The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-11
The Dispute Between the Pope and
81 France.


In q White Book" the Vatican has
published twenty-four documents relat-
ing to the rupture of diplomatic relations
between France and the Papacy. The
French Government by way Of defend
ing its course, had protested to publish
these papers, but it suppressed an i'm
portant despatch from Cardinal MERRY
DEL VAL which puts an entirely different
light on the proceedings, a knowledge
OF which is essential to a correct under
standing Of the Pope's position. The
document should receive careful atten-
ton, in view Of the, deep interest with
which the proposed abolition OF the Con-
cordat between the Vatican and France
Is regarded throughout Catholic Chris
tendon.
Upon the case Of the Bishop Of Dion
IL is unnecessary to dwell, for that prel-
ate has obeyed the orders of the Holy
See, and has gone to Rome to explain
the conduct which caused the students
Of the seminary in his diocese to refuse
to receive ordination at his hands. 1t
was Mgr. GEAY, Bishop Of Laval, who
by his recalcitrant attitude toward the
Vatican brought about the breach Of
diplomatic relations with France. The
documents in his case begin with letter
addressed to him in January, 1900, by
Cardinal PARoCCHI, then Secretary Of
the Holy Office, in which the Bishop was
informed that he would promote the
cause of religion by resigning. Within
a week the desired resignation was
rendered but subsequently it was coupled
with the condition that he should be
transferred to another see As the
objection to him was personal, the con-
dition could not be accepted. Not until
more than four years later, namely, in
May, 1904, was the invitation to resign
repeated by Cardinal VANNUTELaI, who
had become Secretary Of the Holy Office
The Cardinal added that II the request
should not be complied with it would
be necessary to resort to further meas
ures. The Bishop Of Laval showed the
letter to the French Government, which
protested that under the Concordat a
Bishop's powers could neither be con-
ferred nor taken away without its assent
Accordingly, a withdrawal OF Cardinal
VANNUTRLII's letter was demanded, on
the ground that it was q violation Of the
pact binding France and the Holy See.
Thereupon, on June 10, 1904, Cardinal
MERRY DEL VAL, Papal Secretary of
State. wrote long letter to the Nuncio
ut Paris, who submitted the explanation
or the course pursued in the matter by
the Papacy to the French Government.
II is this crucial document which was
suppressed by Premier CoMBEs, when,
with view of justifying his rupture
Of relations with the Vatican, he printed
the other papers relating to the affair.
It is evident from this letter which has
now been published in the white Book, y
that far from contemplating any viola
ton OF the Conoordat, the Vatican pro-
posed to proceed strictly in accordance
with the terms Of that pact. Cardinal
MERRY DEL VAL expressly stated that
the expression, resort to further meas
ures,' used by Cardinal VANNUTELLI,
did not mean, as the French Government
seemed to assume, that II the Bishop of
Laval did not resign, the Congregation
of the Holy Office would, without further
ado. deprive him Of his see, or recur to
other penal proceedings. 1t meant only,
the Papal Secretary Of State explained,
that If resignation was not forth
coming the Sacred Congregation would
be obliged to summon Mgr. GEAY to
Rome. that he might be made fully ac-
duainted with the charges brought against
him, and absolve himself therefrom, IL
possible. Should he fail to exonerate
himself, the Congregation would proceed
to depose him, but with due observance
Of the prescriptions Of the Concordat.
To this. letter no reply was sent by
the French Minister of Foreign Affairs,
and accordingly 1t was assumed at
Rome that the explanations given had
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