The Papacy’s Claim to Universal Sovereignty
AT the coronation of Pope Pius X., immediately after the triple crown had been placed on the pontiff's head, these words were addressed to him by Cardinal Macchi:— Receive the tiara ornamented with three crowns. Remember thou art the father of princes and kings, the rector of the world, the vicar on earth of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is the honor and glory of all centuries. This is a claim to universal sovereignty. It affirms that all the world is bound to look up to the Roman pontiff, to be guided in all things by his words, and that he has the right, though he has not the power, to give commands to all mankind. It is a declaration that the papacy has not abated any of its former claims, nor in any wise swerved from its old-time purpose of universal dominion.