The Washington times., 1913-04-09
POPE Plus WEAKER,
PILGRIMS IN PRAYER
Thousands KneeI in st. Peters
to Pray That Head Of Church
May Be Spared.
Continued from First Page.)

but the heart action was more depressed
than last night, and II is this symptom
that gives the most alarm.
The only official statement regarding
the Pope's condition; issued from the
Vatican by Cardinal Merry del Val,
was:
The Pope is suffering from relapse
of the Influenza
The statement of Osservatore Romano,
the official Vatican organ, was little
more satisfactory. 1t said:
Since yesterday evening the holy
father has been indisposed with n re-
lapse of influenza. His condition is
causing no anxiety. but he requires
much rest
1t was learned from most reliable
sources. though, that Pope Plus IS suf-
fering from something more than infiu-
enZa.
Beside the weakened neart condition,
the pontiff Is said to have nephritis.
and an affection of the kidneys akin 10
Bright's disease.
Despite the assurances of the Papal
physicians and Cardinal Merry del Val.
the relapse of the Pope caused the
Rumors that he was dying were fire.
ouent last night and early today. and
the most sanguine felt that his Holiness
would never again give general audi
ences.
Throughout the morning all the car
dinals, who are in Rome, and all am
bassadors and diplomats called at the
Vatican in person and inquired as to
the health of the Pontiff.
While his two sisters. living a square
from the Vatican, were with the Pope
three hours today. Angelo Sarto, his
brother. summoned to the bedside by
telegraph, was hurrying TO Rome on
the fastest train, his present journey
being in great contrast to his last visit
20 the Vatican. when he walked to
Rome.
A pathetic feature of the Pope's ILL.,
ness was the unconscious so!icitude for
his sister, Rosa Sarto, early today. In
moments of delirium he constantly
asked: Rosa, how are you?''
Rosa Sarto, the favorite sister of the
Pope, died several weeks ago Since
her demise her distinguished brother
has suffered the anguish OF a great
sorrow in addition to the mortal pains
Of illness.
although his sisters have warned him
that he must sustain himself by taking
nourishment He drank a little beef
tea for his breakfast.
Pope Plus X, whose family name Is
Giuseppe Joseph) Sarto, was born June
the College of Cardinals upon the death
of Pope Leo XIII in August, 1900.
His titles, besides His Holiness. the
Pope, include the Bishop of Rome and
vicar OF Jesus CnriSt' successor OF Sl
Peter. Prince of the Apostles: Supreme
Pontiff of the Universal Church; Pat.
rIarch of the West: Primate Of Italy
Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Ro.
man Province and Sovereign of the Tenn.
poral Dominions Of the Holy Roman
Church.
He was educated first in the schools
of Riez and then in the seminary at
Padua. Ordained a priest In 1858. he
was a country curate until 1867, when
he was appointed parish priest at Sal
zano. He became chancellor of the do
cese in 1875: vicar-capitular in 1877.
bishop of Mantua in 1884. and cardinal
and patriarch of Venice in 1893, where
| he remained until elected Pope.
OF the Sarto family there now are six
surviving beside the Pope-one brother
Angelo Sarto, the rural mail carrier,
and five sisters. Maria and Anna, who
live near the Vatican; Teresa. Antonio
and Lucia, who are married.