The Pope, it is said, has conceived a grand idea.
Next year is the eighteenth secular anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Peter, and His Holiness, it is said, designs to hold a magnificent festival and summon to Rome all the bishops of the Catholic world. If he could realize that idea it might be formidable, for there are millions of Catholics who, though they care little about the Pope, would be deeply impressed by the vote of an (Ecumenical Council, but he cannot realize it. Neither the French nor the Italian bishops would be allowed to attend, and the German element would preponderate to an extent which would render the council unmanageable by an Italian camarilla. There might be rebellion within its ranks, as there has been in almost every council, and the Pope knows too well the traditions of the Holy Chair to run any such needless risk. Ha may hold a grand ceremonial for the creation of three or four deities, but his energy will stop there.
