Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 92, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 July 1903 — Pope Lee XIÌ Dead. [ARTICLE]

Pope Lee XIÌ Dead.

Died Monday 4.04 p. m. i. e, 9 o’clock a. m. to our tl lie. A deep sense of sympathy and sadness affects the hearts of not only 300 million catholics but of all Christendom upon the demise of the jllustrious Pontff Never before in the history of the world was the attention of the different rulers and diverse people confered upon a human being so absorbingly as upon the saintly Vicar Of Christ, Pope Leo XIII. The public press without distinction of politics and creed ; has been busy in chronicling broadetist every receivable intelligence anent the condition of the dying Leo. Monday that extraordinary man finished his course, In spite of all careful and tender service of his able doctors Leo passed away. The “Lumen in coelo” as he was called “the'Light in the Sky,” that illumined the world for over 25 years has disappeared on the earth by horizon to shine with his lustre of sanctity singularly fair in the celestial kingdom.

We bemourn his death since it deprived us of such a noble man who was great as Pope, great as teacher of mankind and a generous benefactor even towards his enemies. No man of unbiased mind and noble purpose, who knows of the virtues and works of the remarkable Pontiff can refuse to respect and love him and regret the loss of such an amiable “Father of Christianity.” In him the Catholics lost a great Pope the laborers an open advocate of their rights and all Christianity a sincere friend. Whoever had the happiness to meet and speak to him, loves him and tells about his amiability. Whosoever reads his encyclicas is filled with admiration at the wisdom and piety that prevades them. His great comprehensive mind remained clear to the end. Perfectly resigned to the will of God he gave up his soul into the hands of its Maker.

Pope Leo XIII was born at Carpineto, Italy, Maroh 2nd 1810. His parent both known for piety and nobility were Louis Pecci and Anna Proeperi. Leo received his higher education as the Jesuit college at Viterbo and later on at Rome. When 28 years of age he became Priest. In 1843 he was sent as nuncio to Brussels, He was Priest about 66 years, Bishop 60 years, Cardinal about 50 years. Pope for over 25 years. Beyond doubt he was the greatest man of the age. As such Emperors and Kings and Presidents have paid him homage and as such we bemourn the death of Leo XIII.

Rev. V. H. KRULL,