ON CHRISTIAN DEMOCRACY
January 18, 1901
THE TRIPLE CROWN
OR TIARA
THE POPE'S OFFICIAL HEADDRESS
To Our Venerable Brethren, the Patriarchs,
Primates, Archbishops, Bishops, and other
Ordinaries in Peace and Communion with
the Apostolic See
Venerable Brethren,
1. The grave discussions on economic
questions which for some time past have distrubed the peace of several
countries of the world are growing in frequency and intensity to such a
degree that the minds of thoughtful men are filled, and rightly so, with
worry and alarm. These discussions take their rise in the bad philosophical
and ethical teaching which is now widespread among the people. The
changes, also,which the mechanical inventions of the age have introduced,
the rapidity of communication between places, and the devices of every
kind for diminishing labor and increasing gain. all add bitterness to the
strife; and, lastly, matters have been broght to such a pass by the struggle
b etween capital and labor, fomented as it is by professional agitators,
that the countries where these distrubances most frequently occur find
themselves confronted with ruin and disaster.
Issue of Socialism Already Addressed
2. At the very beginning of Our Pontificate
We clearly pointed out what the peril was which confronted society on this
head, and We deemed it Our duty to warn Catholics, in unmistakablelanguage,
(See Rerum Novarum.) how great the error
was which was lurking in the utterances of Socialism, and how great the
danger was that threatened not only their temporal possessions, but also
their morality and religion. That was the purpose of Our Encyclical
Letter Quod Apostolici Muneris which We published on the
28th of December in the year 1878; but, as these dangers day by day threatened
still greater disaster, both to individuals and the commonwealth, We strove
with all the more energy to avert them. This was the object of Our
Encyclical Rerum Novarum Of the 15th of May, 1891, in which
We dwelt at length on the rights and duties which both classes of society--those
namely, who control capital, and those who contribute labor--are bound
in relation to each other; and at the same time, We made it evident
that the remedies which are most useful to protect the cause of Religion,
and to terminate the contest between the different classes of society,
were to be found in the precepts of the Gospel.
Catholic Response Has Been Positive
3. Nor, with God's grace, were Our hopes
entirely frustrated. Even those whoare not Catholics, moved
by the power of truth, avowed that the Church must be credited with a watchful
care over all classes of society, and especially those whom fortune
had least favored. Catholics, of course, profited abundandly by these
letters, for they not only received encouragement and strength for the
excellent undertakings in which they were engaged, but also obtained the
light which they needed in order to study this order of problems with greater
sureness and success. Hence it happened that the differences of opinion
which prevailed among them were either removed or lessened. In the
order of action, much has been doen in favor of the proletariat, especially
in those places where poverty was at its worst. Many new institutions
were set on foot, those which were already established were increased and
all reaped the benefit of a greater stability. Such are, for instance,
the popular bureaus which supply information to the uneducated; the rural
banks which make loans to small farmers; the societies for mutual help
or relief; the unions of working men and other associations or institutions
of the same kind. Thus, under the auspices of the Church, a measure
of united action among Catholics was secured, as well as some planning
in the setting up of agencies for the protection of the masses which,in
fact, are as often oppressed by guile and exploitation of their necessities
as by their own indigence and toil.
Controversies over the Names of Catholic Movements
4. This work of popular aid had, at
first, no name of its own. The name of Christian Socialism, with
its derivatives, which was adopted by some was very properly allowed to
fall into disuse. Afterward, some asked to have it called the
Popular Christian Movement. In the countries most concerned with
this matter, there are some who are known as Social Christians. Elsewhere,
the movement is described as Christian Democracy and its partisans as Christian
Democrate, in opposition to what the Socialists call Social Democracy..
Not much exception is taken to the first of these two names, i.e., Social
Christians, but many excellent men find the term Christian Democracy objectionable.
They hold it to be very ambiguous and for this reason open to two objections.
It seems by implication covertly to favoe popular government and to disparage
other methods of political administration. Secondly, it appears to
belittle Religion by restricting its scope to the care of the poor, as
if the other sections of society were not of its concern. More than
that, under the shadow of its name there might easily lurk a design to
attack all legitimate power, either civil or Sacred. Wherefore, since
this discussion is now so widespread, and so bitter, the consciousness
of duty warns Us to put a check on this controversy and to define what
Catholics are to think on this matter. We also propose to describe
how the movement may extend its scope and be made more useful to the commonwealth.
Social Democracy Defined
5. What Social Democracy is and what
Christian Democracy ought to be, assuredly no one can doubt. The
first, with due consideration to the greater or less intemperance of its
utterance, is carried to such an excess by many as to maintain that there
is really nothing existing above the natural order of things, and that
the acquisition and enjoyment of corporal and external goods constitute
man's happiness. It aims at putting all government in the hands of
the masses, reducing all ranks to the same level, abolishing all distinction
of class and finally introducing community of goods. Hence, the right
to own private property is to be abrogated, and whatever property a man
possesses, or whatever means of livelihood he has, is to be common to all.
Christian Democracy Examined
6. As against this, Christian Democracy,
by the fact tht it is Christian, is built, and necessarily so,on the basic
principles of divine faith, and it must provide better conditions for the
masses, with the ulterior object of promoting the perfection of souls made
for things eternal. Hence, for Christian Democracy, justict is Sacred;
it must maintain that the right of acquiring and possessing property cannot
be impugned, and it must safeguard the various distinctions and degrees
which are indispensable in every well-ordered commonwealth. Finally,
it must endeavor to preserve in every human sociey the form and the character
which God ever impresses on it. It is clear, therefore, that their
is nothing in common between Social and Christian Democracy.
They differ from each other as much as the sect of Socialism differs from
the profession of Christianity.
Democracy in the Contest of Catholic Action
7. Moreover, it would be a crime to
distort this name of Christian Democracy to politics, for, although democracy,
both in its philological and philosophical signification, implies popular
government, yet in its present application it must be employed without
any political significance, so as to mean nothing else than this beneficent
Christian action on behalf of the people. For the laws of nature
and of the Gospel, which by right are superior to all human contingencies,are
necessarily independent of all particular forms of civil government, while
at the same time they are in harmony with everything that is not repugnant
to morality and justice. They are, therefore, and they must remain
absolutely free from the passions and the vicissitudes of parties, so that,
under whatever political constitution, the citizens may and ought to abide
by those laws which command them to love God above all things, and their
neighbors as themselves. This has always been the policy of the Church.
The Roman Pontiffs acted upon this principle, whenever they dealt with
different countries, no matter what might be the character of their governments.
Hence, the mind and the action f Catholics devoted to promoting the welfare
of the working classes can never be actuated with the purpose of favoring
and introducing one government in place of another.
Christian Democracy Seeks Peace among All Classes
8. In the same manner, we must remove
from Christian Democracy another possible subject of reproach, namely,
that while looking after the advantage of the working people it should
seem to overlook the upper classes of society, for they also are of the
greatest use in preservintg and perfecting the commonwealth. The
Christian law of Charity, which has just been mentioned, will prevent us
from so doing. For it embraces all men,irrespective of ranks, as
members of one and the same family, children of the same most beneficent
Father, redeemed by the same Saviour and called to the same eternal heritage.
Hence the doctrine of the Apostle, who warns us that we are "One body and
one Spirit; as you are called in one hope of your callig; one Lord, one
faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all,
and through all, and in us all." (Eph. 4:4-6.)
Wherefore, on account of the union established by nature between the common
people and the other classes of society, and which Christian brotherhood
makes still closer, whatever diligence we devote to assisting the people
will certainly profit also the other classes, the more so since, as will
be thereafter shown, their co-operation is proper and necessary for the
success of this undertaking.
The Spirit of Obedience
9. Let thhere be no question of fostering
under this name of Christian Democracy any intention of diminishing the
spirit of obedience, or of withdrawing people from their lawful rulers.
Both the natural and the Christian law command us to revere those who in
their various grades are shown above us in the State, and to submit ourselves
to their just commands. It is quite in keeping with our dignity as
men and Christians to obey, not only exeriorly, but from the heart, as
the Apostle expresses it, "for conscience' sake," when he commands us to
keep our soul subject to the higher power. (Rom. 13:1,
5.) It is abhorrent to the profession of Christianity that
any one should feel unwilling to be subject and obedient to those who rule
in the Church, and first of all to the Bishops whom (without prejudice
to the universal power of the Roman Pontiff) "the Holy Ghost hath placed
. . . to rule the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own Blood."
(Acts 20:28.) He who thinks or
acts otherwise is guilty of ignoring the grave precept of the Apostle who
bids us to obey our rulers and to be subject to them, "For they watch as
being to render an account of your souls." (Heb. 13:17.)
Let the faithful everywhere implant these principles deep in their souls,
and put them in practice in their daily life, and let the ministers of
the Gospel meditate them profoundly, and incessantly labor, not merely
by exhortation but especially by example, to teach them to others.
Protect Christian Democracy from Socialism
10. We have recalled these principles, which
on other occasions We had already elucidated, in the hope that all
dispute about the name of Christian Democracy will cease and that all suspicion
of any danger coming from what the name signifies will be put at rest.
And with reason do We hope so; for, neglecting the opinions of certain
men whose views on the nature and efficacy of this kind of Christian Democracy
are not free from exaggeration and from error, let no one condemn
that zeal which, in accordance with the natural and Divine Law, aims to
make the coondition of those who toil more tolerable; to enable them to
obtain, little by little, those means by which they may provide for the
future; to help them to practice in public and in private the duties which
morality and Religion inculcate; to aid them to feel that they are not
animals but men,not heathens but Christians, and so to enable them to strive
mmore zealously and more eagerly for the one thing which is necessary;
viz.,
that ultimate good for which we are all born into this world.
This is the intention; this is the work of those who wish that the people
should be animated by Christian sentiments and should be protected from
the contamination of Socialism which threatens them.
Not Only an Economic But a Moral and Religious Issue
11. We have designedly made mention here of
virtue and Religion. For, it is the opinion of some, and the error
is already very common, that the social question is
merely an economic one, whereas in point of fact it is, above
all, a moral and Religious matter, and for that reason must be settled
by the principles of morality and according to the dictates of Religion.
For, even though wages are doubled and the hours of labor are shortened
and food is cheapened, yet,if the working man hearkens to the doctrines
that are taught on this subject, as he is prone to do, and is prompted
by the examples set before him to throw off respect for God and to enter
upon a life of immorality, his labors and his gain will avail him naught.
Christian Virtue a Necessity
12. Trial and experience have made it abundantly
clear that many a workman lives in cramped and miserable quarters, in spite
of his shorter hours and larger wages, simply because he has cast aside
the restraints of morality and Religion. Take away the instinct which
Christian wisdom has planted and nurtured in men's hearts, take away foresight,
temperance, frugality, patience and other rightful, natural habits and
no matter how much he may strive, he will never achieve prosperity.
That is the reason why We have incessantly exhorted Catholics to
enter these associations for bettering the condition of the laboring classes,
and to organize other undertakings with the same object in view; but We
have likewise warned them that all this should be done under the auspices
of Religion, with its help and under its guidance.
Zeal for the Welfare of Souls Praiseworthy
13. The zeal of Catholics on behalf of the
masses is especially praiseworthy because it is engaged in the very same
field in which, under the benign inspiration of the Church, the active
industry of charity has always labored, adapting itself in all cases to
the varying exigencies of the times. For the law of mutual charity
perfects, as it were, the law of justice, not merely by giving each man
his due and in not impeding him in the exercise of his rights, but also
by befriending him, "not in word, nor in tongue, but in deed, and in truth;"
(I John 3:18.) being mindufl of what
Christ so lovingly said to His own: "A new commandment I give unto you:
That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one
another. By this shall all men know that you are My Disciples, if
you have love one for another." (John 13:34-35.)
This zeal in coming to the rescue of our fellow men should, of course,
be solicitous, first for the eternal good of souls, but it must not neglect
what is good and helpful for this lfe.
Charity Has a Divine Reward
14. We should remember what Christ said to
the Disciple of the Baptist who asked him: "Art thou he that art to come,
or look we for another?" (Matt. 11:3.)
He invoked, as proof of the mission given to Him among men. His exercise
of charity, quoting for them the text of Isaias: "The blind see, the lame
walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the
poor have the Gospel preached to them." (Matt: 11:4-5.)
And speaking also of the last judgment and of the rewards and punishments
He will assign. He declared that He would take special account of
the charity men exercised toward each other. And in that discourse
there is one thing that especially excites our surprise, viz., that
Christ omits those works of mercy which comfort the soul and, referring
only to those which comfort the body, He regards them as being dodne to
Himself: "For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and
you gave me to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; naked, and you
covered me; sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to
me." (Matt. 25:35-36.)
Christ's Example Is Our Model
15. To the teachings which enjoin the twofold
charity of spiritual and corporal works Christ adds His own example, so
that no one may fail to recognize the iimportance which He attaches to
it. In the present instance we recall the sweet words that came from
His Paternal Heart: "I have compassion on the multitude," (Mark
8:2.)
as well as the desire He had to assist them even if it were necessary to
invoke His miraculous power. Of His tender compassion we have the
proclamation made in Holy Writ, viz., that He "went about
doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil . . . " (Acts
10:38.) This Law of Charity which He imposed upon His
Apostles, they, in the most holy and zealous way, put into practice; and
after them those who embraced Christianity originated that wonderful variety
of institutions for alleviating all the mmiseries by which mankind is afflicted.
And these institutions carried on and continually increased their powers
of relief and were the especial glories of Christianity and of the civilization
of which it was the source, so that right-minded men never fail to admire
those foundations, aware as they are of the proneness of men to concern
themselves about their own and neglect the needs of others.
Justice and Charity Seek the Common Good
16. Nor are we to eliminate from the list
of good works the giving of money for Charity, in pursuance of what Christ
has said: "But yet that which remaineth, give aims." (Luke
11:41.)
Against this, the Socialist cries out and demands its abolition as injurious
to the native dignity of man. But, if it is done in the manner which
the Scripture enjoins, (Matt.
6:2-4.) and in
conformity with the true Christian spirit, it neither connotes pride in
the giver nor inflicts shame upon the one who receives. Far from
being dishonorable for man, it draws closer the bonds of human society
by augmenting the force of the obligation of the duties which men are under
with regard to each other. No one is so rich that he does not need
another's help; no one so poor as not to be useful in some way to his fellow
man; and the disposition to ask assistance from others with confidence
and to grant it with kindness is part of our very nature. Thus, justice
and Charity are so linked with each other, under the equable and sweet
law of Christ, as to form an admirable cohesive power in human society
and to lead all of its members to exercise a sort of providence in loking
after their own and in seeking the common good as well.
Permanent Charitable Institutions
17. As regards not merely the temporary aid
given to the laboring classes, but the establishment of permanent institutions
on their behalf, it is most commendable for Charity to undertake them.
It will thus see that more certain and more reliable means of assistance
will be afforded to the necessitous. That kind of help is especially
worthy of recognition which forms the minds of mechanics and laborers to
thrift and foresight, so that in course of time they may be able, in part
at least, to look out for themselves. To aim at that is not only
to dignify the duty of the rich toward the poor, but to elevate the poor
themselves. For, while it urges them to work in order to improve
their condition, it preserves them meantime from danger, it refrains immoderation
in their desires, and acts as a spur in the practice of virtue. Since,
therefore, this is of such great avail and so much in keeping with the
spirit of the times, it is a worthy object for the Charity of righteous
men to undertake with prudence and zeal.
Catholics Should Be United
18. Let it be understood, therefore, that
this devotion of Catholics to comfort and elevate the mass of the people
is in keeping with the spirit of the Church and is most conformable to
the examples which the Church has always held up for imitation. It
matters very little whether it goes under the name of the Popular Christian
Movement or Christian Democracy, if the instructions that have been given
by Us be fully carried out with fitting obedience. But it is of the
greatest importance that Catholics should be one in mind, will and action
in a matter of such great moment. And it is also of importance that
the influence of these undertakings should be extended by the multiplication
of men and means devoted to the same object.
The Wealthy Must Remember the Common Good
19. Especially must there be appeals to the
kindly assistance of those whose rank, wealth and intellectual as well
as spiritual culture give them a certain standing in the community.
If their help is not extended, scarcely anything can be done which will
help in promoting the well-being of the people. Assuredly, the more
earnestly many of those who are prominent citizens conspire effectively
to attain that object, the quicker and sureer will the end be reached.
We would, however, have them understand that they are not at all free to
look after or neglect those who happen to be beneath them, but that it
is a strict duty which binds them. For, no one lives only for his
personal advantage in a community; he lives for the common good as well,
so that, when others cannot contribute their share for the general good,
those who can do so are obliged to make up the deficiency. The very
extent of the benefits they have received increases the burden of their
responsibility, and a stricter account will have to be rendered to God
who bestowed those blessings upon them. What should also urge all
to the fulfillment of their duty inthis regard is the widespread disaster
which will eventually fall upon all classes of society if this assistance
does not arrive in time; and therefore it is that he who neglects the cause
of the distressed masses is disregarding his own interest as well as that
of the community.
Older Institutions Should Wrk with the New
20. If this action, which is social in the
Christian sense of the term, develops and grows in accordance with its
own nature, there will be no danger, as is feared, that those other institutions,
which the piety of our ancestors have established and which are now flourishing,
will decline or be absorbed by new foundations. Both of them spring
from the same root of Charity and Religion, and not only do not conflict
with each other, but can easily be made to coalesce and combine so perfectly
as to provide, all the better by the pooling of their beneficent efforts,
for the needs of the masses and for the daily increasing perils to which
they are exposed.
There Is a Need for Immediate Action
21. The condition of things at present proclaims,
and proclaims vehemently, that there is need for a union of brave minds
with all the resources they can command. The harvest of misery is
before our eyes, and the dreadful projects of the most disastrous national
upheavals are threatening us from the growing power of the Socialistic
movement. They have insidiously worked their way into the very heart
of the community, and in the darkness of their secret gatherings, and in
the open light of day, in their writings and their harangues, they are
urging the masses onward to sedition. They fling aside Religious
discipline; they scorn duties; they clamor only for rights; they are working
incessantly on the multitudes of the needy which daily grow greater, and
which, because of their poverty are easily deluded and led into error.
It is equally the concern of the State and of Religion, and all good men
should deem it a sacred duty to preserve and guard both in the honor which
is their due.
Avoid Useless Controversy and Dissension
22. That this most desirabgle agreement of
wills should be maintained, it is essential that all refrain from giving
any cause of dissension which hurts and divides minds. Hence, in
newspapers and in speeches to the people, let them avoid subtle and practically
useless questions which are neither easy to solve nor easy to understand
except by minds of unusual ability and after the most serious study.
It is quite natural for people to hesitate on doubtful subjects, and that
different men should hold different opinions, but those who sincerely seek
after truth will preserve equanimity, modesty and courtesy in matters
of dispute. They will not let differences of opinion deteriorate
into conflicts of wills. Besides, to whatever opinion a man's judgment
may incline, if the matter is yet open to discussion, let him keep it,
provided he be always disposed to listen with Religious obedience to what
the Holy See may decided on the question.
Established Organizations Should Lead the Cause
23. The action of Catholics, of whatever description
it may be, will work with greater effect if all of the various associations,
while preserving their individual rights, move together under one primary
and directive force.
In Italy, We desire that this directive force should
emanate from the Institute of Catholic Congresses and Reunions so often
praised by Us, to which Our Predecessor and We Ourselves have committed
the charge of controlling the common action of Catholics under the authority
and direction of the Bishops of the country. So let it be for other
nations, in case there be any leading organization of this description
to which this matter has been legitimately entrusted.
Virtue Must Be Cultivated by All
24. Now, in all questions of this sort where
the interests of the Church and the Christian people are so closely allied,
it is evident what they who are in the Sacred Ministry should do, and it
is clear how industrious they should be in inculcating right doctrine and
in teaching the duties of purdence and Charity. To go out and move
among the people, to exert a healthy influence on them by adapting themselves
to the present condition of things, is what more than once in addressing
the Clergy We have advised. More frequently, also, in writing to
the Bishops and other dignitaries of the Church, and especially of late.
(Letter to the Minister General of the Minorites, November
25, 1898. In this letter, the Pope recalled the instructions given
in Aeterni Patris concerning the way to be followed in higgher studies;
the doctrine of Thomas Aquinas should be followed by all the Religious
who wish truly to philosophize [qui vere philosophari volunt]; paramount
importance of the study of Holy Scripture; how to preach the word of God;
forceful exhortation addressed to the Franciscans to go out of their Monasteries
and, following the example of St. Francis, devote themselves to the salvation
of the masses; importance of the Third Order of St. Francis with regard
to this work.) We have lauded this affectionate solicitude
for the people and declared it to be the special duty of both the Secular
and Regular Clergy. But in the fulfillment of this obligation let
there be the greatest caution and prudence exerted, and let it be done
after the fashion of the Saints. Francis, who was poor and humble;
Vincent de Paul, the father of the afflicted classes; and very many others
whom the Church keeps ever in her memory were wont to lavish their care
upon the people, but in such wise as not to be engrossed overmuch or to
be unmindful of themselves or to let it prevent them from laboring with
the same assiduity in the perfection of their own soul and the cultivation
of virtue.
Accepting the Duties of Our State in Life
25. There remains one thing upon which We
desire to insist very strongly, in which not only the Ministers of the
Gospel, but also all those who are devoting themselves to the cause of
the people, can with very little difficulty bring about a most commendable
result. That is to inculcate in the minds of the people, in a brotherly
way and whenever the opportunity presents itself, the following principles,
viz.:
to keep aloof on all occasions from seditious acts and seditious men;
to hold inviolate the rights of others; to show a proper respect to superiors;
to willingly perform the work in which they are employed; not to grow weary
of the restraint of family life which in many ways is so advantageous;
to keep to their Religious practices above all and in their hardships and
trials to have recourse to the Church for consolation. In the furtherance
of all this, it is of great help to propose the splendid example of the
Holy Family of Nazareth, and to advise the invocation of its protection,
and it also helps to remind the people of the examples of sanctity which
h ave shone in the midst of poverty, and to h old up before them the reward
that awaits them in the better life to come.
Associations Should Form under Episcopal Authority
26. Finally, We recur again to what We have
already declared and We insist upon it most solemnly, viz., that
whatever projects individuals or associations form in this matter should
be formed under Episcopal Authority. Let them not be led astray by
an excessive zeal in the cause of Charity. If it leads them to be
wanting in proper submmission, it is not a sincere zeal; it will not have
any useful result and cannot be acceptable to God. God delights in
the souls of those who put aside their own designs and obey the rulers
of His Church as if they were obeying Him. He assists them even when
they attempt difficult things and benignly leads them to their desired
end. Let them show, also, examples of virtue, so as to prove that
a Christian is a hater of idleness and self-indulgence, that he gives willingly
from his goods for the help of others and that he stands firm and unconquered
in the midst of adversity. Examples of that kind have a power of
moving people to dispositions of soul that make for salvation, and have
all lthe greater force as the condition of those who give them is higher
on the social scale.
Tranquility and True Prosperity
27. We exhort you, Venerable Brethren, to
provide for all this, as the necessities of men and of places may require,
according to your prudence and your zeal, meeting as usual in council to
combine with each other in your plans for the furtherance of these projects.
Let your solicitude watch and let your Authority be effective in controlling,
compelling and also in preventing, lest any one under the pretext of good
should cause the vigor of Sacred discipline to be relaxed or the order
which Christ has established in His Church to be disturbed. Thus,
by the rightful, harmonious and ever-increasing labor of all Catholics,
let it become more and more evident that the tranquility of order and the
true prosperity flourish especially among those peoples whom the Church
controls and influences; and that she holds it as her Sacred duty to admonish
every one of what the Law of God enjoins, to unite the rich and the poor
in the bonds of fraternal Charity and to lift up and strengthen men's souls
in the times when adversity presses heavily upon them.
Admonition to Be Charitable
28. Let Our commands and Our wishes be confirmed
by the words so full of Apostolic Charity which the blessed Paul addressed
to the Romans: "I beseech you therefore, Brethren, . . . be reformed in
the newness of your mind . . . he that giveth, with simplicity; he that
ruleth, with carefulness; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be without dissimulation. Hating that which is evil; cleaving
to that which is good. Loving one another with the Charity of brotherhood,
with honor preventing one another. In carefulness not slothful .
. . Rejoicing in hope. Patient in tribulation. Instant in prayer.
Communicating to the necessities of the saints. Pursuing hospitality
. . . Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep. Being
of one mind one towards another . . . To no man rendering evil for evil.
Providing good things, not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight
of all men." (Rom. 12:1-2, 8-13, 15-17.)
Apostolic Blessing
29. As a pledge of these benefits receive
the Apostolic Benediction which, Venerable Brethren, We grant most lovingly
in the Lord to you and your Clergy and people.
Given at St. Peter's in Rome, the eighteenth day
of January, 1901, the thirteenth year of Our Pontificate.
POPE LEO XIII
DESCRIPTION OF MAGNIFICENT
PAPAL CORONATION
As Peter was given a new name so does the new
Supreme Pontiff become known by another. After the election he extends
his first blessing to the people -- a Benediction which was not given in
the open for years until Pope Pius XI established the custom.
The Coronation, one of the most magnificent of
Vatican Ceremonies, takes place shortly after the election. With
the Pope carried high in a golden chair and attended by brilliantly attired
chamberlains and soldiers, the Coronation Mass is an unrivaled spectacle
of beauty, dignity, and ancient pageantry. At the Coronation, in
the midst of the pomp and splendor, a master of ceremonies recites in Latin:
"Holy Father, thus does the glory of the world pass away." As the
first Cardinal Deacon places the three-crowned Tiara on the heead of the
Pope, he says: "Receive the three-crowned Tiara, and know that thou art
the Father of Princes and Kings, the Pastor of the earth, and Vicar of
Jesus Christ, to Whom be honor and glory forever. Amen."
The CORONATION of Pope Pius XII took place on
the balcony of St. Peter's in March, 1939. (From the book "The
Vatican and Holy Year" by Stephen S. Fenichell & Phillip Andrews.--1950
edition.)
(Tradition is an equal part [along with the Bible] of the Authoritative Teaching of the Church -- From the book "The Immaculate Way" by Brian Farrely, S.S.M. -- 1963 edition.)
The True Answer To
World Peace
Triumph
Of Church