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At a time when the whole world is deeply interested in what is taking place between the Quirinal and the Vatican this book about the Papacy makes its appearance. It tells of the origin and activities of a world power which is the most unusual and the most enduring the race has known to the present day. Leo XIII admonished historians to say nothing untrue, and to hide nothing that is true. Nevertheless how much that is true could not be said in these few pages—either of good or of evil! For there is talk of both here. I am not writing either for those who believe that the Popes committed only venial sins, nor for those who feel more joy over one sinner than over ninety-nine that are just. The idea of the book and its title were suggested by the German publishers.

J. B.