Wednesday, June 14, 2006

From Pope Pius XI

[Note: This telegram was actually sent on Pope Pius XI's behalf by Cardinal Pacelli, who would himself become Pope Pius XII]

Holy Father deeply grieved death Mr. Gilbert Keith Chesterton devoted son Holy Church gifted Defender of the Catholic Faith. His Holiness offers paternal sympathy people of England assures prayers dear departed, bestows Apostolic Benediction.

[Another note: Defensor Fidei is the same title once granted by Pope Leo X to King Henry VIII, though, of course, with somewhat different results. Because of the controversial regal nature of this title, many English newspapers refused to print the telegram in full.]

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