Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!

Sign up free
Page thumbnail for The Helena Independent
Foreign News June 16, 1889

The Helena Independent

Helena, Lewis And Clark County, Montana

What is this article about?

Discussions on successor to ailing Pope Leo XIII favor an Italian candidate to appease Italian government and factions, despite initial proposal of Cardinal Gibbons; speedy election needed if death occurs soon.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

Since the proposition was first made to elect Cardinal Gibbons to the papacy as a way around the difficulty of choosing a successor to Leo XIII, who shall not be offensive to either faction in the Italian hierarchy or to the king of Italy, it has been stated that those very considerations, and especially the last one, will necessitate the selection of an Italian. It is claimed that the elevation of a foreigner to the papacy would be considered by the Italian government as an evidence of hostility on the part of the church, and that it would be resented as such. On the other hand, it is thought there are several high dignitaries in the Italian hierarchy who would be unobjectionable to the Quirinal and to the church as well. As there is no vacancy in the Vatican, discussion of the selection of the next pope would appear premature were it not for the fact that Leo XIII is well known to be in a precarious condition of health and that his death may occur at any time, in which event churchmen recognize the necessity of a speedy election to fill the vacancy.

What sub-type of article is it?

Religious Affairs Diplomatic

What keywords are associated?

Papal Succession Leo Xiii Health Cardinal Gibbons Italian Pope Vatican Election

What entities or persons were involved?

Cardinal Gibbons Leo Xiii

Where did it happen?

Vatican

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

Vatican

Key Persons

Cardinal Gibbons Leo Xiii

Outcome

discussion of selecting an italian pope to avoid offending italian government; leo xiii's death may occur at any time, necessitating speedy election.

Event Details

Proposition to elect Cardinal Gibbons as pope to avoid offending Italian factions or king, but considerations favor an Italian; elevation of foreigner seen as hostility by Italian government; several unobjectionable Italian dignitaries available; discussion premature but due to Leo XIII's precarious health.

Are you sure?