Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1922-01-23

Peters square. Everyone leaving the
vatican was anxiously questioned by
those who kept constant vigil. Toward
5 30 o'clock it was known that the end
was near and few minutes after six
the Swiss guards inside the vatican
could 5e seen through the palace door.
They were kneeling. A few minutes la
ter the door was shut, and thus thc
pope's death was announced to those
who saw.
The Royal Guards then cleared a
space before the gate of the vatican, al
lowing only those connected with the pa
pal household to pass, Although it was
still dark, the crowds began to grow IN
size. and automobiles and carriages be-
gan arriving in ever increasing numbers.
Bells Tolled Signal of Death.
Towards seven o'clock the bells of ST.
Peters tolled slowly the signal that the
pontiff had passed away, Masses were
celebrated at various altars in the vati-
can, for now numerous debout eyes of
he throngs in the public square turned
toward the pope's chamber, where the
3linds were half drawn.
The first person, outside of the mme-
Nate pontfcal circle, to be informed Of
'he poDe's death was Premier Bonomi,
who in turn communicated the news to
ihe king and other high dienitaries Of
state. as well as to the governors of the
colonies For the first time in the his
tory OF relations between the Italian
government and the vatican, the govern
;nent instructed that the flags be half
'nasted on all government offices in hon
or of the death Of the pontiff.
Already everyone is recalling the cere-
monies OF stately pomp, of which the
lead pOntiff will be the center during
the next few days. beginning with the
! gathering of the cardinals in the death
chamber in order to call the silent fig
IRE three times by his Christian name
before pronouncing him officially dead
This will be followed by the historic
ceremony of removing the fsherman's
/ ring, which wiz he drawn off the pope :
'inger by Cardinal Gasnarri. who will
/ 3estroy it and have it reset for Bene-
/ 'l!ct's successor. Then will follow the
( elaborate preparations for the embalm-
ing Of the body and for the three days
cerenony during which the boSy will liz
! in state in St. Peters chapel before bur
/ iaI
Speculation Concerning Successor
+ Speculation already is rife concerning
/ successor. Cardinal Gasparri L
! among those most prominently mention
I'd, although the election of papal sec
cary of state is almost without rrece
dent
~ The College Of Cardinals is under
stood to be divided into two fairly equa
groups on the subject of Pope Benedict
successor. The two groups represen
those who wish the next pope to com
fro mOutside Of Italy and those VIII
think he should be a native of Italy TIL
election Of a foreign cardinal, it woul
seem. must be eliminated. although caI
tain members of the Sacred College, lik
Cardinal Merry Del Val, a native G
Spain. do not hide their sympathies fo
such an event Among the native TIA
ians, Cardinal Maf1i, of Pisa, is the mos
strongly supported in italian center,
out his advanced modern ideas are like
{ y To arouse opposition. particular
from the group headed by Cardinal Me,
} ry Del Val. A leading figure in TIL
= group is Cardinal De Lai. It is consi{
cred possible that because of these tw
opposing groups Cardinal Gasparri ma
~ chosen as a compromise betwee
e them.
e Among the italian cardinals livir
outside the country. one of the most EN-
p mont is Cardinal Ratti, former nuncio
2 Poland.
$ All speculations, however, are base
e on very slight data. because Of the suc
denness of Pope Benedict's death