New-York tribune., 1922-03-27
See Royal Wedding
In Visit to Rome
OF Belgian Rulers
Talk of Engagement of
Prince Leopold and Prin.
cess Yolanda Revived:
Received by Pope FRS,
Special cable to Tho Tribune

copyright. l92a. Ncw York Tribune Inc
fAHlS, March 26.---The visit of King
Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium
to Rome this week is attracting con-
siderable interest throughout Europe
because of the widespread belief that
the journey has something more than
social significance. TIE engagement
OF Prince Leopold of Belgium, heir
apparent to the throne, and Princess
oianda, eldest daughter of King Vic
tor Emmanuel of Italy, was rumorcd on
good authority in Brussels last De-
cember, and it is generally believed
that the royal visit to Rome has much
to do with preparations for the union
of the two houses. Belgian court
circles are maintaining great reserve
on the subject, but Brussels society is
convinced that the engagement of the
prince and princess is responsible for
the trip to Rome
hlng Albert and Queen Elizabeth
LETT Brussels tonight on the Stras-
9ourg 9 Express and will reach Rome.
tuesday evening. They will call on
Pope Plus while in the Italian capital
ROME, March 26 (By The Associated
Press).-Thc coming visit to italy of
King Albert and Queen Elizabeth is
considered of great Importance, be
cause 1t viii mark d new stage in the
relations between church and state
The arrangements for the visit are ex-
pccted to form the basis for the cere-
monial Of future visits by Catholic
rulers.
Pope Plus has taken personal in
tercst IN the details and has decided
that the call of the Belgian sovereigns
al the Vatican must take place im:nedi-
ately on their arrival in Rome and be
fore any official functions occur, such
as a dinner at which toasts arc cx-
changed wish the italian King. and even
before tnc Belgian monarchs visit
Queen Mother Margarita. No objec-
tlons having been made by the Italian
court, this procedure is considered to
be definitely settled.
Heretofore non Catholic sovereigns
went to the Vatican in carriages sup
piled by the embassy of their country.
President Wilson in January, 1919,
adopted this custom. Pope Plus has
decided that Vatican automobiles shall
be sent to bring the King and Queen of
the Belgians to the Vatican. This in
Itself shows progress, as a few years
ago the Vatican had 10 autom obics
and ecclcsiastics were forbidden to use
them. Cardinal Vinccnzo Nanutelli
was the first prelate to have an auto
mobile. Some time ago he received a
beautiful machine, painted a bright
red, from American friends, and in
duced the Pope to withdraw his ban on
the autom obile.
Pope Plus has directed that five cars
be placed at the disposal of the Belgian
sovereigns and has ordered Prince
Massimo. who claims to trace his
descent from early Roman history, to
accompany them. The prince is heredi-
tary pontlhcal postmaster general.
The prince married Princess Boncaccio,
whose mother was Miss Hickson Field,
daughter of q New York banker.
Prince Massimo, as we'll as the papal
chambcrains one OF whom will be IN
each car. will be dressed in gorgeous
mcdiaevi costumes. The drivers OF
the automobiles will wear black livery
with gold buttons and cocllades of the
pOntificai colOrS, white "nd yellow