The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1916-01-08
PEACE ALLOCUTION

concessions on some points of the pro-
| posals or in respect OF the advantage
which they hoped to reap; and that
each side should readily make such
concessions, even though some sacri-
fees may be involved, if it wishes to
avoid before God and man the respon-
sibility of prolonging this savage war,
hitherto unexampled in its butchery
q war which, if it is prolonged, may
result in Europe beginning to fall away
from that. high degree of civilization
which it attained by the help of the
Christian religion.
The Pontiff's Difficulties.
$50 much about the war in regard to
the peoples who are involved in this
terrible calamity. But if We consider
the inconvenience which this conflict
of almost all the nations of Europe has
caused to the Catholic cause and the
Apostolic See, everyone perceives how
serious they are and how hurtful to
the dignity of the Roman Pontiff. Al
ready, on other occasions, following
the example of Our predecessors, We
have complained that the condition of
the Roman Pontiff is such that he is
deprived of the complete liberty which
is absolutely necessary to him for the
government of the Church; but every
one must recognize that this is much
more evident at the present time.
iG1 10 f6n I'M
fences has not been wanting to those
who govern Italy; but this plainly
shows that the fate of the Roman Pom
| tiff depends on the civil power, and
that, through a change of men and cir
cumstances, it may be changed and
even become worse. No man of good
sense can assert that this condition of
the Pontiff, altogether uncertain and
| dependent on the will of others, is one
suitable to the Apostolic See. But it
was inevitable that many and grave
difficulties should remain. To pass
over others, it is sufficient to call at
tention to the fact that some of the
diplomatic representatives of foreign
rulers accredited to Us were compelled
to leave in order to safeguard their of
fee and dignity. In this way We have
seen natural and particular right
and a certain necessary support of the
Apostolic See diminished, and the or
tdinary- and very fitting means which it
/ is wont TO employ in transaeting bust
ness with foreign states taken away
from it. In this connection it is great
ly to be regretted that matters have
gone so far that in the case of one of
the belligerent parties the suspicion
could arise that in affairs relating to
the peoples at war with one another
/ We, through certain necessity, SO
i Judge and act now as if We took Our
rule and guidance from those whose
voices reach Our ear. And what is to
be said of Our communications with
the Catholic world having become
more difficult, and of Our having been
very often prevented from obtaining
full knowledge of good many things
on which it was of great Importance
for Us to have accurate information
Prayer and Good Works.
"It appears to Us, venerable breth
, rem, that We have indicated clearly
enough that the grief by which We are
troubled is increased daily just as this
/ fearful slaughter of men, which would
/ be unworthy of more barbarous times
increases immensely, and at the same
! time the condition of the Apostolic Sc,
| becomes worse. We feel sure that yol
: who share with Us the cares ant
1 solicitudes of the Apostolic Office, ais,
grieve with Us on both grounds: nay
II We believe that all the Christian peo
4 lple participate in Our anguish. Blu
: why should We be downcast whel
1 Jesus Christ, the Prince of Pastors
t promised that He would never b
l wanting to His Church, least of al
e when she was afflicted and sufferin;
t through adverse fortune? Confidently
e then, let Us approach the most lovin
t, Saviour of the human race in humbl
n prayer, accompanying them wit
o works of charity and penance, so tha
y God, rich in mercies, may hasten tn
lend of the misfbrtunes by which tn
e human race is at present oppressed.