And in the midst of this universal confusion and peril we feel and
know that both Fatherly love and the Apostolic ministry demand of
us that we should with all earnestness turn the thoughts of
Christendom thither "whence cometh help"--to Christ, the Prince of
Peace, and the most powerful mediator between God and man.
We charge, therefore, the Catholics of the whole world to approach
the throne of Grace and Mercy, each and all of them, and more
especially the clergy, whose duty furthermore it will be to make in
every parish, as their Bishops shall direct, public supplication so
that the merciful God may, as it were, be wearied with the prayers
of His children and speedily remove the evil causes of war, giving
to them who rule to think the thoughts of peace and not of
affliction.
From the palace of the Vatican, the second day of August, 1914.
PIUS X. Pontifex Maximus.
* * * * *
THE POPE'S DYING WORDS.
Pronounced by Pius X. at the Vatican, Aug. 20.
In ancient times the Pope, with a word, might have stayed the
slaughter. Now I am impotent and forced to see the spectacle of my
own children, even those who yesterday worked here with me, leaving
for the war and abandoning their cassocks and cowls for soldiers'
uniforms.
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