Word: xxiii
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...name was unusual?and unprecedented. No Pope had ever adopted a double name; none had selected a first-of-its-kind name in a millennium. Apparently, the new Pontiff wanted to signal originality and also a bond of continuity with his two immediate predecessors: the reformer, John XXIII, and the moderator, Paul VI. Or was he evoking their New Testament forebears...
...obedience to the Pope after the appearance were scattered, some at the beach. Such notables as Substitute Secretary of State Giuseppe Caprio scurried back just in time for Felici's announcement. They were not summoned into the Sistine Chapel for the obedience ritual, however. Like John XXIII, John Paul decreed that the Cardinals remain in sealed conclave overnight, presumably to hear the Pope's views or convey their own. The new Pope also announced that his coronation would be held on Sept...
Then how did the required majority coalesce so swiftly? One observer explained it succinctly: "The foreigners," the 85 non-Italians, did not want a bureaucrat from the Curia but a man who, like John XXIII, had the warmth of a good pastor. In addition, almost all the Cardinals seemed to want a man who emblemized faith as well as hope and charity, one who, like Paul VI, had a deep concern for doctrine. Luciani fitted both bills. He was also ideal in another respect. The Cardinals are always uneasy at the prospect of a lengthy papacy?15 or more years?...
Pius XII was chosen in a virtual snap election of less than 36 hours, John XXIII in five days, Paul in less than 48 hours. Though anything is possible, no comparable speed is expected this time ? unless the weather plays a persuasive role. Even in the wilting heat and humidity of Rome in August, protocol demands that the Cardinals don violet cassocks topped with woolen capes. Their temporary living quarters (or "cells") in the Apostolic Palace during the conclave lack air conditioning. Says one prelate: "Perhaps the heat will combine with divine revelation to help them reach a decision...
Another old distinction is fading, too - the line between a "pastoral" Pope, like John XXIII, and the statesman-diplomat, like Pius XII. Though bred to the Curia, Paul VI so cherished his nine years as Archbishop of Milan that he determined that future Cardinals, even career Curia men, should have at least one good stretch of pastoral work. Most of the leading contenders are men with both pastoral and Curial experience...