The Pope's Illness

INCREASED ANXIETY
During the past few days, unofficial reports from Rome have brought renewed disquiet as to the Holy Father's condition, though the latest news is more hopeful. in the Vatican itself, alarmist rumours are deprecated and denied; it is, however, admittedly the case that His Holiness has not been sleeping well and is in considerable pain from his left leg. Sleeplessness and pain are exhausting factors, and there cannot be other than deep concern that the Pontiff's state does not improve.
For many days, now, Pius XI has been resting in bed, and to the extent that the affected limb can thus be kept immobile there has been some relief; also it is reported that there is a diminution of the asthmatical symptoms which at one time aggravated the illness. But this enforced inactivity has another side. Want of exercise is affecting the circulation and the heart's action.
The Pope's pain comes from the swollen state of his leg and from neuritis. " We know what suffering is," His Holiness remarked to Mgr. Pizzardo some days ago, adding with a smile that his head, however, was all right.
The World's Prayers Elsewhere in the Vatican, in the antechamber to the official apartments, an almost ceaseless defile of visitors seek news of the Pope's condition, while from many parts of the world there are assurances of prayer. The knowledge that he has the suffrages of his flock in every country has been a deep consolation to the stricken Pontiff. In Rome he has the prayers, among others, of the many newlywedded couples who have continued, in these past days, to be admitted to the palace and assured of their pastor's interest and blessing. So many couples have come recently that they have had to be received in the Sala Ducale.
Prayers for the restoration of His Holiness were recited on Thursday in the basilica of St. John Lateran on the occasion of the solemn Papal Chapel for the close of the celebration in honour of the six teenth centenary of St. Sylvester. By a special concession from His Holiness, the Mass was sung at the papal altar, by the Cardinal-Vicar, Cardinal Marchetti-Selvaggiani.
Appeal to Apostleship of Prayer The Director-General of the Apostleship of Prayer, the Very Rev. Wlodomirus Lecteichowski, Father-General of the Society of Jesus, has issued an appeal to all members of the Apostleship, and particularly to the child members of its Eucharistic Crusade, that they should offer immediately prayers and Communions for the restoration of the health of the Holy Father, who has conferred many benefits upon their Association.