Habemus Papam

Extract

The election of Cardinal Pacelli to the throne of St. Peter has been acclaimed with unprecedented sentiments of satisfaction in both the Catholic and non-Catholic world. The lonely white figure crossing the already darkened basilica of St. Peter to pray at the tomb of the Apostle after his great decision, is symbolic of the man who has been providentially prepared by God to reign over the Church as Pius XII. His unmistakable ability, combined with a saintliness of life, could not fail to impress all who saw him. Even when placed in high station and surrounded with the pomp of the papal court, nothing seemed to disturb or distract the calm tranquillity of his soul deeply occupied with God. His linguistic ability combined with a fiery apostolic zeal particularly fitted him as an eloquent preacher. His sermons may still be read in various languages, but there was one which reveals the inner spirit of wisdom and the ideal he set before himself, so that his own life became a living sermon. This masterpiece of oratory was a panegyric preached on the occasion of the seventh centenary of St. Dominic, in the great Dominican Church of the Minerva, Rome. His text was taken from St. Paul, ‘Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine.’