The Irish standard., 1903-07-18

| uSe OF IL lie Went to Il jesuit SC0OOl
a college at Rome. 1t was here he
distinguished himself as Il classical
student; he also took the highest
honors in science, mathematics and
chemistry. He was ordained priest on
December 23rd, 1887, and soon after,
Gregory XVI, seeing in him the many
qualities Of a great diplomat appoint
ed him Apostolic Delegate ut Beneven-
to. Though overrun by outlaws and
bandits, many of whom had the pro-
lection Of the nobility, he set about
restoring order and good government,
and it was not until those in authority
recognized in him a man whose sense
of duty could not be tempered with,
that order was restored. In 1913 he
was made Nuncio Mt Brussels, and
later transferred to Perugia as arch
bishop. 1t was here he distinguished
himself as a great leader OF the
Church. He founded schools, colleges
and hospitals. In 1853 Plus IN made
him u cardinal, and in 1877 Cardinal
Pecci was appointed CARDINAL Cham
berlain, an office that distinguishes the
incumbent from all other dignitaries Of
the Church and makes him pope during
the interregnum. On the death Of
Pope Plus TX, in 1878, Cardinal Pecci
was made Supreme Pontiff in the 6Sth
year Of his age. While Pope Leo, as
Archbishop and Cardinal, displayed
wonderful executive ability in hand
ling affairs of state and was especially
noted for his profound knowledge Of
science and letters, it was not until
he became pope that he surprised even
those who knew him best. The rela-
tons of the Church with many of the
European countries at this time, were
anything but friendly. France, Bel
GUM and Germany were not on
diplomatic relations with the Vatican,
and here was u problem for the new
pontitf to solve. The controversies
that had antagonized the King Of Bel
GUM, he proceeded to settle, and he
did settle them, not by force, but by
patience and good judgment. He then
turned his attention to Germany,
which Prince Bismarck held in the
palm OF his hand, and though the
Iron Chancellor" swore he would
never go to Canossa," the day soon
came when Pope Leo was graciously
requested to arbitrate the dispute be-
! tween Germany and Spain over the
Caroline Islands. So well did he per-
form the duty requested Of him that
both the German and Spanish govern
ments expressed themselves us highly
pleased with the result, and to-day
Rome has no more warm friends in
Europe than Germany. This, Emperor
William recently demonstrated on his
visit to Rome, when, lest he should
offend his holiness, lie had his own
private horses and carriages shipped
to the Eternal City, that he might
thus drive to the Vatican independent
OF the King of Italy. The emperor's
visit with his holiness was marked by
a warm personal greeting on the part
of both, and more than once did the
ly pleased with his visit to the Nati-
can. The change Of government in
France from monarchy to repub-
lie brought up many unpleasant and at
the same time many unexpected re-
verses for the Church, and even to-day
the condition of affairs is anything but
hopeful. The suppressing of the mon
asic bodies was cruel piece of legis.
lation, but in the face of all these
prosecutions the sovereign pontiIf was
silent, for he hoped to triumph with
patience rather than force. In spite
of all he kept ON friendly terms with
the president of the republic, who
gladly consented to act as bearer of
the cardinals hat sent by his holiness
to Mons Rotelli. Notwithstanding the
present unsatisfactory condition of
affairs in France, there is little doubt
but Pope Leo, if sufficient time were
allotted him, would harmoniZc matters
in France as he did in Germany, but
that onerous duty will fall upon the
shoulders of his successor. No nation
in the world to-day looks with more
anxious eye upon the outcome of the
pope's illness than does America. No
country occupied a place nearer Lco's
heart than the United States. More
than once has he said America is my
joy lie was always proud Of this
great country of ours and we'll he
might, for no country has showed such
remarkable progress in matters Of re-
ligon as has this. When it appeared
that there was bound to be friction be.
tween Church and state in the Philip
pines, his mastery hand showed itself
and so quickly was an understanding
arrived ut, that we at home here were
surprised. During his pontificate, Lee
XIII has elevated the papacy far
above the plane of the greatest king
dom of the world. The power of the
Church is to-day felt in all lands and
respected by all, not the power that
military force carries with it. but the
weight and influence that justice and
RIGHT always command. Mr., justin