Omaha daily bee., 1906-09-09
For Many Years BE Was Professor in
GregOrian University.
RECOGNIZED AUTHORITY ON CANON LAW
He is the Author Of Many Books Dealing
with Profound Questions
TWO BALLOTS NECESSARY TO CHOICE
Pope Expresses Great Satisfaction
over Result of Election, De-
clarinE New General just
Fitted for Place.

ROME, Sept. s-Francis Xavier wernz, a
German, was today elected general of the
society by the congregation of the Society
of Jesus in succession to the late Father
Martin, who died last May.
Following the election a messenger was
Immediately dispatched to the Vatican to
inform the pope of the choice, which, to
become effective, requires the papal sane
ton.
Although the strictest secrecy was OBJ
served 1t Is learned that two ballots were
taken before the final choice was made.
The announcement that a new general of
the order had been chosen was communi-
Gated to the outer world by the ringing
of bell, which was the signal that the
meeting was at an end. Formal announce
ment of the election was then made to the
record of the college and Father Alfred
Maertens, procurator general of the Jesuits,
went to the Vatican to inform Pope Plus
of the society's choice. The pontiff ex-
pressed great satisfaction over the selec-
ton Of Father Wernz 'He is just the
man fitted for the position said the pore
when he had heard the message brought by
Father Maertens. He charged Father
Maertens to take to General Wernz the
apostolic benediction and also an affec-
tionate letter of greeting which he wrote
to the new general
Father Wernz's comment upon his elec-
ton, according to a story which came from
the council chamber, was; God, am not
worthy but Thy VIII and that of st. Igna-
titus be DONE
No time has yet been fixed for the cleo
tion of assistants to the general and OF
other officers, including a secretary.
Career of New General.
Father Francis Xavier wernz was born
at Rothwell, Wurtemburg, on December 2,
1912. and at the age Of 50 years entered the
society of which he. today was chosen
head. After a long course of preparatory
work he took up the study OF canon law
at Dittan hall and in. 1888 received an ap-
pointment as professor in the Gregorian
university. He also has been rector of the,
university since 1904. In 1897 Father Wernz
began the publication of a series of books
dealing with the most profound questions
OF canon law. -Four volumes of this work
already have been published. He is a con-
sulting member OF the congregation coolest
astic, extraordinary affairs and index coun-.
ell. ,ss t-4 re- .
1t is predicted that the choice OF Father
WernE as general of the Company OF Jesus
will RESULT in the infusion Of new life into
the organization. He is recognized In
church as progressive man, of present
day ideas and extremely energetic.
New qrban Delegate.
Mgr. Aversa. apostolic delegate to Cuba.
today was consecrated titular archbishop
OF s&rdi at Castle Gandolfo by Cardinal
Merry del Val. the pspal secretary Of state,
assisted by Mgr. Kennedy, rector of
the American college and the American
students.
Interest in todays function was height
ened by a recently announced decision Of
anti-clerical societies to make a demon
stration today against Cardinal Merry del
Val and the policy of the Vatican. The po-
lice interfered with the proposed arrange
ment to the extent OF forcing the demon
strators TO hold their meeting in private
and the ceremony at Castle Gandolfo was
marked by no outward incident.