Interesting details with regard to the subjects discussed during the audience granted Austen Chamberlain, British Foreign Secretary, by Pope Pius XI are disclosed today by the Italian press.
The Pope congratulated Chamberlain on the altitude of Great Britain towards Soviet Russia, which, he stated, was the enemy of all Christendom, the papers report. The Pope also urged Great Britain to protect the interests of Catholics in Palestine against the invasion of Zionism and promised, in return, the complete loyalty of Catholics all over the world towards the British Empire, according to the press reports.
Indicative of the interest taken by the Vatican in the Palestine question is the fact that of the twenty pavillions of the Catholic Missionary World Exhibition, which will be held in the courtyards and gardens of the Vatican during the “Holy Year of 1925”, one building will be devoted entirely to Palestine. Circulars and placards announcing the exhibition have already been prepared and will be distributed throughout the world.
With regard to the purpose of the Palestine pavillion in the Vatican exhibition, the Tribuna states that “information was supplied by a prominent person that the Vatican intends to give the clearest reply based on facts and documents of Zionist claims on Palestine, the cradle of the Christian religion.”
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