The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-07-12

Roman nobleman Of much diplomatic
ability. The chief objection that will be
raised against him Is nepotism, as it would
be expected that his brother, Cardinal
Vincenzo Vannutelli, would become Papal
Secretary Of State. and vast number of
his relatives would receive patronage.
The most important factor in the election
in the influence Of Cardinal kampola, the
Papal Secretary OF State. himself. 1t is
impossible to account for the enemies he
has made in the administration of his diff
cult office. He virtually controls five
Spanish. seven Italian and two French
votes in the conclave. This is practically
the balance of power between any two or
more candidates.
1t is understood that efforts have been
made in the last day or two to harmonize
the Gotti and Rampolla interests, and es-
pecially to remove the French objection
to Gotti. A Spanish Cardinal who is one
Of Rampolla's supporters had long inter-
view with Gotti to-day
A high dignitary interprets the situa-
ton thus: Cardinal Rampolla will sup
port Cardinal Gotti's candidacy under
certain conditions. These will include
the appointment Of Cardinal Rampolla
AZ the head Of the Propaganda. with the
right OF succession to Cardinal Gotti as
Pope. 1t is well known that Cardinal
Rampolla Is tired Of his present place and
will be glad II somebody will take the post
and vindioate him by proving that nobody
could do better with the means at his COM
mand. He is a Secretary Of State with
out ships, without an army and without
weapons OF any kind. Now that threats
in connection with the future life have
ceased to terrorize he is well nigh helpless.
Moreover. there are said to be three
Popes In Rome, the White Pope OF the
Vatican. the Black Pope, who il the head
of the Jesuits. and the Red Pope, who is
the head Of the Propaganda. AS 1t is con-
sidered impossible for Rampolla, who Is
Carmelite, TO become the White Pope. 1t
is said he wishes to become the Red, The
result Of the interview between the Spanish
Cardinal and Gotti has not become known.
There remains one general objection to
the candidates named-their comparative
youth. The Sacred College naturally OBJ
jects to long certificates. The compromise
candidate, should one be necessary, is not
unlikely to be 0reglia, who is SO years old.
and is the only remaining Cardinal created
by Plus TX; or Capecelatro, the Arch
bishop Of Capua, who is nobleman about
80 years old. According to the present
situation, it is the votes OF the foreign
Cardinals which will decide the selection
of the next Pope.
Modern Rome is no less superstitious
than the ancient city. This superstition
finds expression to-day in attempts to fit
the famous prophecy made by St Malachi
in the fifteenth century, when he indi-
Gated the successive occupants Of the
Papal chair with an accuracy which in
some cases has been wonderfully full
filed. Thus Plus TX. was described ~Cross
upon Crosses" and never did Pope have
greater trials. Leo XIII. was designated
by the prophet as "Lumen de Cslo,' and his
armorial bearings are q star. The next
phrase Of tho prophecy is "Ignis Ariens'
The partisans Of Gotti will seek to connect
this with their candidate, inasmuch as hs
is OF the Carmelite order, whose original
home was on Mount Carmel from whose
peak the prophet Elijah went up by whirl-
wind In a chariot OF fire. 1t is interest
ing to note that the famous prophecy fore
Swallowed only four or Ave moro Popes. the
last being indicated by devastation.
The keen interest In tho Papnl succe ssion
leads to curious indiscretions An Eng
lish journalist who was not acquainted
with the strict ethics Of the Church bluntly
asked a certain Cardinal to-day for his
views as to Pope Leo's successor. To
reply to such question would have rem
dered the Cardinal liable to excommunica-
zion.
Sir replied his Eminenoe, in freez-
ing tones. aths choice OF Pope is dictated
by tho Holy Ghost"