Romish-Masonic FDR: "...the freedom of the Pope and of Vatican City is assured by the armies of the United Nations"

From The New York Times, June 6, 1944

Roosevelt Speaks

Says Rome's Fall Marks 'One Up and Two to Go' Among Axis Capitals

Warns Way Is Hard

Asks World to Give the Italians a Chance for Recovery


(excerpt)

Shrines Should Live, He Says

President Roosevelt saw considerable significance in the fact that Rome should be the first Axis capital to fall. He remarked its shrines, "visible symbols of the faith and determination of the early saints and martyrs that Christianity should live and become universal," and added that "it will be a source of deep satisfaction that the freedom of the Pope and of Vatican City is assured by the armies of the United Nations."

There is significence too, he added, in the fact that Rome was liberated by a composite force of soldiers from many nations.

Reviewing the military picture, the President pointed out that "it would be unwise to inflate in our own minds the military importance of the capture of Rome." He cautioned his auditors that while the Germans have retreated "thousands of miles" accross Africa and back through Italy, "they have suffered heavy losses, but not great enough yet to cause collapse."

"Therefore," he added, "the victory still lies some distance ahead. That distance will be covered in due time- have no fear of that. But it will be tough and it will be costly."

Pope Gives Thanks Rome Was Spared

Voices Appreciation to Both Belligerents in Message to Throng at St. Peter's


VATICAN CITY June 5- Pope Pius XIII appeared on the balcony of St Peters at 6 PM today to thank God that Rome had been spared from the ravages of war while before im in the densely packed square of St Peters the new broad Via Della Conciliazione tens of thousands of Romans cheered themselves hoarse.

It was the third time today that the Pontiff had shown himself to cheering crowds, as he had appeared twice at a window of his office this morning. But this was a solemn, sacred occasion and no one knowing anything about Pius XI can doubt the fervor of his thankfulness that Rome had been saved.

The Pontiff seemed strong and well and his voice carried far though ot was difficult to hear every word he said because of he crowd.

"We must give thanks to God for the favors we have reeived" said the Pope. Rome has been spared. This day will go down in the annals of Rome."

He went on to say he hoped that Italians would be worthy of the grace shown them and put aside hatred and all personal vendettas. He then thanked both belligerents - the Allies and Germany - for having left Rome intact.

After a prayer of thankfulness to the Blessed Virgin and Saints Peter and Paul, guardians, the Pontiff gave his blessing, "urb et orbis," as the immense crowd knelt before him.

[The AP estimated the crowd was between 250 and 500K].

The world has changed for Rome but the Vatican goes on imperturably as it has through so many other conquests in centuries gone by. It is neutral in fact and spirit. The Pope and all high officials went about their daily routines today as in the past. Except for the tanks and the amoured cars running in font of St Peter's one could never know what happened today.