The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-07-21
AN INTELLECTUAL LEADER.
Father wymne Reviews the FOpe's influence
ON Literature and Science.


LEO XIII. had not finished the first half
year Of his pontificate when he manifested
his purpose Of influencing the mind OF his
age, not merely by contributing his famous
encyclicals to it's literature, but much more
by laboring to promote the study Of letters
OF science throughout the Catholic world
said the Rev. John j. Wynne, s. j., editor
Of the Messenger of the Pope few days ago.
AS early as Aug. 4, 1879, recommending
to the heads and professors Of Catholic
institutions Of learning the study Of st.
Thomas. he declared that his motive was
to stop useless contention among them,
and to enable them in turn to satisfy all
that there need be no so-called warfare
between science and religion. He deplored
ignorance of one or the other as the cause Of
a seeming disagreement, and invited all
to study both thoroughly 80 as to reconcile
them and to build upon the established
facts OF science a sound philosophy. which
alone would support and recommend
reasonable theological teachings
Within one year he returned to this sub
ject at least Ave times, notably when ad-
dressing a party OF Catholic scientists on
May 7, 1880. reminding them that all error
is due to a neglect Of thoroughness in soien-
tito research and in philosophical inquiry.
Time and again he has repeated this senti-
ment, scarce year passing without some
document to the heads OF seminaries and
the faculties in Catholic universities about
the Importance Of combining careful literary
study with strict scientific investigation.
Literature was his own pastime. and 1t
Is scarcely news to us that the ruling pas
sion for poetry was asserting itself In death.
Cordial with all who were admitted to an
audience. he was particularly 40 with edi-
tors, writer's, scientists, and all who had
devoted their mental powers to the benefit
oftheir fellow men. Fy opening the Vatican
library in 1899, he made Rome a resort for
scholars, and by his counsel ON that occa
SION to every historian not to dare utter
anything false. nor conceal anything true.
nor show the slightest suspicion Of bias OF
animosity,' no has helped to reverse the
saying that history is conspiracy against
the truth.
Men like Pastor Dom Gas ouet. Ehrie,
Denifet arc the fruit of this encourage
ment to historians. BY assisting aroha-
ologists such az AlibraDdi. Viscouti ana
De Rossi. he has given an impetus to the
scientific exploration Of antiquity, not IN
Rome only, but elsewhere in Italy, and
in the East az we'll.
Nothing seemed to escape his atten ton;
frequently he inveighed against sentj-
mental or slovenly style Of pLeaching.
insisting that young candidates for the
ministry should be trained vigorously In
a solid and dignifed pulpit oratory.
1T amazes one to recall the activity with
which he devoted his attention to the foun-
dation and advancement Of Catholic uni
ersities. seminaries and schools Of every
de gree He was always eager to have
young men come TO Rome for their studies.
| and numerous are the foundations there
which owe their existence TO his enter
prise and munifcence.
Far reaching, also. in their influence.
| were his creations Of higher tn Biological
| faculties in Paris and Goulouse, the academy
| OF Mgr. d'Hulst in Paris, grouping together
| eminent Catholic scientists for the study
of history, science, philosophy, mathe-
matics, criticism and theology; and not
least in Importance his regulations enabling
| Catholic young men in England, under
| due restriction. to avail themselves of the
! advantages of Oxford and Cambridge
without detriment to their faith.
Finally, Leo XIII. revised the famous
Index. TO record what this means for
| the benefit OF true literature and science
would be impossible here. Suffice it TO
say that no influence in literature or science
is so beneficial or 80 potent AZ that which
| safeguards the writer from error and nsures
| the reader against reading which might
| be pernicious to religion and morals. No
Roman Pontiff has surpassed Leo XIII,
| in his zeal for the intellectual as well as for
| the spiritual progress Of the Church.