At the Vatican

A secret consistory to elect two new cardinals was held last week by His Holiness, Pope Pius XI, in the magnificent consistorial hall. The ceremony, which precedes the public session by three days, was marked by all the usual resplendence.

The Pope arrived on foot, dressed in white from slippers to zucchetto, preceded by the Swiss Guards, whose gorgeous uniforms owe their origin to Michelangelo. After seating himself upon the throne, His Holiness was greeted by profound obsequies from the assembled Cardinal Bishops, Cardinal Deacons and Cardinal Priests. "Exeunt Omnes," cried the Papal master of ceremonies, and all but the Cardinals departed.

The Pope then offered up a prayer, after which he recited the Latin formula proposing Mgr. Aurelio Gallo and Mgr. Evariste Lucidi (both Italians) for Cardinalates.

"Quid vobis videtur?" he asked the Cardinals.

They gave their assent by bowing. In the allocution which followed the ceremony, the Pope said: "When you turn to consider the internal condition of European peoples, especially with reference to peace, you must agree that unhappily they have not changed for the better." Commenting upon the way in which his appeals for help for suffering humanity had been answered, he said: "We are astonished at the amount of help which our appeals have brought forth." He expressed satisfaction at the increase of religious faith; at the Christian spirit shown by King Alfonso of Spain on his recent visit to Rome (TIME, Dec. 3) ; and at the reports which he had received from Cardinal Logue and others that the Irish question was on the eve of a final and definite settlement.

Three days later the Public Consistory was held in the Hall of Benedictions, which is above the fac,ade of St. Peter's basilica. At 10 o'clock in the morning cheers of 'Viva il Papa announced the advent of His Holiness, who was borne into the hall in the sedia gestatoria, which was carried on the shoulders of twelve scarlet-clad sediarit.

The Pope, dressed in full Pontifical robes--a golden mitre upon his head, a magnificent scarlet cloak embroidered in gold over his shoulders--with the gorgeous, glittering emerald ring upon his finger, rose from his sedia, and followed by two attendants who held the resplendent Flabelli--huge ostrich feather fans--at either side of his head, made his way to the throne.

The ceremony of creating the two Cardinals began. The two prospective Cardinals were introduced into the Pope's presence by the Papal Master of Ceremonies, who held cardinal's hats above their heads as they performed the ceremony of "admiration"--kissing the Holy Father's cheek, ring and cross embroidered upon his slipper. Taking the hats from the Master of Ceremonies he placed them upon their heads, saying, "Receive the red hat."

This ceremony over, another secret consistory was held in the Sistine Chapel. After the Sacred College of Cardinals had congregated there, they were joined by the Pope. Mgrs. Gallo and Lucidi then received the Cardinal rings from His Holiness and became full-fledged Princes of the Church. The two new Cardinals prostrated themselves before the altar and were covered by their long scarlet robes by the other Cardinals. In this position they recited their prayers, while the Cardinals formed a double line behind them. After the prayers were over they arose and were embraced by each Cardinal present.