On the first day of voting, March 2, Cardinal Pacelli was elected on the third ballot. Having accepted, he took the name of Pius, stating that he did so because of his affection and veneration for the tenth and eleventh of that name. He was solemnly crowned with the triple tiara on March 12, on the outer portico of St. Peter's overlooking the vast square that was crowded with approximately 200,000 spectators.
The choice of the cardinal electors was unanimously and enthu siastically endorsed by bishops, priests, religious, and lay Catholics throughout the world. Nations and Governments, likewise, joined officially in the jubilation. The election of Cardinal Pacelli meant undeviating adherence to the policies of Pius XI. Certain curiosi ties attached to it. He was the first Roman, as against Italian, elected pope since Innocent XIII (1721-1724). He was the first secretary of State to follow his predecessor since Clement IX (1667-1669). He was the first to assume his predecessor's name since Pius VII (1800-1823). He was the first publicly crowned in St. Peter's square since 1846. Outside of Leo XIII, who received a majority on the third scrutiny, he was chosen on fewer ballots than any other pope since the early Middle Ages.
In appearance, Pius XII is somewhat above the average height, thin both in an ascetic and athletic way, carrying himself with the bearing of a true aristocrat yet with no trace of arrogance, marked in his face and whole appearance as a man of sincerity and reli gious ideals, one who is instinctively respected and trusted and loved. No one, in this modern world, according to the universal
judgement of men of all races and all nations, was better fitted to be raised to the lofty responsibility of the 262nd Supreme Pastor of the Universal Church and Vicar of Christ on earth.
As he assumed the pontificate, he pledged himself to adhere to the policy of Pius XI in the promotion of Catholic Action and in the spiritual regeneration of society, as well as in the promotion of peace between nations and in the condemnation of atheistic and pagan totalitarianism. It would not be wholly true to claim that his election was a victory for democracy. His position in modem-world affairs cannot be expressed in terms of political ideologies. It must be formulated solely in moral and spiritual concepts. His first address to the world, as pope, was a fervent appeal for peace. His second world-wide address on Easter Sun day, April 9, was a vigorous demand that nations and classes should practise the principle of peace.
The final history of his pontificate will, undoubtedly, be summed up in the legend adopted on his coat of arms as cardinal: Opus justitiae pax, Peace is the Work of Justice, and in the word from which his family name is derived, pace. (F. X. T.)