Then the dogmas being in this wise sheltered, he adroitly maintains himself in equilibrium by giving securities to every power, striving to utilise every opportunity.

He displays extraordinary activity, reconciles the Holy See with Germany, draws nearer to Russia, contents Switzerland, asks the friendship of Great Britain, and writes to the Emperor of China begging him to protect the missionaries and Christians in his dominions.

Later on, too, he intervenes in France and acknowledges the legitimacy of the Republic.
From the very outset an idea becomes apparent in all his actions, an idea which will place him among the great papal politicians.

It is moreover the ancient idea of the papacy--the conquest of every soul, Rome capital and mistress of the world.

Thus Leo XIII has but one desire, one object, that of unifying the Church, of drawing all the dissident communities to it in order that it may be invincible in the coming social struggle.