Abbeville progress. (Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, La.) 1913-1944, 1914-09-12
new POPE ELECTED
TO SUCCEED Plus X
CARDINAL GIACOMO D. CHlESA,
ARCHBISHOP OF BOLOGNA.
New Pope TO Reign Under Name Of
Benedict XIV, Which he
Selected.

ROue.-Thc sacred college Of cardi-
nails Thursday elected Cardinal Ga
como Della Chiesa. archbishop of Bo-
logna, supreme pouGU to succeed the
late Pope Plus Y. Ills coronation as
Benedict XIV Will take place Sept o.
Immediately after his election the
pontiff said he could not imagine
how his frail being could endure the
enormous weight of responsibility
thrown on his shoulders. especially at
a moment when almost all the coun-
tries Of Europe were stained with
blood when wounds inflicted upon
humanity also were inflicted on the
church, and when countless victims Of
the war were being cut down.
The war, he said, had armed faith
full against faithful, priest against
priest, while bishops of each country
offered prayers for the success Of the
army Of his own nation. But victory
for one side meant slaughter to the
other, the destruction of children
equally dear to the heart Of the pom
tiff.
The conclave of the sacred college
had been in session since the evening
of Monday, Aug 81, and the final vote
was not taken until Thursday morning
When the name OF Cardinal Della
Chiesa was cried out by the cardinals
scruitineres as having received the
prescribed twothirds vote there was
much excitement among the members
of the conCiave
Then followed the traditional for
mula, the cardinal being asked as to
whether he accepted the election.
amid brearhless silence he answered
in the affirmative, but his reply, ow-
ing to profound emotion, was scarce
ly audible. Immediately all the cardi-
nails removed the canopies frem above
their chairs. this being the tangible
sign that the leadership OF the church
had passed from them to the newly
elected pope.
Later during reception of laymen
the pope spoke Of America, which he
said was especially dear to him. He
expressed great admiration for the
genius of the people, which was com
parable only TO their religious zeal,
and he added:
81 am glad that my first apostolic
benediction abroad will be forwarded
to America where the American cardi-
nails at a later date will impart it to
the people directly"
The pontiff also expressed the hope
that America, in favor of peace, to-
gether with the peace prayer raised
to the Almighty throughout the world,
would mean that peace will come.
In the history Of papal conclaves
the present conclave was unique, in
Rsmuch as theoretically the election
of any cardinal was possible, while in
previous conclaves there were special
designations.
On the election OF Cardinal Della
Chiesa, Monsignor Poggiani, secretary
of the conclave, with the master of
ceremonies, the dean of the cardinals
bowed before the chair where Cardi.
nal Della Chiesa was seated.
He asked if the cardinal would &C
cept the pontificate and upon an af-
firmative reply all the canopies above
the cardinals thrones were lowered
excepting that Of Cardinal Della
Chiesa. In answer to the question of
the dean of the cardinals the new pope
said he desired to take the name of
Benedict XIV.
Monsignor Poggiani, assisted by the
other officials, recorded the act of
election and the acceptance and the
members of the conclave then entered
the sistine chapel with the pope. The
pontiff was clothed in a flowing white
robe, red slippers and high stock,
with broad red cravat. Cardinal Della
Volpe placed on his shoulders a red
stote embroidered with gold. The
pope then mounted the throne to re-
ceive the homage of the cardinals.
The cardinals first kissed the feet
and then the hands Of the pontiff, who
administered the accolade and pro-
nounced the benediction. Cardinal
volpe placed on the pontiff's finger the
fisherman's ring, which the pope re-
turned to Monsignor Damico to have
engraved with his name.
The pontiff proceeded from the sis
tine chapel to the basilica of st. Pc
ters, where he gave a .benediction. He
returned to the sistine chapel, where
the second act of homage by the cardi- |
nails was accorded him.
When the pope was asked to pre-
sent himself before the people for the /.
first benediction, he turned to Cardi- |
nal Merry Del Val and said:
Il hope l shall have strength to
overcome my emotion"
Crowds outside clamored to see the .
new pontiff and several of the cardi- /
nails, including Cardinals Gibbons, Far |
ley and O'Connell. tried to calm the |
assemblage and obtain silence.
The excitement reached a climax
when the pope finally emerged. He
was alone, and a hush fell over the
multitude All knelt and the pontiff
raised his hand with three fingers out
stretched and impaired with melodious
voice the apostolic blessing. A great
cheer rang out as he turned to with
iraw.
Thomas w. Gregory Sworn In.
WaShin gtOn-ThOmas w Gregory