Satolli’s Mission to Washington
FOR some time press reports have announced the coming visit to the United States of Cardinal Satolli, who was prominent some years ago as an emissary of the papacy in this country. Various reasons have been assigned for the cardinal’s return at this time, representing his coming visit as an unofficial one; but the true reason, according to a statement given out at Washington, is one of deep political significance. In a press dispatch of June 6 it is stated:— A prominent Washington ecclesiastic by far whose authority is unquestioned, asserted to-day that his true mission is an endeavor, to establish diplomatic relations with the United States, in order to establish a nunciature in Washington. It is supposed that he counts upon Archbishop Ireland, of St. Paul, and upon Mgr. O’Connell, rector of the Catholic University, to aid him in the enterprise. If it succeeds, the prestige attaching to Satolli will be so great as materially to strengthen his chances for the papacy. In the event of his success, Archbishop Ireland would receive his red hat, and Mgr. O’Connell would be nominated as the first nuncio accredited from the Vatican court to the United States government. THUS does Rome pursue her cherished project of securing the establishment of a papal nuncio at Washington, which would mean the recognition by this government of papal sovereignty. It is the abolition of such relationship with the Vatican that is now contemplated by the government of France. France and other Catholic countries which are now drawing away from Rome have been made wise by experience, and it would be well for the United States to take heed to their example.