Word: orbis
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John Paul II realized that with all these forces unleashed, his first public appearance as Pope demanded more than the traditional first Urbi et orbi (to the city and the world) blessing. He broke precedent by delivering a brief speech. As the crowd roared, he strode forward and gripped the balustrade pugnaciously, arms outstretched. His rugged 5 ft. 10½ in. frame, craggy high-cheekboned Slavic features and athletic posture all bespoke self-confidence and authority. "Blessed be Jesus Christ," he began in his firm, resonant baritone voice. It was a traditional Italian priestly salutation, rarely heard in recent years...
Master of Ceremonies Virgilio Noé held a large scroll before him as John Paul I read out his first apostolic blessing, the traditional benediction, urbi et orbi (to the city and to the world). His high voice quavered a bit as he chanted the Latin in lilting Gregorian style. Before the blessing, the new Pope made an unusual gesture, granting "to all" who heard the words?either in person or by broadcast?a plenary indulgence. In Catholic belief, all sins, though forgiven, must be atoned for?either here on earth or, after death, in purgatory. For those truly repentant...
...owner of the place, throwing open windows and moving furniture around. When the portly Pope (robed in the too-tight papal vestments excited chamberlains had selected for him) appeared in a blaze of searchlights last week on St. Peter's balcony to administer his first Urbi et orbi blessing, he noticed many clerics who had left the sealed-off conclave area to watch the occasion. Later he jokingly told them: "You have all just incurred excommunication. But I shall use my new authority to relieve you of it." Nevertheless he broke tradition by sending word to the astonished cardinals...
Answer to Stalin. This week, after the ceremonies in Santa Maria Maggiore, the Pope appeared on the balcony of the church before the great crowd, and stretching out his arms, he spoke his blessing urbi et orbi-to the city and to the world. It was more than a traditional phrase. Pius XII is part of his city, as he is part of his Church. But he has also shown for all the world a deep feeling that is above its theological and political dividing lines...
...Works. "For several months," Hedda casually announced urbi et orbi one day last spring, "I have been plugging a young singer named Doris Day, who, I believed, had fine talent. . . . Mike Curtiz tested her for the lead in Romance in High C. She'd never been before a camera previously, but Mike told me her test was sensational. Even so, the studio wanted a star name-Mary Martin, Lauren Bacall, or Ginny Simms-for the role, but Mike held out for Doris...