The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-12
INTERVIEW WITH SATOLLI.
Former American Apostolic Delegate
Tells of the POpe's Wishes.

ROME, July I.-Cardinal Satolli received
a representative of the Associated Press at
the palace of Ste John Lateran this after
noon, and in the course of an interesting
conversation confirmed the report that the
Pope had recently expressed a wish to be
buried in the magnificent Lateran basilica,
which has been under Cardinal Satollrs
charge since his return from the United
States. In the library where the. cardinal
received the reports were displayed a num-
Der of souvenirs of his stay in America
and also some rare religious works of art,
personal mementoes of Pope Leos cordial
friendship for him.
II saw his Holiness only last night" said
the cardinal, and he was very, very weak
He has begun to lose the power of enunciat-
ing his words clearly, and his tongue seems
to have some strange impeachment, but his
mind continues to be perfectly clear, and he
does not appear to have any realization
of the gravity of his case. For instance,
the Congregation of Rites. over which the
Pope presides had fixed a time for consid-
ering the question of the canonization of
Joan of Arc. The Holy Father kept this in
mind, and, Notwithstanding his Condition.
sent for Amici, his secretary, and directed
him to have the meeting temporarily put or
saying he greatly regretted not being able
To meet the congregation at the appointed
time next Tuesday, but he would certainly
be able to meet the congregation soon."
Cardinal Satoli cited this incident as
showing that the Pontiff regarded his illness
as one from which he would recover. at
least sufficiently to resume the direction of
important questions of church policy. But,
after mentioning the matter, the Cardinal
shook his head mournfully, and said he felt
fully satisfied that the Holy Father could
not live more than a few days longer.
Although his mind is perfectly clear and
wonderfully vigorous" the cardinal added,
the Pontiff's outward evidence of strength
is deceptive and is in reality due to the un-
remitting use of powerful stimulants, chief
ly caffeine; indeed, the constant admins
tration Of stimulants practically sustains
his strength and life at this time, and i'm
mediately after the effect of the stimulants
passes away he relapses into extreme
weakness. This is due, in part to the Pc
culiar sensitiveness of the Holy Fathers
nerves, which almost instantly respond to
artificial stimulants and at the same time
Immediately collapse after these stimulants
are withdrawn"
The cardinal was asked whether the Pope
made testamentary request regarding his
final resting place, and he replied Eyes:
but that was some time ago. A year ago
when he made his will he expressed the de.
sire that after he had rested the usual pc
riod of one year at st. Peters that his final
resting place should be here at the Church
of st. John Lateran. Then 1 saw the Holy
Father a short time before this sickness
ing with earnestness that he wished to re-
pose here, but endeavored to dismiss such
gloomy thoughts from his mind by telling
him there was no need Of considering such
a thing at that time
Cardinal Satoli then spoke of his stav in
America and his black eyes snapped with
real satisfaction as he referred to the slight
GOODNESS which occurred in certain quarters
when he first arrived in the United states
and how, later, his coming was more gen,
orally and agreeaby welcomed He smoke
which he had been called upon to solve and
seemed gratifed with the results achieved
II always like to see Americans" he re-
marked, land when they are good enough
TO say they want me to come again 70
America I assure them that II is my earnest
hope 10 do SO, but ii is very difficult for ms
with our duties in Rome. to take such trips.
Still l sincerely nope to see America