The Pope’s Delegate in America
By Editor
THAT the position of Francisco Satolli, apostolic delegate to the United States, may be understood, we give the closing part of the pope's letter of appointment. He is a "delegate" in the full sense of the word, as he is delegated with all the power of the pope within the territory of his jurisdiction, and is guaranteed in advance a ratification of all his acts. Therefore, venerable brother, holding you in every special affection, we, by our apostolic authority and by virtue of these present letters, do elect, make, and declare you to be Apostolic Delegate in the United States of America, at the good pleasure of ourself and of this Holy See. We grant you all and singular powers necessary and expedient for the carrying on of such delegation. We command all whom it concerns to recognize in you, as Apostolic Delegate, the supreme power of the delegating pontiff; we command that they give you aid, concurrence, and obedience in all things; that they receive with reverence your salutary admonitions and orders. Whatever sentence or penalty you shall declare or inflict duly against those who oppose your authority, we will ratify, and, with the authority given us by the Lord, will cause to be observed inviolably until condign satisfaction be made. Notwithstanding constitutions and apostolic ordinances, or any other to the contrary. Given at Rome, in St. Peter's, under the Fisherman's Ring, this the 24th day of January, 1893, of our pontificate the fifteenth year. (Countersigned,) SERAFINO CARDINAL VANUTELLI. To give a man who cannot speak the English language absolute power over the spiritual interests of an English-speaking people, is a species of tyranny that only the most subservient would endure.