Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-31
RED HAT MAY Be GIVEN
TO BISHOP KENNEDY
Pope Holds Rector of Ameri-
can College in Highest
Esteem.

PHILADELPHIA, December Ottoman
Catholic clergymen in this city and men,
bers of the laity in touch with diocesan
affairs are looking daily for an announce
ment from Rome of the selection of
Bishop Thomas F. Kennedy, rector of the
American College at Rome, to be cardi-
nal The bishop is now on his annual
Christmas visit to his parents in Con-
shohocken He celebrated pontifica1 mass
Sunday in the Church of st. John the
Evangelist, on 18th street above Chest
nut. in the presence of Archbishop Prem
dergast and a number of priests.
The expectation is that Pope Plus will
name Bishop Kennedy cardinal in the
curia. There is now no American rep
resentative in the curia, which is vir-
tually the ruling power Of the Roman
Catholic Church under the direction of
the Pope While the four American car
dinals are, of course, members of the
College of Cardinals and have a vote
each in the selection Of a Pope. they do
not hold seats in the curia.
Rector for Ten Years.
Bishop Kennedy has been rector of the
American College for more than ten
any other rector. There was time when
six years was the maximum length of
service in the rectorship, and the fact
that Bishop Kennedy has already served
such an extended term has been due en-
tirely to the desire of Pope Plus to keep
the bishop in as close touch as possible
with American affairs at Rome.
1t is generally conceded that Bishop
conditions as they affect the pontifical
see than any Catholic ecclesiastic in
Rome. He is close to Pope Plus, and it
is known that the counsel of Bishop
Kennedy is almost always sought by the
Vatican when there is under discussion
any question relating to American af-
fairs Because of this knowledge it is
conceded that the Pope is anxious to
have Bishop Kennedy devote much of
his time as possible to working out the
problems of this country at the Vatican.
Work Successful.
Bishop Kennedy has done more to up
build the American College at Rome than
any other clergyman who ever held the
rectorship. 1t was due largely to his eff
forts that the institution was remodeled
several years ago. that several new prop
critics were purchased as additions to the
college, and that the institution has
reached a higher standard than ever be-
fore in it's history. There are more stu
dents at the college now than at any
time in its history. and the general high
standard which it has reached in the edu-
cational life of the church is credit to
the untiring efforts of Bishop Kennedy.
The Pope has frequently recognized the
work of Bishop Kennedy and has con-
ferred upon him several distingu shed
honors The last of these was his crea-
ton as titular Bishop of Adrianopolis.
Recognizes America.
The Pope has recognized the Importance
of American affairs In their relation to
the Vatican-a fact which was evidenced
when he recently named three new cardi-
nails here. Archbishops Farley of New
York, O'Connell of Boston and Falconio.
the apostolic delegate at Washington.
Bishop Kennedy has for several years
been what might be termed the American
mOuthpiece at Rome. He had no voice in
the curia, not being a cardinal, but his
advice and suggestions have been sought
eagerly by the Pope.
1t has been brought to the attention of
those who are in position to know that
the Pope is anxious that Bishop Kennedy
shall not only give his counsel to the
holy father I'm American matters, but that
he shall also have voice in the working
out of the problems affecting his home
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