The Proposed Papal Legation in Washington
ROME’S project of establishing a papal legation in Washington is being steadily pushed forward. It is now announced that at a recent meeting of archbishops in Washington “it was decided to put up a building for the residence and executive quarters of the papal legation to this country.” This building, it is further stated, will be an imposing and costly edifice, and will be located “in the heart of the best residence section of Washington.” The New York Sun states that Pope Pius “has shown his desire to put Washington on a par with other capitals,” and that it is probable the city will receive the further distinction of being made a separate diocese. While there is in reality no papal legation in Washington recognized by this government, and such a thing is debarred by the principle of separation of church and state which is fundamental in Protestant and republican government, press reports are made to convey the impression that such a delegation is now virtually an established thing at the national capital, and that only some action of a formal character on the part of the government, which will be forthcoming in time, is needed to put the legation on a par with papal legations elsewhere. The imposing edifice to be erected in Washington will naturally foster this impression. But between this outward show and reality there will be a world-wide difference so long as the principles of Protestantism remain in American government.