The Pope and the World

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 14, 1910

The Pope and the World

THERE are many who see, in recent developments and through the lessons of history, the continued cherished purpose of the Papacy to rule the world. Said Bishop Earl Cranston, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in a sermon at York, Pa., on March 20, before the Central Pennsylvania M. E. conference:—

Now suppose with the addition of more territory, with twelve or more millions of Roman Catholics, the majority of the people of this government fifty years hence would be Roman Catholic, who doubts for a moment that the reigning Pope would assume control of legislation and government? He would then define for all of us the meaning of Christianity. . . . Our only protection is to hold public sentiment to the side of freedom. The recent Fairbanks episode was providential. It jolted the people into consciousness,—set them to thinking.

And if the Fairbanks incident had such an effect, what ought we not to expect from the Pope’s refusal to see former President Roosevelt except upon the condition that he put himself under bonds to obey the Pope’s behests in Rome? There is no rôle but that of king of kings and ruler of presidents that will ever be satisfying to the head of the Roman hierarchy.