The Pope's Day

As Pope Pius XI completed the second year of his pontificate, it was repeatedly remarked that the confined life of the Vatican has worn upon his rugged physique.

His daily life is marked by simplicity, work, exercise. He often works 15 to 16 hours, rarely sleeps more than 6 or 7. At mealtime he examines mail, directs secretaries, confers with members of the Hierarchy.

Rising at 6:30 every morning, the Pope says mass in his private chapel before breakfast, which is at 8. Breakfast consists of coffee with milk, bread, butter. The mail is brought in, is divided among seven secretaries.

At 9, Cardinal Gasparri, Secretary of State, is received every day except Tuesday, when Mgr. Borgongini-Duca, pro-secretary for extraordinary ecclesiastical affairs, comes, and Friday when Mgr. Pizzardo, Assistant Secretary of State, comes.

At 10, the Pope gives private audiences to prelates, diplomats, nobles. At 1, he receives pilgrims, delegations, tourists.

At 2, Master of the Papal Household (Mgr. Caccia-Dominione) presents to His Holiness the list of audiences for the next day.

At 2:30 the Pope lunches. He delights in rice, done Milano style. But he is not an epicure; has never been known to refuse any dish placed before him. A meat, a few vegetables, some fruit.

Promptly at 3:30 His Holiness enters his carriage and is driven to the gardens. Here he walks four, five or six miles briskly, rain or shine. A prelate accompanies him, discussing affairs.

At 5:30 private audiences with prelates are resumed until 8:30 or 9, when supper is served. After supper, the Pope devotes himself to composition of Vatican communications. Often a Cardinal is compelled to use "gentle violence" in urging the Pope to retire. Once he turned to a Cardinal and said: "You know that when one is made Pope, life is finished. All then is in the hands of God. I will do nothing to preserve my life one day more, but I will work until God says : 'It is enough.'"

Achille Ratti, priest, bishop, mountain climber, knew a different life. So did also Cardinal Ratti, skilled and active representative of Pope Benedict XV in Poland. But there are no serious fears for his health. All look forward to seeing him initiate and celebrate 1925, the Holy Year of Jubilee.