To Pope Pius IX

E I, 383

Secret communications about attacks by ‘revolutionaries’ on the Papal States — some hope for a solution to the ‘Fransoni case’

Turin, February 1859

Most Holy Father,

I humbly take advantage of the presence of a trusted individual travelling to Rome, Canon Sossi of the Cathedral of Asti, to convey a matter of great importance to Your Holiness. From some writings that I was able to get my hands on, I have repeatedly learned that some malicious individuals would like to strike in Civitavecchia, Ancona, and Rome.

The aim would be to promote revolutionary ideas and put them into practice by the end of March. I was unable to obtain the names of these individuals: the letters were simply marked F. ∆

The affairs of our diocese are increasingly troubled: evil is growing. Cavour shows goodwill, if he is sincere, but he is surrounded by sad people who are dragging him who knows where.

Just this morning he told me that he wants to present other candidates for the vacant dioceses.

Forgive me for writing so freely: I, my boys, my clerics and priests pray every day to God to grant Your Holiness health and grace and to preserve you for a long time for the good of the Church.

All prostrate at your feet, we humbly and with the utmost respect implore your holy and apostolic blessing, and in their name I profess that I am

Your Holiness’

most obliged son in C.

Fr John Bosco