New-York tribune., 1922-01-30
Italian Pontiff.
On Early Ballot.
Prelates' View
Cardinal Mercier Asserts No
Foreigner Has Chance in
COnclave: Calls Mention
of Himself Preposterous
Election Over by Saturday
Maffi. La Fontainc. Ratti or
Lega Favored: federation
Policy May Be Continued

ROME. Jan. % (By The Associated d
Press) ).-The 261st Pontiff of the
Roman Church will be elected by Sat
urday next, according to the consensus
as expressed by the prclatcs arriving
here with the cardinals attached to the
conclave. They expect that the deci-
sion will be reached on the third 0.
fourth ballot. The conclave opens on
Thursday. and from Indications the
work Of electing new Pope will be
carried on expeditiously
II do not expect q sharply drawn
contest, WI ich some predict" said a
prominent English ecclcsiastic to-day.
Although there are naturally diverg-
ent views among the cardinals, these
differences are not rreconcilable, and !
am confident that the Sacred College
will be able to agree upon the succes-
sor Of Benedict in a relatively short
time"
Italian Believed Certain
American and English Church digni-
taries consider it a certainty that tn.
choice will fall upon an Italian. They
believe that the best chances lie with
Cardinals Maffi. Ratt, Lega and La
Fontaine.
A prominent English pro'ate, who
asked that his name be withheld, de-
c!ared 1T would be a great mistake to
elect foreign Cardinal, as that would
lead to disappointment and dissatisrac-
ton among countries like the United
States. Great Britain and France. all
OF whom probably felt that they mer-
tied high office. whereas the selection of
an Italian would be acceptable to all.
This Church official expressed the
opinion that the new Pope would con-
tnuc the policy of Benedict XIV in the
relation with the Qurinal, but would
be careful to observe the complete indie
pendencc and dignity Of the Vatican.
lie added:
"The Vatican should be neither the
subject nor the guest of any govern
ment. but should be scrupulously neu-
trail and unhampcred'
Neither France. Spain nor Austria
he declared. would attempt to exercise
tine night to veto the conclave's choice,
which these countries have heretofore
enjoyed.
The next Pope is certain to be an
Italian, according to 3 statement made
to-day by Cardinal Mercier, Primatc
OF Belgium, to the CORES spondent.
"thcre is no need to indulge in vain
conJ or to count the votes in
advance.' said the Belgian Cardinal,
but one must wait the DEGREES Of
Providence. and Providence for the
past five centuries has ruled that the
Supreme Pontiff should be an Italian
The distinguished Belgian prelate
did not concur in the opinion that has
been freely expressed in Vatican cir
cles that "ncver has foreign Cardinal
had such chance Of being elected
Pope"
"lt is against all. tradition that a
foreigner should be elected" said the
CARDINAL "The next Pope certainly
will be an Italian
1t was suggested that the last for
eign Cardinal elected to the Pontiticate
was the Archbishop of Liege. "Un-
doubtedly you have heard, your emf
ncnce, that the name of another Bel
gian Cardinal is being prominently
mentioned for the coming conclavc. y
it was added.
"Oh, you must not think Of that" re-
piled Cardinal Mercier "You must not
believe it. 1t is preposterous. I never
thought of that before. Providence
will decide ~
"Forgive your enemies" said the
Cardinal in response to query wheth-
er he favored closer relations between
the Vatican and the Quirinal accord
ing to the policy of Cardinal Gasparri,
the Papal Secretary of State, or of the
irr~concilables on the side of Cardinal
Merry del Val.
"The Lords Prayer" the Cardinal
added, "says: Forgive us as we for
give those who trespass against u.s.
The present does not seem a favorable
moment for reaction. Perhaps, after
all, it is possible for the world to live
in peace and friendlinces with one an