On the Fifth Precept of the Decalogue

"Whether it can be safely taught in Catholic schools that the surgical operation which they call craniotomy is lawful, namely, when, if it is omitted, mother and child will perish; but, if it is admitted, the mother will be saved, the infant perishing? - Resp. After all things had long and maturely been weighed, account also having been taken of those things which in this matter were written by expert Catholic men and transmitted by Your Eminence to this Congregation, they judged that response should be made: It cannot be safely taught.

Which response, since Our Most Holy Lord fully confirmed it in the audience of the same feria and day, I communicate to Your Eminence..." S. O. 11 May 1884.