On that day, in honour of the doubly joyful event, the Pope went to celebrate mass at the convent of St Agnese.

The time was one when a popular demonstration in favour of the Pope was urgently required.

It was in fact the beginning of the end.

Victor Emmanuel was about to enter Bologna as king; the news of the Sicilian insurrection had just reached Rome; the Imperial Government had sent one of its periodical intimations, that the French occupation could not be prolonged indefinitely; and General De La Moriciere had assumed the command of the Papal army, on his ill-fated and Quixotic crusade.

At such a time it was deemed necessary to show Europe, that the Pope still reigned in the hearts of his people, and every effort was made to secure a demonstration.