Pio P to the German Emperor, August 7, 1873

The Pope to the German Emperor.

Your Majesty: All the measures which have been taken for some time by the government of Your Majesty look more and more to the destruction of Catholicism. When I reflect upon the causes which may have given rise to these most harsh measures, I confess that I can see none at all. I am told that Your Majesty does not approve the conduct of your government or the severity of the steps taken against the Catholic religion. If, however, Your Majesty does not approve, and the letters which you have heretofore written sufficiently show that you cannot approve all that is now being done; if Your Majesty, I say, does not approve this, how is it that your government continues in the path which it has entered, constantly increasing the rigor of its measures against the religion of Jesus Christ, which, while they do so much harm to that religion, are only undermining Your Majesty’s throne, as you may rest assured? I speak with frankness, because truth is my banner, and I speak in order to do my whole duty, which obliges me to tell the whole truth, even to those who are not Catholics, inasmuch as whoever is baptized belongs in some measure, and in a manner which this is not the proper place to explain, to the Pope. I feel convinced that Your Majesty will receive these my reflections with your usual courtesy, and will take such steps as the case requires, while, with all regard, I pray God to unite you with me through the bonds of charity.