The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-06-02
FASCIST WAR
ON CATHOLICS
Anglers POPE
MuSsoIini'S Demands Are
Called 'lnexpIiCabIe'
by Holy See.

BIZ United Press
VATICAN CITY, June 2. - Mea-
sureS taken by Italy against the
Catholic laymen's order, Azione Cat
tolica, we're termed "inexplicable"
today in an interview granted by the
pope to Monsignor Diaz, archbishop
of Mexico City, who had been re-
ceived in audience with fifty MeXi-
can pilgrims.
The pope said he always had
ordered Azione Cattolica to be nom
political, and that the order had
been obeyed. He declared that it
was his saddest thought that ut is
our own sons who work evil against
other good sons who are as dear to
us as the pupil Of our eye"
1--WE Are NobOdy's Enemies"
1--WE have shown ourselves to be
nobody's enemies. The position as
sumed and measures taken against
so many of our sons and daughters
Is inexplicable," he added.
"Azione Cattolica always has been
disciplined and obedient. When
Azoine Cattolica was necessary in
Mexico, the pope ordered it to alb
stain from politics. The work of
Azione Cattolica ought to be a sane
LITIGATION of those belonging to it,
as well as sanctification of others
as a result of the precept which
counsels them to look after their
own brothers"
Inquiries in vatical circles today
showed that negotiations were in
process with the Italia~ government
toward a settlement, put that the
situation was difficult. 1t was point
ed out that the Vatican is more de-
sirous Of preventing break, but the
fact could not be hidden that dis
solution Of the Catholic clubs had
gravely impressed the Vatican.
Submits Maximum Demand
The government headed by Pre-
mier Benito Mussolini, apparently
fearing the rising political influence
of the church, had submitted a
maximum demand" whereby the
Azione Cattolica, lay Catholic orga-
nization, would cease to exist "as a
whole"
Rejection Of the demand by the
Vatican is regarded likely.
The governments next step, 1t is
believed, would be to request that
leaders of the Azione should be
chosen after a thorough investiga-
ton as to their political fitness,
with final approval by the govern
ment.
Compromise Moves Taken
The Azione Cattolica already has
been restricted throughout Italy
under orders from Premier Musso-
lini.
The organization, one of the most
powerful Catholic bodies in the
world, has been the center of the
controversy between the Fascists
and the Holy See.
The governments demands aimed
at the determination of the Azione
Cattolica followed a day in which
a tendency toward compromise had
given rise to feeling that the diff
cJltieS would be solved peacefully.
The government intimated that
Catholic young mems clubs, includ-
ing knights of Columbus play
grounds, would be permitted TO re-
open.
Orders Attacks Halted
Mussolini ordered that anti-Cath-
Ole demonstration of Fascist youths
should be abandoned.
MuSsolini ordered that the Fascist
newspapers, Lavoro FasciSta, dis
continue attacks on the pope.
Pope Plus ordered that the Vati-
can organ, OSservatore Romano,
cease attacks on FaScism.
These moves toward compromise
were seen earlier as indicating both
MuSsolini and the pope were bent
on reaching a peaceful solution of
the attacks and counter-attackS
among Fascists and Catholics, one
against the other.
Protests TO Embassy
The pope, however, ordered all
church professions and demonstra-
tons scheduled to be held outdoors
to be conducted within the
churches throughout Italy.
The ban on church festivals was
regarded as designed to bring the
Importance OF the struggle more
sharply home to the Italian people.
Edward L. Hearn of Boston, di-
rector Of the knights of Columbus
In Europe, protested to the United
States embassy against closing the
knights OF Columbus Fairgrounds.