The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1922-01-23
STORMS
DOOR0F VATICAN
TO VIEW P0NTlFF:

the papal death chamber. In the
chapels of the Vatican. in the great
cathedral of st. Peters. and In all
the Catholic churches in Rome.
Body LiA in State.
The mortal remains Of the soy.
eregn Pontiff, dressed in ceremonial
death robes, had been borne by noble
guards fr )m the papal chamber TO
the throne room to lie in state.
The body was dressed In white
wool gown with red cope, white cas-
sock and stole, white silk sash with
gold tassels, white stockings, red
shoes and, gloves, and a scarlet cape
with clasp Of precious stones The
head was covered with a violet SILK
cap, lined with ermine. The Pontff
wore a ring and gold mitre. -t
The funeral bed, bearing the body,
rested at the foot of the throne. The
head was raised slightly. About the
catafalque were numerous candles,
which shed dim and Pickering light
over the scene The bier wns sprinkled
with holy water while the sacristican
Of the Vatican, Monsignor Zampini,
end the accompanying prelates prayed.
Three Coffins Used.
Three separate collins are used In
the interment OF q Pope. One is OF
cypress. one of oak and the third of
lead. The body Is lowered first into the
coffin of cypress. Three purses filled
with medals Of gold, silver and bronze,
which have been struck annually dur.
ing the pontificate and which beAr the
effigy OF the deceased, are deposited at
the foot OF the body within the coffin.
There is also q metal cylinder bearing
upon script a history of the events
during the tenure Of the pontiff..
A white taffeta veil is placed over
the eyes, another over the hands and
one of purple over the breast. The
shroud is of red brocade, lined with
ermine and fringed with gold.
After the notary of\the chapter mas
read the process verbatem,' the lid OF
the cypress coffin In then screwed down
amidst the murmur Of prayers. The
body is then out of the charge OF the
Sacred College and Ia entrusted to the
canons of st. Peters, who conduct the
ceremony Of lowering the Cypress
coffin into the two other coffins OF
oak and lead.
There were two circumstances to In.
dictate that q reconciliation between
the Vatican and the quirinai may be
near at hand. Contrary to previous
custom, the Italian flag was lowered
10 half staff on all government BUILD
mgs.
Furthermore, the Italian minister
Of Justice. Signor Rodino, who "a hin
self a Roman Catholic, called ut the
Vatican officially to present condoi'
ences Of the Italian government.
Elaborate Ceremonials.
All the gorgeous ceremonials of the
middle ages accompany the funeral
rites. The scenes are in strange con-
trast with the practices OF the twen-
tieth century. Medieval armor ana
swords of the noble guards, glinting
In the rays Of candles, the robes Of the
prelates, and the ceremonies which
had been handed down through the
centuries combined to make a scene
Of impressive splendor.
The cardinals were attired in violet
robes, violet being the symbol OF
mourning. There were touches OF
red, typifying the martyrdom OF the
Saints.
A constant stream Of mourners, a
considerable number Of them Ameri-
cans, passed before the papal bier.
Many of them touched their rosaries
to the cold fingers in token OF fare
well.
The funeral plans will be carried
out In accordance. with the nving
wishes of the pontiff. The body will
be buried ultimately in the Vatican
crypt near the tomb, Of st. Peter.
The Italian government mas issued
. circular letter to the powers sssur-
Ing them that the conciave VIII nave
complete protection and VIII De as
sured OF the utmost moepenoence.
The forthcoming conclave 10 as
sutsa InprsceaeneI ruranoan nn,,t,cs
due to the fact that Austria's domina-
ton has been removed and Germany's
influence greatly reduced.
NJ. d. a.. N. Y..u.r
NoA' Topo !" DC
Formerly Austria, being a Catholic
country, had the power Of veto ut .
papal election. 20.
IL il accepted as q foregone conclu.
sion that the next Pope will be an
Italian. The two cardinals who are
believed to have the best chances are:
Cardinal Gasparri, papal score
tary OF state. =.