AURORA

AURORA. - Daily newspaper published in Rome from 16 January 1880 to 11 July 1881. It was founded under the auspices of Leo XIII, chiefly through the efforts of the Olivetan monsignor Placido M. Schiaffino; and it was edited, until 31 January 1881, by the historian monsignor Pietro Balan (q.v.). The newspaper, which in its subtitle bore the description “political, religious, literary,” was neither an official nor an unofficial organ of the Holy See. It claimed to be inspired by “conciliatory” principles and engaged in heated polemics with intransigent newspapers, particularly with the Osservatore cattolico of Milan. Its sudden demise was attributed to a note that appeared in its columns regarding certain ecclesiastical promotions, which is said to have displeased Leo XIII. The newspaper, which was of very large format (64 x 47 cm.), frequently availed itself of outstanding collaborators.