PACELLI AND THE ETHIOP The Italian government’s representations to the Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, had their effect. The Holy See did not further condemn the potential aggressor. — George W. Baer, THB COMING OF THE ITALIANETHIOPIAN WAR
Unlikely angels, although by and large well met,
The pontiff and the emperor embattle yet
Their paradise Geneva’s giant Follies set.
One is a stately, beady-eyed old barracuda,
One some crypto-Coptic, bearded living Buddha.
The League of Nations hears again the Lion of Judah:
“True, I am a slaver. Now, as true confessor,
I demand the Church inculpate the aggressor.”
Whereat the Earthly Vicar, ever the recessor,
Recedes into his role as papal secretary:
“That queen whom you succeeded … Matabele Hari …
The fat one … Did you give her poison, Ras Tafari?”
“What is truth?” inquires the League, and then dissolves.
The exiled emperor is forced to sell his slaves;
The pontiff washes in the silver bowl that saves.
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