was one wide field of slaughter, to which the children of the Cross came from all quarters of the Roman world to vindicate their glorious title at the price of a cruel death.[1] Rome is the Holy Church, which Christ has given for a foundation, in the person of him to whom His own prayer secured indefectibility of faith for all who believe in Him; the Church which has preserved, pure and intact, holiness of teaching; from which descends the order that presides over the administration of the holy sacraments; and whose holy laws guide mankind to salvation. Rome is the Universal Church, whose gospel messengers have traversed the whole world; whose faith is proclaimed throughout the earth; which has accomplished what pagan Rome attempted in vain, and subdued that world to itself,[2] However numerous and brilliant its victories, war never subjugated so many nations to it as Christian peace has ranged beneath its laws.[3] This unparalleled greatness and glory Rome owes to the Apostles; to the Prince of the Apostles, above all: hence it is the Apostolic Church; and more, the Princely Apostolic Church. If in ancient days it could come with a claim to the homage of mankind, and point with just and holy
- ↑ Stapleton, loc. cit. pp. 22, 23. Arringhi, Roma Subterranea, lib. i. Blaëtter, Bd. xi., s. 155, u. ff.
- ↑ Prosper, Lib. de Ingratis:—
Sedes Roma Petri, quæ pastoralis honoris
Facta caput mundi, quicquid non possidet armis
Relligione tenet. - ↑ S. Leo, Serm. 82, in Natal. Petri et Pauli, t. I. col. 321.
