28 MAY 1864, Page 2

The reports as to the Pope's health grow more and

more contra- dictory. According to the ecclesiastics and the Moniteur he never was better, according to all other persons his strength is fast dis- appearing. The Opinions states that in the event of any com- motion the French Government has agreed that Italian troops shall occupy the remainder of the Roman States except Ostia and Rome, but this may be a mere rumour. Indeed the only point certain seems to be that the Pope is not yet dead, and even his decease will probably be concealed as long as possible.