Rampolla: Worse than a Freemason - Pax Orbis

The figure of Cardinal Mariano Rampolla is well known among those who take an interest in the inner workings of the Roman Curia, especially in events surrounding papal conclaves. He was famously very close to being elected Pope after the death of Pope Leo XIII in 1903, when he was vetoed on behalf of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At that time, only three nations retained that ancient power of veto: Austria, Germany and Italy. Even so, Emperor Franz Joseph had been reluctant to intervene in such a solemn matter. He had no choice, however, once presented with evidence that Rampolla was at least associated with Masonry, if not a fully-fledged Freemason himself. The evidence came from Monsignor Jouin, founder of the International Review of Secret Societies; a priest who dedicated his life to exposing Masonry and its associated ideology. It is said he went first to the Cardinals, but was ignored and so he took his evidence instead to the Emperor.This led to the saintly Pius X being elected …