Surely there could never have been a more inaccurate name assigned to any Pope that that of Innocent the 10th, as accurately portrayed by Velasquez above, and surely there has never been a Pope who could look into the human soul so deeply as the painter Velasquez himself?
Today, the Cardinals begin their conclave to draw lots for who is going to replace Benny, who will probably be wandering around the corridors of the Vatican, trying to find his way back to his apartment as they do.
If you would like a little insight as to what may go on at these conclaves, then may I recommend Nanni Moretti's 2011 film, 'We Have a Pope' (Habemus Papum)?
This film is not only informative, it is charming and endearing as well as (at least from me) producing some genuinely funny, laugh-out-loud moments. What more could you ask for?
Every time I put up a new post, I am struck by how the total number of my previous posts resembles a year in which great events occurred - for instance, this is post number 1342.
If I can be bothered, I am going to put up a little historical note at the foot of every subsequent post, with one key event (as gleaned from Wikipedia) which took place in the year corresponding to the number of it. Like this:
1342 - Pope Benedict V11 dies.
Or in the case of mine: 1168 Giovanni di Struma elected anti-Pope (whatever that means).
ReplyDeleteGood name though - very evil.
DeletePlaying the game of numbers: then the next pope's name will be 'Clement' (giving up his pen name Pierre Roger de Beaufort) - and if you are lucky England will regain Brest.
ReplyDeleteI would be happy to keep hold of one breast.
DeleteMy posts number would be closer to Buddha under the bodhi tree!
ReplyDeleteFat chance -fat Buddha.
DeleteGood idea about the number of posts - I shall start looking up the date forthwith. Invidentally I hope Benedict is not wandering about the Vatican trying to find his way because I thought he had retired to Castle Gandolfo or somewhere.
ReplyDeleteNope - he is being locked in to Vatican City. Anyway, post dates are my idea - get your own histories.
DeleteMichel piccoli( who played the pope) always reminded me of Patrick campbell from CALL MY BLUFF
ReplyDeleteN,n,n,n, nothing l,l,l,like him. you c,c,c,c,c,........
DeleteYou may have started something!
ReplyDelete