[topher]

In a speech of December 8, 1930, Monsignor Jouin claimed that Cardinal Mariano Rampolla was in fact a Freemason and a Freemason of the most vile kind. Various sources refer to Rampolla as a liberal.

There is all sort of intrigue in finding the why of the Austrian Franz Josep's veto of Cardinal Rampolla.

Web searches will find some interesting articles -- including the support of the predecessor of Pope John Paul II when he was Archbishop of Krakow. It was the then Archbishop of Krakow who played an important role.

[topher]

Catholic ping

[swilhelm73]

Well, the most important issue to the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1903 would have been maintaining their hold on their Balkan holdings. Did Rampolla perhaps have some connection with Serbia/Croatia or Orthodox Christianity in general?

[Fudd Fan]

"On the first poll, Rampolla gained 24 votes, Gotti 12, Sarto 5, Vannutelli 4."

How is this known? Conclaves are secret!

[Floratina]

Got any more like this? I hope so and will look for them, very inspiring. Thanks for a great post, topher.

[Salvation]

American Catholic’s Saint of the Day

August 21, 2007

St. Pius X

(1835-1914)

Pope Pius X is perhaps best remembered for his encouragement of the frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially by children.

The second of 10 children in a poor Italian family, Joseph Sarto became Pius X at 68, one of the twentieth century’s greatest popes.

Ever mindful of his humble origin, he stated, “I was born poor, I lived poor, I will die poor.” He was embarrassed by some of the pomp of the papal court. “Look how they have dressed me up,” he said in tears to an old friend. To another, “It is a penance to be forced to accept all these practices. They lead me around surrounded by soldiers like Jesus when he was seized in Gethsemani.”

Interested in politics, he encouraged Italian Catholics to become more politically involved. One of his first papal acts was to end the supposed right of governments to interfere by veto in papal elections—a practice that reduced the freedom of the conclave which elected him.

In 1905, when France renounced its agreement with the Holy See and threatened confiscation of Church property if governmental control of Church affairs were not granted, Pius X courageously rejected the demand.

While he did not author a famous social encyclical as his predecessor had done, he denounced the ill treatment of the Indians on the plantations of Peru, sent a relief commission to Messina after an earthquake and sheltered refugees at his own expense.

On the eleventh anniversary of his election as pope, Europe was plunged into World War I. Pius had foreseen it, but it killed him. “This is the last affliction the Lord will visit on me. I would gladly give my life to save my poor children from this ghastly scourge.” He died a few weeks after the war began.

Comment:

His humble background was no obstacle in relating to a personal God and to people whom he loved genuinely. He gained his strength, his gentleness and warmth for people from the source of all gifts, the Spirit of Jesus. In contrast, we often feel embarrassed by our backgrounds. Shame makes us prefer to remain aloof from people whom we perceive as superior. If we are in a superior position, on the other hand, we often ignore simpler people. Yet we, too, have to help “restore all things in Christ,” especially the wounded people of God.

Quote:

Describing Pius X, a historian wrote that he was “a man of God who knew the unhappiness of the world and the hardships of life, and in the greatness of his heart wanted to comfort everyone.”