The Pope is now in residence, for the summer, in his villa at Castel Gandolfo. His Holiness left the Vatican last Saturday evening by motor-car, and made the journey privately. The Pontiff and his suite occupied six cars. In the first was the Marquis Camillo Serafini, Governor of the Vatican City, and the Commandant of the Pontifical Gendarmerie: the Pope travelled in the second car, accompanied by his Chamberlain, Mgr. Melia. At the Catacombs of St. Callixtus a group of Salesians awaited to salute His Holiness as he passed.
The utmost care had been taken to spare the aged invalid, as far as possible, all pain and fatigue. His leg, which has been a chief source of his trouble, was comfortably arranged, and the cars made their way at a moderate speed. The Pope bore the journey without inconvenience, and did not seem unduly fatigued by it. It is stated that he afterwards passed a fairly good night. His physician, Dr. Milani, who was one of the party to Castel Gandolfo, returned to Rome on Monday last, and Dr. Antonio Folchito took medical charge at the villa.
Tired After Audiences
On arriving at Castel Gandolfo, His Holiness was received by M. Bonomelli, steward of the villa, and by Cardinal Caccia Dominioni. The villagers assembed in force to greet their pastor. The Pontifical march was played, and the royal hymn, and loud acclamations welcomed Pius XI as he advanced and gave his blessing to the throng from a balcony overlooking the square.
It is on account of tiredness produced by the large number of audiences recently granted that the Holy Father has gone to Castel Gandolfo earlier in the year than was expected. His state of health calls for watchful caution, and fatigue must be avoided. None the less His Holiness intends to continue to give audiences, to newly-married couples and others, though these functions will be fewer and less exacting than in the Vatican. The weather at the villa, in the early part of the week, was cold and rainy.
On Monday last, as for some weeks past, there were no audiences. The Pope rested. It is announced that the newly-married will be received on Wednesdays and Saturdays.