2-888-045 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Interior of St. Peter's - the Pope at the Grand Altar, 1850. Pius IX returns to Rome: '...he was met by the Sacred College, who accompanied him up the nave to the altar of confession, on which the sacrament was exposed...he was seen to be weeping profusely, and appeared actually overpowered by his feelings...Kneeling before the altar, he remained some minutes absorbed in silent prayer...Thence he advanced to the well-known statue of St. Peter, and having devoutly kissed its foot, retired by a side door into the Vatican Palace...exhausted by the conflicting emotions of this most memorable day. "...the Roman people are essentally devoted to their Sovereign and the Supreme Pontiff; and the Catholic world will learn with satisfaction, that the head of the Church has happily re-entered the Eternal City...destined by Divine Providence as his seat".' From "Illustrated London News", 1850.