I am not a believer, but, nevertheless, I appreciate the religious principle as an element of public order, and this is also the view taken by my superiors and the view taken by the Government itself.

Therefore the Government cannot approve of proceedings of such a scandalous nature against one whom the people regard as a saint, proceedings which might possibly stir up disorder.
But that is not all! We know that you stand in high favour with the Pope, who sees you often.

Now the 'powers that be' have no desire to cause the Pope any personal annoyance.

They have the good intention to spare him this unpleasantness if possible.

And it will be possible on one condition.