Almost Thou Persuadest Me...

[poliphilo]

They say the British monarchy has a genius for ceremonial, but I reckon the Vatican beats it hands down.  The choosing of a Pope is the most wonderful theatre: the swaying procession of the men in red, the locking of the doors, the secrecy, the suspense, the black smoke, the black smoke, the black smoke, oh my God,  it's white this time, the pause before the name is announced, then the appearance on the balcony of the chosen one newly costumed in white robes (like Jesus from the tomb.)  I got so wrapped up in it I almost forgot the new Pope is a Catholic...

Comments

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I know.

It only just came round to admitting that that Galileo chap may have had a point.

[ashlyme.livejournal.com]

I saw a photo that made Pope The Latest look like Alec Guiness. I thought, "Stick some hornrims on him - Smiley in deep cover."

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Am I imagining it or did Guinness get to play some Pope or other in one of those silly epics of the 1960s?

[ashlyme.livejournal.com]

No, you're not - I looked it up; the film was called "Brother Sun, Sister Moon". About Francis of Assisi.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Zefferelli, right?

[ashlyme.livejournal.com]

That's the feller.

[w. lotus (from livejournal.com)]

It IS fascinating. :-)

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

And dangerous for that reason. It's very easy to be seduced by the glitz.

[w. lotus (from livejournal.com)]

Exactly so. The more time I spend identifying as an agnostic, the clearer that is.

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

Well, belonging, as I do, to a sect that has no ceremonial at all...............

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I like your sect. I have Quakers in the family. :)