In recent times popes have been more visible to the world than ever before, thanks to the fact that they have stopped going to church and instead come out into the streets to meet the people. As a result, they are no longer regarded as distant hate-figures, but may occasionally be seen to perform actions that attract admiration.
Pope Pius XI makes an early bid for popularity.
Even in ancient times, popes were occasionally praised by very holy people. For example, St Paul said of St Peter, "Old Pete may not be a great letter-writer, but he certainly 'smells of the fish'."
More recently, Cardinal Newman said of Pope Pius IX, "I could make a better pope out of an old scarecrow, but there's always a chance that this one may be slightly saved if he learns to shut his trap." Generous language indeed!
Blessed Pius IX basks in the warm praise of Blessed John Henry Newman.
Finally, Cardinal Burke has said of Pope Francis, "Well, say what you like about the old thug, but he's not as crazy as Kasper!"
Of course, it is more traditional for Catholics to show love and respect towards the Pope by referring to him as "Fatso", "Francis the Fool" or "Pope Gay" (if you're Mundabor, which few people are, fortunately). Or, if they are members of ACTA, ACP, the Tablet board, etc., to call him "Sexist dinosaur". These are terms that warm the heart of a pope, especially when he sees who is using them.
However, there is nothing sinful in referring to the Holy Father as "Einstein the Ecumenical", "Captain Hermeneutic", or "His handsome Holiness", even though it is contrary to Catholic custom.
Reprinted from the Catholic Herald.
Diarmuid Martin complains that people keep calling him "a man of principle".
Is your pic of Blessed Pius IX, related to St Pius X?
ReplyDeleteThink I've got the numbers right. IX was the antagonist of Newman, X isn't in this story but is a saint, XI is the one who told his own sister to call him "Your holiness".
DeleteDear Your Eminence Bruvver. I think leutgeb might have a teeny-weeny point.
DeleteYour lovely pic, referred to by leutgeb, is, of course, a pic of X, and I think you wanted a pic of IX.
Sarto so good ?
Now, call me old fashioned, but, am I right ?
Keep Taking The Tablets !!!
They do look alike, but I still maintain that it's Pius 9.
DeleteSee http://catholicsaints.info/pope-blessed-pius-ix/
Dear Your Eminence Bruvver. You are, of course, quite right. Having now checked and double-checked, I agree. It is Blessed Pius IX. It's uncanny the likeness between them.
DeleteI even wondered whether you'd got Bosco to dress up as IX, just to confuse us.
I shall never speak to leutgeb again !!!
Please E-Mail my Penance.
It's said that when they wore red noses hardly anyone could tell them apart. This may be a myth.
DeleteYou see - that's the great thing about Popes. There's always something to criticise.
DeleteThere was a decent enough gap between Pius V and Pius VI, so you couldn't mix them up with Pius IV. Then Pius VI was kind enough to wear a wig to make it clearer still. Then in the 19th and 20th centuries you get a whole bunch of Piuses bunched up like 192s behind the roadworks on the A6.
Those John Pauls were a bit unimaginative in the name department as well.
Is that rude enough?
No witty comments from this Rabit. Simply fell off my chair laughing! You just tell it as it is, bruv.
ReplyDeleteI agree Bruvvers!
DeleteOver the papal lauding question I must say, Frankly speaking of course, indeed not.
ReplyDeleteThat would be to collude in misleading the Faithful . . .
DeleteIt's compulsory to criticise the Pope in the Society of Such Pious Gents. One whiff of criticism of me, however, and members are booted out before you can say sedevacantist.
ReplyDelete