Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 196, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 August 1914 — HEAD OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH DEAD [ARTICLE]

HEAD OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH DEAD

Pope Pius X, Grieving Over War, Suffers a Relapse, Which Ends In His DeatK Rome, Augi 20.—Pope Pius X, supreme head of the Roman Catholic ehureh,’ died this morning. Bronehial catarrh, superinduced by ghout and grief over the present war in Europe, was the cause of death. The pope was in his 80th year. The pontiff’s death was unexpected until late Wednesday afternoon, when he suffered a sudden relapse. Rumors that his illness was serious had been published Tuesday, but the Pope’s physician stated Tuesday night that the pontiff was in ho immediate danger. Yesterday his condition became critical. At one time it was believed he was dying, but he revived under stimulants and the administration of oxygen. Bells tolling in Rome, as a signal to the faithful to pray for the recovery of the Pope, gave rise to a rumor that death had occurred yesterday afternoon, and this premature report was sent throughout the world. The Pope showed slight Improvement later, but again suffered a relapse and the end came at 1:20 o’clock this morning. Grief over the war In Europe caused the Pope much depression from the first outbreak and several, days ago symptoms appeared of the old bronchial affection from which the pontiff had suffered in times past.*' On Tuesday Dr. Marchiafava announced that the Pope was suffering from a simple cold and that possibly .complete rest for a week would restore him to his usual health. The bronchial condition spread, however, and on Wednesday is was announced that the Pope’s condition was serious.