Pope Pius XII Sees Pagan Trend (10-15-40)

The Pittsburgh Press (October 15, 1940)

POPE PIUS SEES A PAGAN TREND

Sends Message to Meeting Of U.S. Catholics

Los Angeles, Oct. 15 (UP) –

Pio_XII_Pacelli

Christianity is “confronted with a world which in large measure has almost fallen back into paganism,” Pope Pius XII said last night in a message delivered by Archbishop Amleto Giovanni Cicognani, Papal delegate to the United States.

Archbishop Cicognani brought the Pope’s message to the Sixth National Congress of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine at a public meeting in Shrine auditorium.

The Pope said his message, addressed to archbishops, bishops and priests and sisters attending the congress had been suggested by a passage in a statement by the administrative board of National Catholic Welfare in “the church and social order” published last February 7. He quoted the statement:

It is an unfortunate fact that large numbers of working men have become alienated from religion.

Has Become ‘Scandal’

This is true even of Catholics in some of the older countries. In the words of the supreme pontiff, it has become the great scandal of the modern world.

No matter how we explain the defection, the fact remains that Christian truth and principles of conduct have become greatly obscured, so that we are confronted with a world which in large measure has almost fallen back into paganism.

The Pontiff’s message, said the statement, referred only to workingmen. He explained, however, that he believes the finding s "are generally true of all possessions or occupations.

Consequences ‘Fatal’

The consequences of such a condition are quite disastrous and indeed fatal.

He called attention to persons in all station s of life who are “ignorant of the principles of Christian doctrine.” They are without “the light that enlightens the mind and warms the heart – that light, serene and peaceful, whose rays are the guide and protection of men amid the problems and varying conditions of life.”

There are “millions on millions” of youths who are not receiving religious training, the message said. He said many of the priests and sisters in attendance could “do something in your own sphere – for example in your own parish – and accomplish a great deal of good.”

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The Pittsburgh Press (October 16, 1940)

POPE TO BROADCAST TO U.S. SATURDAY
Vatican City, Oct 16 (UP) –

Pope Pius XII will broadcast a special message to the United States at 8:30 p.m. Saturday (1:30 p.m. ET). The broadcast, to be delivered over a world hookup with the Vatican City radio station, will commemorate American Mission Sunday.

The Pope’s broadcast will be carried by Stations WJAS and WCAE.

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