The New York herald., 1922-02-10
POPE'S POLICY NOW
STIRS ALL EUROPE
DiplOmatists Believe His
Views Open Way to Con-
ciliatiOn With Italy.
QUIRINAL WILL ACT
Record at Warsaw, How
ever, Shows Pontiff Like
ly to Move Slowly.
HELPS CATHOLIC BLOCS
Aids France With Italy and
Draws Spain Closer to
Both.
HELPS CATHOLIC BLOCs
By LAURENCE HILLS.

Special Cable to THE New York HERALD.
Copyright, 1929. bv TIE NEW YORK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau.
Paris, Feb. 8.
A diplomatic incident of the highest
significance, which may change funda-
mentally the politics of Europe-this
was the Papal gesture in blessing the
populace from the outer balcony of
the Basilica of st. Peter, according
to the talk it has caused in all the
chancelleries of Europe. Does it sig
nifty a willingness on the part of ,the
Vatican to renew relations with the
Italian Government. and, If so, upon
what basis will the Italian Government
accept it?
If it does-which is the common in
depreciation put upon it by modern
diplomatic circles--the Quirinal is re-
ported to be ready to open negotia-
tions Immediately; but whether or not
it would accept the conditions which,
in the understanding of the diploma
lists, are certain to be demanded by the
Vatican-namely. respect of the fullest
independence of the sovereign Pontiff
is another question.
The new Pope's record when Cardinal
as Nuncio to Warsaw. howsver has
been such as to convince most European
diplomatists that he will move slowly
and surely. and that nothing immediate
can be expected in the way of steps
toward reconciliation. Moreover. it be-
~ a nd
portant concessions must be made by
both sides.
Compromise Possible.
For instance. there Is the problem OF
the papsl estate, as well as the Pope's
influence within Italy, whereon the
State and the papacy have been divided
for so long. and which seemed to be
irreparable. But as Plus XI. Is consid-
cred italian above ALL" it is felt that
he would be willing to strike a COM
promise. which may imply that he will
make no attempt TO contest the author.
ity OF the italian King and the Gov
ernment in political affairs. But at the
same time he may obtain the right to
resume a spiritual and even quasi
political domination over former essen
tally Catholic domains
1t is even seen in some circles that
France will strive to its utmost to de-
velop its new relations with Italy
through the Vatican. as thus 1t will
definitely oppose. as one with the great
Catholic bloc comprising most of Eu-
rope. Protestant England. northern
Germany and the Scandinavian coun-
tries. which arc not supporting Frances
diplomatic theses regarding reparations
or the general reconstruction OF Eu-
rope.
AS far as italy is concerned the royal
family are deeply interested in religious
affairs, and will lend their influence to
any conciliatory movement. But the
Government could not permit for a
minute the restoration Of the papal title
First Bishop of Rome. With this ques-
ton closed. however. conci1iation would
constitute great step toward stabilizing
the affairs of Italy. as by concerting the
political efforts of the conservative
fears of Bolshevism.
While this Is greatly TO be desired
from the italian point of view, 1t will
tend to increase pacific intentions
throughout Europe, by reason of the
ratification Of Catholicism in the central
European Latin countries, and even the
growing influence of the church in those
Slavic countries which have leaned
hitherto toward Greek rather than
Roman tcnetS.
support to France.
Certainly as far as France is con-
cerned. It will mean greater solidarity,
as Rome to-day considers France as on
the way to restoring her Catholic char
acter, as opposed to the movement which
resulted In the separation of the church
and the State here.
As far as the other two Latin States
of Europe arc concerned. namely: Spain
and Portugal. It has been known that
Spain at least has been anxious for a
long time to draw closer to the italian
Government. In the olden days IL was
common for the Kingt of the two
countries to get together frequently, for
the purpose of improving their CONNER
cial as we'll as their kingiy relations.
But since the Popes self-imprisonment
in the Vatican these visits have ceased
to Spain's disadvantage. The long
awaited visit of the Spanish King. not
far distant. will be the preface, accord
ing to many authorities. TO the closest
cooperation within the Latin group.
against which the Bavarian Catholic