Evening star., 1939-03-03
Pope
Continued From First Page.)

We'll as tIle OllIlSlldU prosperity Ol
our very dear Italian nation"
The pontiff, raised to the vicarage
of Christ by what many believe was
the unanimous vote of 61 cardinals,
received this morning the third
obeisance of his electors.
The entire College of Cardinals,
which became 81 with the elevation
of Cardinal Pacelli, gathered in the
Sistine Chapel at IL am. (5 am.
E. S. T) to kiss the Popes slippered
foot, to receive his embrace and to
hear a brief discourse.
After the cardinals, headed by
their dean, Cardinal Granite Pig
natelli di Belmonte, had knelt be-
fore the Pontif in turn in the Sis
tine Chapel, the pontifical choir
sang the TIE Deum'
The March u ceremonies of the
coronation foc the first native
Roman Pontiff in 218 years may be
more elaborate than any held in
almost century.
Plus XII will be the first Pope
elected since the Lateran treaty ad-
justed differences between the Vati-
can and the Italian government 10
years ago, and he will be free if he
chooses, therefore, to revive the old
custom of going through Rome in
state to take formal possession of
Papal properties outside the Vatican
walls.
Alone Fixes Policy.
Taking fully upon his shoulders
the worldwide burdens of the
church which for eight years he
helped his predecessor to bear. the
new pontiff alone was to determine
papal policy-and only he could
speak authoritatively on his inten-
tions.
Some of his intimates, however,
predicted that on the basis of his
attitude in the past, Plus XII would
work to better relations with coun-
tries-such as Germany-where they
have been troubled The pontiff
policies are expected to take form
slowly, with firmness but never with
impulsiveness.
"Calmness in conduct and actions
in dealing with the church's internal
and international relations so as
to better various situations" was the
description of the holy fathers
likely attitude from one Vatican
source.
Toward Nazi Germany's treat
ment of Catholics, this informant
said, his holiness was expected to
show mo weakness but an attitude
! of watchful waiting for betterment
of conditions"
In. dealing with that situation
since he once was papal nuncio
to Berlin, negotiated the Concordat
of 1929 with Italy and signed that
of 1888 with Nazi Germany-the
63-year- Pontiff was regarded
as particularly qualified from per-
sonal observations and experience.
Faces Troubled Days.
The 262d Pontiff faced perhaps
the most troubled days since the
World War.
Thin and of slight build. he nev-
ertheless enjoys good health. His
paternal grandfather, high func-
tionary of the Vatican, died at the
age of 100 in 1902. His father also
lived beyond the "3 score and TO-
The new pontiff faced specific
difficulties in many parts Of the
world. His own Catholic Italy
posed a delicate situation. Racial
laws, particularly those affecting
marriage. which Plus XII had said
"wounded' the concordat, still were
on the Fascist books.
Friction between Fascists and
Catholic Action was fresh men,
ory in the minds of Italians. How
ever, there were encouraging mes
sages to Plus XII from King Wit
torio Emanuele and Premier Mus.
solini, congratulating him on his
election. The Fascist press gave him
a friendly reception.
II Messaggero declared that "his
election, for the rapidity with which
it came about. bears the mark o1
divine inspiration"
II Popolo di Roma in its eulogy
said that Plus XII is truly the most
worthy
Bright Spots Found.
The new Pope could discern, how
ever, some bright colors. The Span
ish war, which saddened his prede-
cessor, appeared about over. He en-.
tered his reign on an obviously
popular vote given him with rarely
equaled speed.
He had the backing Of 81 ,000, ,00(
Catholics in the United States
whose Government repeatedly ha!
demonstrated friendliness such a!
to arouse speculation on possible
resumption of diplomatic relations
AS cardinal the Pope lunchee
with President Roosevelt two year.
ago on his visit to the United States
Plus XII had hoped to resume diplo'
matte relations with the United
States, but he died before concrete
results were obtained.
The United States and the Vat
ican were linked diplomaticall!
from 1S4s to 1857 when the Lega
ton was closed by Congress. Mos
other nations have ENJOYS accred
tied to the holy see
italian press dispatches brough
favorable reaction from man.
countries. including England, Ire
land, France. Switzerland, Rumania
the United States and Hungary.