The piety of the Italians does not prevent them from cheering in church. Last week, as they packed St. Peter's to witness the pageantry which in turn witnessed that Rome was still, more than any other city, the heart of Christendom, they joyously cried "Ecco il Papa! Ecco il Papa!"
After a golden fanfare of trumpets from high in the nave, Pius XII, gold-mitred, red-robed, and flanked by the Swiss Guards in uniforms designed by Michelangelo, was borne through the throngs on the Sedia Gestatoria to his throne.
Trailing their crimson capes, 28 high prelates* came forward one by one to kiss the...
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