THE CONDITION OF THE WORLD AS VIEWED BY THE POPE.
We take the following summary of Pope Leo's latest encyclical from Public Opinion. Its chief interest lies in the fact that the pope realizes the condition of the world and society as one of anarchy, inquietude, perplexity, unrest. Read what Jesus says in Luke 21: 25-27. But the pope's remedy will never cure it. If all churches united with Rome, it would be no better; for when the Roman Church ruled the world, it was worse than now. That rule is returning, however. Here is the summary:— The Osservatore Romano, the organ of the Vatican, prints the Easter encyclical issued by the pope, in which he says the time has come when he must recognize that he is approaching the end of the term of his life on earth, and that this encyclical should be his testimony to the Catholic Church. The pope says he would encourage the Catholic bishops throughout the world to continue vigorously to resist the persecutions which now afflict the church. These persecutions will continue, but they will not affect the spread of the light of Christ among infidels. Never has humanity found itself in more miserable condition than at present. There is disorder in all social relations, and especially in family relations; excessive liberty has been created, which has fostered Socialism and Anarchism. Unjust wars, the encyclical says, are being waged by strong nations against weak and feeble peoples. There are exaggerated armaments among great nations, the effects of which are even more disastrous than war. All these things have created world-wide inquietude. Unceasing troubles and misery have provoked the people to Anarchism, which henceforth promises to constitute a formidable league against emperors, kings, and presidents of all governments. These governments must adopt decisive measures for the defense of genuine liberty, and must enforce the teaching of religion. In conclusion the pope invokes the union of Christian churches as the leading remedy to save society from the violent attacks of atheists and Freemasonry. He maintains the necessity of upholding the temporal rights of the church, and counsels the active spread of Catholic women's societies. He also condemns the forthcoming institution of the law of divorce in Italy, and urges all Catholics to combat doctrines contrary to religion.