Updated- Also see Charming Stories of the Popes and Their Camp David- Castel Gandolfo - Part II
I saw a interview with the former Princess Fergie (who at one time was married to Prince Andrew) about life at the Palace. I was very struck how UN fun it was. She mentioned that one could not just order a pizza if one wanted or do a million other things us ordinary folks take for granted. Part of that is because there is a staff that is big on tradition and one wonders who the true Monarch is at the Palace. Is it the Queen or the people that run the Monarchy? However the recent movie of Queen Elizabeth the II showed another side. That when she went to her country estate she had more freedom to be herself. It was truly a escape.
Pope's might be the same. How many times have we heard of Pope's talking about being a prisoners in the Vatican. However it appears they have a crucial escape too. That is the Papal Villa Castel Gandolfo. It is more than a Vacation Home but it seems also a place of Freedom where the Pope can meet people under the radar. From Pius XII giving up his bedroom to hidden Jews so they could have their babies to John Paul the II playing hide and go seek with the caretakers children it is an interesting place.
Whispers in the Loggia has a wonderful article and excerpt on this place at At "Home" With the Popes
http://deacbench.blogspot.com/2008/09/could-england-again-have-catholic-king.html
ReplyDeleteEngland altering Protestant exclusivity in monarchy?
Did you see Rowan Williams at Lourdes? This guy is all over the place, especially seeing Sharia as applicable in the UK and on par with English law!!!
Well, I guess Tim Kaine is not that Catholic, after all!!!
ReplyDelete"Virginia Governor Tim Kaine is defending why his administration forced the sudden resignation of five Virginia State Police Chaplains because they prayed publicly "in Jesus' name." Police Superintendent Col. W. Steven Flaherty single-handedly created then enforced a strict "non-sectarian" prayer policy at all public gatherings, censoring and excluding Christian prayers, then accepted the resignation of five chaplains who refused to deny Jesus or violate their conscience by watering down their prayers."
http://www.hyscience.com/archives/2008/09/virginia_govern.php
I am alatys fasicanted by that Englush Succession problem and the Catholic issue. Thanks for the link I will post it
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