His voice was full, with a strong nasal twang, and surprised one coming from a man so slight of build.

In a few sentences he expressed his gratitude, saying how touched he was by the devotion of the nations to the Holy See.

Although the times might be bad, the final triumph could not be delayed much longer.

There were evident signs that mankind was returning to faith, and that iniquity would soon cease under the universal dominion of the Christ.

As for France, was she not the eldest daughter of the Church, and had she not given too many proofs of her affection for the Holy See for the latter ever to cease loving her?
Then, raising his arm, he bestowed on all the pilgrims present, on the societies and enterprises they represented, on their families and friends, on France, on all the nations of the Catholic world, his apostolic benediction, in gratitude for the precious help which they sent him.