The Daily Independent

Pope Pius To Broadcast On Christmas Eve
Roman Pontiff, In Spite of Seriousness of His Illness, Insists On Speaking In Behalf of Peace On Earth.
Vatican City, Dec. 21.-(U.P.)
Pope Pius, despite his weakened condition, decided tonight against his doctor's advice to broadcast a Christmas message to the faithful throughout the world. It probably will contain a plea for peace.
The Pontiff will speak at 12:30 p. m., (6:30 p. m. EST) on December 24 from the Vatican radio station.
Although doctor Arminta Milani tried to dissuade the Pontiff from further taxing his waning strength by preparing and delivering the message, the Pontiff was so intent in his desire that the physician finally relented. Milani and the Pope's intimates now are
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Pope Pius Will Broadcast On Christmas Eve (Continued from Page One) urging him to keep his broadcast as brief as possible. The Pontiff will speak over a microphone placed before his wheel chair. or, if Milani insists on his remaining in bed, the apparatus will be placed by his couch. Pope Pius expects to speak about 20 or 25 minutes in Italian. Afterward. Vatican officials said the address will be translated into French and English if sufficient stations request that. In connection with alarming reports about the Pope's health the semi-official Vatican news agency. directed by Monsignor Enrice Pucci. tonight issued a statement which can be considered officially inspired by the Vatican. and said: "Despite all alarmist rumors which have been circulating. even with specific details. we must repeat once more, that the Pope's health continues satisfactory. taking into consideration the condition in which he finds himself."