The Irish standard., 1907-05-04

what he needed, namely, a young clev-
er prelate versed in the ways of the
world and hence also in diplomacy and
good linguist, vet having the spiritual
good of the Church at heart. The
choice is said to have been unfortu-
nate, especially as Cardinal Merry del
Val is unjustly blamed for not having
averted the Church crisis in France.
But Plus x. is evidently of different
opinion, as he reposes implicit conf
dence in his Secretary of State.
The predominant influence acquired
by Cardinal Ralnpolla during the last
pontificate had created for him many
enemies in the Sacred College. His
unfortunate Francophile policy, which
led to disastrous results even before
the death of Leo XIII, made him lose
prestige among his colleagues, the
French Cardinals included, and his de-
termined opposition to the political
union Of Italy was notorious. .,.........s.
Plus X. as. parish priest. bishop and
Cardinal succeeded in abstaining from
that intransigentism which is charac-
teristic Of the Italian clericalism and
only serves to widen the breach be-
tween Church and State, to the preju-
dice of the true interests of religion
and morality; and as Pope he meant
to initiate new policy, hardly differ
ing from that followed by his predeces-
sor at first, but gradually becoming
characterized and distinguished by the
simple faith. the quiet virtues and the
abundant charity of heart of the son
of the Riesi farmer who was thrust
weeping on the papal throne.
The Popes first step in this direction
was the appointment Of the new Sec
retary Of State. Plus x. remains a
peasant at heart. He has succeeded
as Pope just as he had succeeded as
Patriarch of Venice. His only object
in life is to be good and live like his
| humble forefathers, quietly and simply.
without ostentation. He spends a
great part of his time in prayer. Some
time ago an American prelate forgot
in the Popes library some objects Of
devotion which the Pope had blessed
i during his private audience. The au-
dience was just over, SO the prelate
thought he would return to the library
and get what he had forgotten. The
door was ajar and through the OPEN
ing he saw the Pope on his knees wrap
ped in prayer. The Pope's prayers
were interrupted by chamberlain,
who ushered in more people for the
next audience and who subsequently,
told the prelate that it was the Gus
tom of the Holy Father to spend the
intervals between audiences in prayer.
The Pope is a very busy man. He
rises at g. After a. summary toilet he
goes to his private chapel. where his
chamberlains dress him for the mass
which he celebrates slowly and with
SledC ueFOlloiI. AlleI d. IL u6di pIe
fast he is ready for his days work.
The whole forenoon is spent in audi
ences. that of the Cardinal Secretary
Of State being generally the first.
| Private and public audiences Of
princes, pilgrims and people of note
or Of means follow until 1. sometimes
o'clock. when the Pope has luncheon.
His cook is a Venetian but the cook.
ing is limited to the plainest fare on
account of the Pope's old malady, gout
The Pope is generally in good health
and as a rule the reports about his
ailments are exaggerated, but lest the
doctors task prove sinecure he
cheerfully submits to being dieted
Quite recently, after slight attack of
gout.. when asked about his health the
Pope replied: Thank God I am we'll
but 1 am quite used to the report that
am dying"
After luncheon the Pope walks In
the garden until sunset, when he grants
more audiences, sometimes as late as