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]

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.