The New York herald., 1922-01-23
Midnight Mass In Said.

Nafuhlai Glorsl Grand Plenipotentiary,
attended the Pope throughout the whole
night, saying first mass for his Holiness
shortly after midnight. He was assisted
py Mgr. Respighe. Prefect of Cere-
monies. and by Mgr. Testoni Piermotto
and Maenamenti.
Only half an hour before he died his
Holiness tried to lift himself up and
wanted to dress himself. but he was so
weak he sank back onto his pillow His
hands and feet already were numb. 1t
was at this moment that it was decided
TO call all the pontifical family to his
bedside. The Noble Guards were sent
out In due solemnity to notify the Papal
Secretary OF State of the Popes hope
less condition.
The correspondent was permitted to
remain in one OF the adjoining ante
chambers. through which all the Car
dinals passing to and from his Holiness S
bedside could be seen. Looking down
the narrow passageway leading from
the ante-chamber to the Pope's bed
chamber the Noble Guards. standing
ct rigid attention, were observed at the
entrance to the sickroom. while the
Cardinals passing 10 ana fro were
awaiting the impending announcement.
The formal announcement OF the
Popc's passing was the OCCASION for a
scene of deep emotion. All those pres
ont in the ante-chamber wept and the
prelates knelt In fervent prayer. Short
ly afterward Cardinal Gasparri pro-
ceeded with the formal taking over OF
temporary charge of the affairs OF the
Church.
The body of the Pope rested in the
morning in the chamber where he died.
There was a pilgrimage of prelates. am
bassadors and ministers to the pom
tffical bedroom to look upon the race OF
the departed Holy Father
Benedict wore his papal robes and In
his hands was a rosary. His face was
somewhat drawn, indicating the intense
suffering through which he passed be-
fore death intervened. The body lies
on single brass bed, with four large
cdndelabra with burning candles at each
corner. Two Noble Guards in full dress
uniforms of striking red with their
cleaning gold belts and high Roman
helmets, stood at rigid attention at the
foot of the bed. With swords drawn
thoy appear like statues.
On the walls of the modestly sf9r-
rished apartment rang four oil paint
ings. Beside the bed stands small
table. On that side of the bed from
which the windows overlook st. Peters
square there stood throughout the day
q group of prelates and papal attend
ants.
Court I'm Full Dress.
The entire papal court to-day was in
full dress. The Swiss Guards. who
always are dressed in medieval cos
tunes of yellow and blue. with their
hsmets surmounted by plume. have
added a white ruff to their collars.
Their uniform is in striking contrast to
that Of the Noble Guard, which Is OF
dazzling red and gold.
Throughout the night small groups,
including newspaper correspondents
from several countries, clustered in st.
Peters Square. Every one leaving the
Vatican was anxiously questioned by
thosc who kept constant vigil. Toward
80 o'clock II was known that the end
was near. and n few minutes after 6 the
Swiss guards inside the vatican could
be seen through the Palace door. They
were kneeling. few minutes later the
dcor was shut, and thus the Pope's
death was announced to those who
saw.
The Noble Guards then cleared
space before the gate OF the Vatican.
allowing only those connected with the
papal household to pass. Although II
was still dark the crowds began to grow
in size, and automobiles and carriages
began arriving in ever increasing num-
bers. Masses were celebrated az various
affairs in the Vatican. for now numer-
Gus devout eyes OF the throngs in the
public square turned toward the Pope's
chamber. where the blinds were half
drawn.
The first person. outside OF the immedi-
ate pontifcal circle. to be informed OF
The Popc's death was Premier Bonomi,
who In turn communicated the news to
the King and other high dlgnataries, as
well as TO the Governors OF the colonies
For the first time In the history OF rela-
tons between the Italian Government
and the Vatican the Government in
structed that the flags be half masted
on all Government Offices In honor of the
Death OF the Pontiff.
There were many true pilgrims among
the crowd OF notable persons who came
TO Rome during the fatal illness OF the
late Pope Benedict.
Two Franciscan monks arrived yes
terday from Constantinople. bringing
sacred images as tokens OF the homage
of the Catholics OF the Orient TO tho
Pope. They had been long time on
the way, regarded their mission as COM
pelllng. and we're admitted to the vati-
can.