Pius P to P. S.—I have written at the same time to his Majesty the Emperor of the French. (A, 3313.), July 22, 1870

The Pope to the King of Prussia.

Your Majesty: It will perhaps seem strange to your Majesty to receive a communication in my own handwriting at this important juncture, but as the vicar on earth of the God of peace, I cannot avoid offering my mediation, desirous of seeing the array of war disappear, and to prevent the evils which are its inevitable consequence. My mediation is that of a sovereign who cannot awaken jealousy in his quality of king by reason of the very limited extent of his territory, but it may well merit confidence by reason of its moral and religious character. May God grant my prayers, especially those which relate to your Majesty, with whom I desire to be united by the bonds of love and charity.