The Dope on Popes

It appears that the current pope is about to beatify/canonize Pius XII. Pius XII, pope during World War II, was conveniently located in Rome where he could see first hand the workings of an anti-Semitic fascist regime of Il Duce.

Despite his close proximity, he remained strangely silent and, therefore, seemingly complicit in the doings of the Axis.

It's good to know, if you're a pope, that what you do (or don't do) probably won't affect your prospects for canonization.

Talking Turkey

"Lo! the great Anarch's ancient reign restor'd,

Light dies before her uncreating word." (III 339-40)

Settle invokes the second coming of stupidity, urging,

"Thy hand great Dulness! lets the curtain fall,

And universal Darkness covers all." (III 355-6)

[Alexander Pope: Dunciad]

Alas, friends, it is that time of year. Let us not forgive Bush any sins, let us remember his vanity, which is, all things said and done, his stupidity.

See the Gore Vidal interview here.