The reconciliation between Italy and the Papacy is one of
the great events of our time—as memorable as it was unex- pected. How it came about and what it implies are clearly explained in an excellent book, The Pope is King, by an un- named Italian writing in good English (Benn, 10s. 6d.). The initiative was taken by Signor Mussolini in August, 1926, and Pope Pius XI. instantly responded. To these two able men the author assigns much of the credit for the treaty that was slowly and cautiously drafted during the next two and a half years. The Vatican City, now an independent State slightly larger than St. James's Park, is described and illustrated. Moreover, the author is careful to detail the concessions made to the Papacy in respect of religious education throughout Italy. He does not attempt to, predict the future relations between Fascism and the Roman Catholic Church, but he hints somewhat broadly that the -two powers will not avoid friction, and the hint is not ill-founded as recent speeches and articles have shown.
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