Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-26
MAY FOLLOW DEL VAL
MGR. KENNEDY LEADING CAN
DIDATE FOR THE POSITION.
Reasons Why an American is Prefer
red for Post Of Papal Secre-
tary of State.

AS stated exclusively in The Star last
week. Cardinal Merry del Val, papal sec
rotary of state, has been permanently APP
pointed secretary of apostolic briefs, and
advices received from Rome confirm the ru-
NOR that he, willingly or unwilinely must
retire from his post of secretary of state
In fact, on this very point the more promi-
nent preates of the Catholic Church are
already considering del Walls successor 1t
is the general belief among the members of
the sacred college that English-speaking
cardinal will eventually be chosen to fill
that diplomatic post. SO far. according to
all indications, Mgr. Kennedy, rector of
the American College at Rome and a per-
son of eminent talents, is the favorite can
didate for the important position.
Mgr. Kennedy is at present in this coun-
try, making tour what appears to be
a secret mission, and only recently finished
a visit of several weeks in New York
where he was detained on important bust
ness connected with church matters and
interests
The conjectures surrounding Mgr Ken
nedy's appointment seem to be substantial
ed by recent admissions made by the pope
who has expressed wish for an English
speaking churchman. The holy needs
today man who is at home with the con-
ditions obtaining in Great Britain. the
United States, Canada and Australia In
tdCH oI WHICH countries NalUOllclSln is al
ways on the Increase, and forms an import
ant support of the church of Rome
Again, it is said by those who know,
that Cardinal del Val understands English,
but does not know either American life or
customs; for which reason he cannot ana
lyze the exact needs of the legations in
this country AS the Catholics here offer
what may be termed n substantial support
to the church, it has become necessary, ac-
cording to the news received, to appoint
cardinal in harmony with them, and the
preference Is for an American.
A prominent Washington Catholic priest
when told of the proposed changes, de-
clared it to be his belief that sooner or
later Cardinal del Val must resign. He
did not comment upon the necessity for this
action, and merely stated that it is an evo-
luton of things-a natural sequence. He
asserted also that several Americans
notably Cardinal Gibbons, Archbishop Far
ley and Archbishop Ryan, know of the plan
whereby an American is to be made secre-
tary of state for the Vatican. The In
formant added that the guess at Mgr. Ken
nedys appointment would be a good one.
Such selection. he said, would result in
more harmony between church interests
and English-speaking nations But IL was
pointed out that such an appointment might
retard the comforting of red hat upon
Mgr. Ireland archbishop of ST. Paul; be-
cause Mgr. Kennedy is protege of Cardi-
nal Gibbons. who recommended him in 1895
at the time when a successor for Father
O'Connell was to be found Now Father
O'Connell is at the head of the Catholic
University in this city.
According to well-known churchmen, Car
dinal Gibbons influence in the sacred col
lege Is unusually great, and as his opinions
are not always in sympathy with those of
the bishop of ST. Paul, 1t Is believed that
the latter may eventually lose in gaining
the red hat.
Mgr. Kennedy. the leading candidate for
the cardinalate. is fifty years Of age, speaks
French German and English; is cultured,
and understands the characteristics Of vari-
Gus peoples 1t was added that in naming
him to the diplomatic chair of the holy see
the religo political relations with France
would not be changed.