The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1904-07-23

subordinate all individual interests whether of the
pastor of the members of the flock to the higher
interests of the flock whole. Whilst. then, the
Church defends its right to judicial independence
and liberty III the way in which 1T has been do
ing, being of itself unable to find any better way.
on the day when one better equally good one
will be found 1t may be assumed that the Church
will do without the civil principally and viii not
regret the loss as If 1t diminished lis strength or
dignity.
We do not know what the relations between the
writer and the Holy Father may be, or whether the
views OF His Holiness be exactly brought out 1T
appears to us, however that such an article would
scarcely be published in journal which as is we'll
known, usually speaks for the Holy See in at least
an unofficial sense were the sentiments 1T expresses
at variance with those OF the Holy Father. If it
conveys his mind, its Importance cannot well be
overestmated, for it opens up page in the
history of the Catholic Church. Practically the
attitude of the writer towards the temporal power
of the Papacy is this That it was designed by
Providence for the advancement OF Christianity
and civilization. but that now, except for the pur
pose OF guaranteeing the Churchs liberty and in
dependence the necessity for it has ceased I'm other
words His Holiness only seeks to be guaranteed
the freedom and independence essential for the
discharge of his exalted duties. The actual terms
upon which such an arrangement may be concluded
is for His Holiness to fix definitely. 1t IS pretty
clear that he Is anxious to be generous a. pos
sible towards the Italian monarchy, and that if the
king IS prepared to enter into negotiations, me will
find His Holiness both cOuciIiatory and moderate
But it is manifest that something more than an
agreement with the King of Italy IS contemplated
The Catholic Church Is q world wide organic
ton The Pontif's subjects are to be found in every
country. and his freedom to make provision for
their spiritual welfare l. a matter which concerns
all rulers. A guarantee Of international character
is accordingly needed.
The vast change i'll ecclesiastical policy whereof
this article may perhaps be regarded as the turn
ing point Will. we feel sure cause no misgiviHe+
either to the ecclesiastical authorities or 10 the
Catholic faithful throughout the world. True, the
Popes as temporal rulers performed splendid work
for the world, breaking down feudal tyranny and
asserting the power OF the people. As Nlllemaln
somewhere remarks the ineradicdblG liberty OF the
human spirit availed itself of the tiara In order To-
fight against material forces. But great as Is the
work that was accomplished, the side lights which
history casts the events connected with it arc
not all of a kind to pride There are huuili-
ating episodes, such as the attempt of French mon
archs to make Popes during their stay at Avignon
the instruments of their policy I'm the future the
power of the Church Will be all the purer because
it will be entirely spiritual and free from the dro,s
which inevitably clings to whatever IS human. And
the thoroughly the Catholic church prepares
itself for becoming a greater spiritual power than
it is or has been the better viii 1t be for and
for humanity In noteworthy article which he
contributed week so ago to the Daily Chronicle.
and which has provoked good deal of correspond
ence the Rev. DR.. Barrey deplored the tendency
to unbeIief which Is so evident in modern days.
Undoubtedly the outlook is not satisfactory. But
amidst all the infdelity of the present time there
is a restessness betokening a desire for faith.
Through neglect of religious practices, careless
ness, Indifference and intellectual pride men nave
lapsed into Naturasm but all the time their hearts
keep calling for the consolation of religion and
the hope it begets. Sooner or later many of them
will obey its promptngs and when they once turn
- Il
their allegiance is the strong, united independent,
fearless Catholic church