p. 7 | Not Making Progress

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Jan 3, 1905

Not Making Progress.

In an address before the College of Cardinals, December 11, Pope Pius said that the Catholic faith is spreading more and more throughout the world, particularly in far-distant countries. But in a voice of the utmost sadness the pontiff added that on turning toward the Catholic nations there is little to offer encouragement or consolation. The pope went on to say that he wished it were in his power to give the cardinals more encouraging news concerning the progress of the church; but that present conditions do not warrant him in giving them much consolation. He expressed the fear that in the end the prediction of the Scriptures might be verified that "the kingdom of the Lord will be removed to other people where it will produce good fruit." The pontiff added that especial care and anxiety may well be felt for France, the nation heretofore looked upon as the "Eldest Daughter of the Church." But what the church is losing in Europe she is gaining here.