor, he enters upon his career with
scarcely anything to distinguish him from others
in the Sacred College whose names were not men
fame extended beyond the domain of current church
history. 1t is in the individuality of the pom
tiff we must stake our hopes; the individuality
that expands to opportunity and grasps the trend
of spiritual progress VIII Plus X broaden this
individuality as did the humble Leo when called by
the Holy Ghost! Will he be a pope to win the
respect of sovereigns, to the fidelity of Gods
priests and the loyalty of all Catholics One
glance at his noble face, full of character, an
swers the question.
We are told that the patriarch of Venice was
noted for his learning and piety rather than his
politics. That speaks we'll for the new pope Learn
ing and piety were the distinguishing features of
his predecessor, the merits that obtained to make
the church the ideal of its founder. Fortified with
these graces, Plus X will be enabled to wisely steer
the bark of Peter upon the sea of politics, advs-
ing the people and admonishing their rulers. Who
knows: He may yet be the arbiter chosen by the
nations TO adjust grave questions and avoid war.
The representative of the Prince of Peace upon
earth, who better than the pope could sit in judg-
ment and bring surcease TO political vexations?
We are almost certain the new pope will not be
embarrassed by the old trouble which existed be-
tween the Quirinal and the Vatican. The devotion
of the house of Savoy was emphasized during the
closing hours of the last pontiff. Leo failed not
to mention it in words ever to be remembered by
the Piedmontese king, With Sarto as pope, recon-
citation is inevitable. The church will wax strong
without temporal power with it. 1t is not an
article of faith. 1t is merely matter Of expedi-
ency, the wisdom of which is doubted by many
American Catholics The question of temporal
power will settle itself.
Americans Catholics especially, cannot help re-
iocing the election of pope whose very first
words expressed affection for America, and whose
first act as pontiff was the reception of American
pilgrims to Rome. II love the Americans" said |
he, who are the blooming youth of Catholicism. |
Convey to all of them how gladly [ impart my
apostolic blessing to the whole country"
With grateful hearts oh Supreme Pontiff do
We accept thy blessing, pledgng loyalty to the
Holy Church and to thy person, even SHOULD all of
Europe be against thee