The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1915-05-29
NEUTRALITY OF THE HOLY
SEE.

During the past week many and
contradictory dispatches, pnport-
ing to have been sent out from
Rome, have been published in the
American press. AS soon as Italy
threw down the gauge Of battle on
the blood-staincd fields Of Europe,
it was natural that reports should
be sent abroad regarding the prob
able attitude Of the Holy Father
towards that country in the new
situation which had arisen as a
result Of the declaration Of war
against Austria. Among other
things we were told that Pope
Benedict had approved of special
prayers that victory might perch
on the banner of Italy.
We have no hesitation in deny
ing this report absolutely. No
such action has been taken by the
Supreme Pontiff and no such ac-
ton is contemplated, all future
dispatches to the contrary not
withstanding. 1t would be a VIC
latiOn of the announced program
of the Vatican by which it de-
clared it's absolute neutrality in
the present war. Such course is
incumbent upon the Holy See by
virtue of the position it occupies
and the relations it sustains to-
wards Catholics, irrespective Of
nationality.
Pope Benedict XIV, now glor-
iously reigning, is the most pru-
dent of men and we need have no
hesitation in placing implicit trust
in his judgment. Only one course
is open to him. What position
can he take except that of the
severest neutrality? He is the
spiritual father Of all Christians,
having devoted children in the
ranks of every army that treads
the battletields of Europe and
beneath every standard raised i'll
defence of national honor. Moth
ing remains for him but to offer
unceasing prayers for speedy
termination of the war and the
restoration of permanent peace
among the belligerent nations.
That this is his sole concern he
has repeatedly made known TO the
world. He does not, he will not,
pray that his beloved Italy may
be victorious any more than he
prays for the success Of any other
country now engaged in war.
Tie position OF Italy today, us
far as this principle is concerned,
is the same as it was when Pope
Plus TX issued his famous En-
cyclical on April 90, 1848.
He had been urged to take
part with the Italians against
Austria and in reply to the
entreaties made to him he de-
clared that he was the father of all
the faithful, of those in Austria as
well as i'll Italy, and it was his de
termination to maintain the STRIFE
test neutrality. Many Italians
were angry because Plus * would
not declare himself in favor Of
their country; but he remained
unmoved. and subsequent events
justified his attitude on that occa-
sion.
Today, perhaps, many Italians
will ask that Benedict XIV declare
against Austria and they will not
be pleased to hear him reiterate
the words of Plus TX that the SUI
preme Pontiff must maintain the
right of the Vatican to be neutral
| at a time like the present when
any thing but absolute impartial
lity would be misconstrued and
made use of to wean from their
allegiance to the See Of Peter the
Catholics against whose country
he would not preserve Il neutral
attitude.
That priests and prelates iii
Italy should pray for victory for
the italian forces is to be ex-
lpected, just as German, Austrian,
French, Belgian, and British
ecclesiastics are justified in pray
ing for the success of their respec-
tive countries. But the Bishop Of
Rome is primarily Pope and lives
on a supernatural plane whence
his vision must embrace the whole
world in its scope, and the most
urgent needs of the individual and
of nations must be subjected to the
general good Of Christians at