PeterRS Posted Wednesday at 09:59 AM Author Posted Wednesday at 09:59 AM I have twice visited the Sistine Chapel - once before and once after the restoration of Botticelli's and Perugino's end-wall fresco and Michelangelo's stunning ceiling frescos. But until I saw this Associated Press photo today, I never associated it with the deliberations to elect a new Pope. The frescos dominating the space are so awesome in their power and magnificence the chairs laid out for the cardinals seem almost for ants. I wonder how they can concentrate on the serious business at hand when there is so much to see and be amazed by in those frescos. The sense of space is also much greater than I can remember. Of course we do have to remember that the frescos and indeed the chapel itself is not merely a work of art, it is an exercise in propaganda intended to convey the magnificence and the permanence of the Catholic Church. That Church was at that time riven with controversy. The 'heresy' of Martin Luther and the split with Henry VIII of England essentially founding two new religions. The instigation of the Inquisition and in most cases its horrific consequences. The flowering of the Renaissance with its glance backwards to a golden age before Christ. The sack of Rome in 1527 by troops commanded by the Holy Roman Emperor. Then, after all the frescos were finished, the election of Paul IV in 1555 which was a total disaster for moderates in the Church. But at least it had the Sistine Chapel as the centre of the glory to its God. photo: Associated Press/The Guardian Ruthrieston, a-447, vinapu and 1 other 3 1 Quote
PeterRS Posted yesterday at 12:30 PM Author Posted yesterday at 12:30 PM Black smoke this morning, so Trump is still not Pope! 🤣 Ruthrieston, kokopelli3, unicorn and 1 other 1 3 Quote
KeepItReal Posted yesterday at 05:40 PM Posted yesterday at 05:40 PM Pope Leo is the new kid on the block. Elected today...his first speech is already on the books. kokopelli3 1 Quote
Keithambrose Posted 20 hours ago Posted 20 hours ago 4 hours ago, KeepItReal said: Pope Leo is the new kid on the block. Elected today...his first speech is already on the books. I imagine Trump will claim credit for his election! PeterRS and Ruthrieston 2 Quote
vinapu Posted 18 hours ago Posted 18 hours ago 1 hour ago, Keithambrose said: I imagine Trump will claim credit for his election! his first response was surprisingly dignified and presidential Quote
PeterRS Posted 16 hours ago Author Posted 16 hours ago 2 hours ago, vinapu said: his first response was surprisingly dignified and presidential Sadly, when the Pope starts criticising Trump's policies, it won't last. His first words included the phrase "Evil shall not prevail." vinapu, floridarob and Ruthrieston 3 Quote
floridarob Posted 2 hours ago Posted 2 hours ago 16 hours ago, vinapu said: his first response was surprisingly dignified and presidential was he silent..... vinapu 1 Quote
