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a Ce \ ’ Rome, Italy February 7, 1946 Director, FBI o Re: Archbishop FRANCIS J. SPELIMAN b/c- Foreign Miscellaneous Dear Sir: ~ As the Bureau is aware, the above named Archbishop is due to errive at Rome on February 14, 1946 in order to be consecrated a Cardinal by Pope Pius XII. ut Recentiy there hes deen Gonsiderabis speculation in Vatican circles and among the Rome public at lerge as to the possibility of the appoint- ment of Subject as Papal Secretary of State. It will be recalled that the present Pope was formerly Papal Secretary of State. It is generally believed that “3 the Papal Secretary of State has a better than aver- bv age chance of being elected Pope. This fact has in- the local inte. due to the possibility Of Having the first An a Pops in history. Spes- ulation has deen especially rampant in view of the fact that the present Pope is said to be tubercular, t-5B2-/1 Go c a BY yy nephew of the 6 be, P bb el, that Bubjegt wi #ppoin ed Papal Begresary of Stage. 4a Lnown to he rel: sourns bIc . of iseiaationtis believed to be Folieble. The foregoing is submitted as of possible dnterest to the Bureau with regard to the political situation within the Vatican. Very truly yours . es *| pie t SOFEB 26 146%