ch had hitherto prevailed, and gave great satisfaction to the Holy
Father. The influence which it exercised over his plans for the future may
be learned from the reply which he gave to a deputation from the
municipality of Rome, which now came to pray that he would return to his
States. "It was repugnant to us," said he, "to return to our States, so
long as France made it a question whether we should be independent. But
now that a happy solution has been reached, which appears to put an end to
all doubt on this point, we hope to be able, in a short time, to return to
our city of Rome." Accordingly, on 12th April, 1850, Pius IX. made his
entrance into Rome amidst the dutiful and joyous acclamations of the
French army and the Roman people. On the 18th day of the same month he
formally blessed the arms and colors of France in front of St. Peter's
Church. Thus ended at Rome a political revolution, which nothing less
powerful than Catholic sentiment could have overcome.

(M22) Whilst the comparatively small Pontifical State was agitated by
revolution, the greater kingdom of the church was steadily pursuing, under
the auspices of its august Chief, its grand career of progress and
development. A new era seemed to have dawned over all those great
countries which the Photian schism had so seriously affected. About the
time of Pius the Ninth's accession, more favorable dispositions had come
to prevail among the Greeks of Constantinople, of Syria, of Palestine, of
Egypt. Among the Armenians and Chaldeans there were numerous conversions,
whilst even the Turks showed a better feeling towards the Catholic people,
among whom their lot was cast. We have already seen how well such
sentiments were encouraged by the newly-elected Pontiff. His words of
kindness were repaid by increased affection for the Catholic people, and
the wish, not to say the belief, that when the Turkish Empire fell, the
fragments of its once great inheritance would be gathered up by Catholics.
"Are this belief and friendship," asks the Abbe Etienne, "an indication of
the speedy reunion of the children of Mahomet with the great Christian
family? We have much reason to think so, when we behold Islamism
everywhere dwindling away and giving place to the true faith." Damascus,
so sacred in Mussulman estimation, and so intolerant that no Christian
could pass within its gates except bareheaded, and on paying a capitation
tax, now beholds with pleasure the celebration of Cat