The Washington herald., 1922-01-23
CARDINAL MAETI
HLDNLEADRG
PAPAL CANDIDATE
Believed Most Likely to
Carry Out Policies, of
Benedict XIV.

ROME. Jan. 22.-Cardinal Nam.
of Pisa. is regarded in the highest
ecclesiastical and political circles
hereHas the most logical successor
to Pipe Benedict XIV. although it
is quite possible that Cardinal
Merry Del Val. who was cardinal
secretary OF state at the death of
Pope Plus and who has given over
this !" important office to Cardinal
Gasparri, secretary of state, may
receive consideration from the Sa-
credH College in the coming con-
Clave
Cardinal Mafi received the
greatest number of votes on the
first ballots at the time of Bene-
diets election. but failed to obtain
the necessary two-thirds majority.
He will accordingly have a big
following in the forthcoming con-
claves
Friend of Royal Family.
Besides this. Cardinal Nam is
view as the man most likely to
carry out the policies of Benedict
seeking a reconciliation with the
Italian kingdom. He is a personal
friend of the royal family. is noted
for his liberal principles, and is
above all very patriotic Italian.
The press and high political au-
thOrities are unanimous IN de-
claring that, although Benedict
reigned only seven years. his was
one Of the most successful pom
tihcates in the history of the
church. 1t Is certain that he came
his aims than
any of his predecessors.
AZ his supreme task Benedict
imposed on himself the work OF
attempting world wide paciflcation.
CoupIed with this was his over
whcImfng desire to effect rap
proarhement between the church
and the Italian governments goal
which his three predecessors mad
considered impossible.
Extends vatican Iteiations.
BENEDICT returned to the policy or
Leo. XIII in establishing politicai
relations with the greatest possible
number of world powers. and re-
fused to permit religious differences
To rrcvent the contact of the Holy
See with any ruling government. AS
a result of this policy, the Vatican
is more widely represented by its le-
gates throughout the world than
ever before.
PapaI nunCios are now exchanged
with thirty-one principal nations and
apostolic delegates are maintained
in many Protestant countries, sueh
as the United States and Canada.
Apostolic missions are also estab-
lished in countries of different re-
ll-ion. such as Turkey, China and
Japan. thus extending the Pope's
spiritual and political power viz
tually wherever there is civilization.
= ReconciIed with France.
The crowning triumph of Bene-
diets pontifcate was the reconcile
alton with France. although the
previous resumption of diplomatic
relations with England was almost
as Impressive and important.
In the meantime, Benedict's policy
Of reconciliation with italy pro-
-ressed so far during the latter
months of his pontificate that on
cial visits to the Vatican by MEM
hers of the government, for the first
time in the history OF modern Italy,
were permitted. Among those who
frequently participated in audiences
n the Vatican were the Ministers
Nauri. TanEora, Media and Lonsi-
motif, and many deputies. even in
Guiding some communists.
1t is accordingly believed by those
who have watched the success OF
the Benedictine policies and the ap-
parent harmony between these and
Cardinal MATHIS ideals, that the cler-
zeal leader from Pisa would be a
logical successor to the Pope.