Thank you for your words about the Pope Francis, bring attention to his values, I live in Rome, so work up yesterday meeting to the news. I am not religious but, particularly feel close to some of the words from his last speech on Easter when he said " I appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development. These are the 'weapons' of peace: weapons that build the future, instead of sowing seeds of death!"
Thank you for reporting from the Vatican, especially during your wedding (congratulations by the way). Don’t think any of us can avoid the Orange God King. In fact, it will take generations to forget Trump or the disasters Trumpism brings to the world.
the crassness - going to a funeral! can't wait! (I am paraphrasing obviously). One generally doesn't look forward to solemn occasions with 'looking forward to being there!'
Be careful what you wish for: The MAGATs will not tolerate anyone there but those who beat their breasts, cry uncontrolably, wail and bemoan the passing of their savior (small "s" to match his spirit and sympathy for others factor).
When the day comes, I'll take my chances. I'm reminded of the words Twain put in the mouth of Col. Sherburne: There's not a man in the whole lot of them. You'd be plenty safe, as long as it's broad daylight and you keep them in front of you.
All that was missing was his creepy "thumbs-up" gesture that he does, whether at a party or a memorial service. He has no understanding of context for anything. I genuinely wonder what it is like to live in a world where nothing whatsoever exists outside the envelope of yourself and your narrow personal interests? It's like nothing even exists, or has ever existed, to Trump unless he is a part of it. So freaking weird!
Regarding Joe being cursed to see Trump wherever he goes... If you cannot find enough holy water to break a curse in Vatican City of all places I am afraid you are stuck with it.
Donald Trump doesn't reflect on much of anything outside his grievances and golf game.
Pope Francis was a beacon of light in a fraught world. Calling for bringing people together, not tearing them apart, is the true message of Jesus. That message has been battered almost beyond recognition in our present day. You do not have to be Catholic to grieve for this courageous and spiritually generous man.
You do not have to have been born yesterday to disbelieve every word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth.
The contrast between these two men couldn't be starker. Pope Francis will be a model for what I consider spiritually important and beautiful for the rest of my life. May he rest in peace.
It is surprising that Trump is willing to skip something as profound and important as a round of golf just to honor the Pope's life and death. (Maybe Trump heard that the Vatican has a championship level 18 holes.)
This is it. It's not a serious event unless he is there, and I'm sure nobody called to see if he was coming (I can hear the collective groan from Rome sitting in my kitchen). He needs the validation.
I think he is going to take notes on all the funeral rituals that will be in place. He's only going for show so expect some heads of states to ignore him.
I hope they shun the hell out of him. Remember how angry his MAGAts were when the Bushes ignored him at Carter's funeral? That's why he hates them so much, because he knows they think he is beneath them. This will be exponentially worse. I also hope they give him a bad seat.
And it won't be in English. Trump doesn't speak any other language. Though some might argue he doesn't even speak English, at least not above a 6th grade level.
The worst part to me is that he will be there, representing the US, and being part of the story. I can only hope that reporting keeps his presence to a minimum. No mention of him would be great, but unlikely.
Thank goodness there are a few Americans (you) there with the grace and dignity and yes eloquence to convey the respect this decent, humble, intelligent, loving man’s life work deserves. Our current President neither understands nor values any of those qualities. If only he would have the decency to stay silent and away. Alas not a chance. Thank you for your words and of course many congratulations to you and your wife.
Thank you for keeping us up to date. Congrats on your wedding. I have to try and remember that even Pope Francis would forgive Trump. Still, the thought of the spectacle.
several people have asked and I've answered "yes, I think so," but could you confirm that the president has been invited to the funeral? seen a bunch of comments saying he's probably crashing. but I figure no matter how odious, his position gets him an invite.
The Vatican is a city-state and has diplomatic relations with over a hundred countries. The US maintains an embassy in Vatican City so Trump would have an automatic invite. I'm actually surprised he's going, but it wouldn't be his first trip either.
thanks. I'm not surprised he's going, he's hitting his fake Christian happy talk pretty hard the past few days. really bugged me he had an audience with Francis during his first term, to him it was nothing but a celebrity scalp for his collection.
I've never had the honor of meeting a Pope, but I know several people who met John Paul II. They all said it was a transformational experience. For Trump, I'm sure it was no different than any other celebrity photo-op, complete with Trump criticizing everything about him behind his back after he left.
I'm sure it will be a lot like the funeral of Vito Corleone scene in The Godfather - all the rival Dons who wanted him dead there to "pay their respects".
When Trump dies, I won't be shocked if the Bushes and Obamas don't even go to the funeral. Biden will certainly be dead by then, and I wouldn't put it past the Clintons to show up just to make sure he's actually dead.
I'm guessing the only head of state who talks to him is Orban, who may actually show up since he has a reactionary cardinal in the race to replace Francis. Who I doubt has a chance in hell….but hell does seem to be having the upper hand lately.
Lift a curse? My friend, I'm ready to start a pool to gather enough money to send you to live on one of those penguin islands. Sure, maybe it's just coincidence and it won't work, but the chance he'll follow you somewhere beyond cameras is too tempting to pass up.
Thank you for your words about the Pope Francis, bring attention to his values, I live in Rome, so work up yesterday meeting to the news. I am not religious but, particularly feel close to some of the words from his last speech on Easter when he said " I appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development. These are the 'weapons' of peace: weapons that build the future, instead of sowing seeds of death!"
Thank you for reporting from the Vatican, especially during your wedding (congratulations by the way). Don’t think any of us can avoid the Orange God King. In fact, it will take generations to forget Trump or the disasters Trumpism brings to the world.
the crassness - going to a funeral! can't wait! (I am paraphrasing obviously). One generally doesn't look forward to solemn occasions with 'looking forward to being there!'
Except for Trump's funeral. I look forward to being there.
thank you - I stand corrected!
Me too. Amen!
Be careful what you wish for: The MAGATs will not tolerate anyone there but those who beat their breasts, cry uncontrolably, wail and bemoan the passing of their savior (small "s" to match his spirit and sympathy for others factor).
When the day comes, I'll take my chances. I'm reminded of the words Twain put in the mouth of Col. Sherburne: There's not a man in the whole lot of them. You'd be plenty safe, as long as it's broad daylight and you keep them in front of you.
Trump’s looking forward to capturing his first Pope funeral “thumbs up” photo. Question is, who/what/where will be in the background.
I'm guessing it will be his limp-wristed version of the clenched fist anarchist salute.
Photoshop works miracles....
Probably thinks the invite includes a ticket to the Conclave. After all, he wears red, ties...
All that was missing was his creepy "thumbs-up" gesture that he does, whether at a party or a memorial service. He has no understanding of context for anything. I genuinely wonder what it is like to live in a world where nothing whatsoever exists outside the envelope of yourself and your narrow personal interests? It's like nothing even exists, or has ever existed, to Trump unless he is a part of it. So freaking weird!
"Maybe a reflection on Francis’s life will adjust Trump’s worldview in some small but meaningful way."
This is grace. Luke 15.
Meanwhile...
Regarding Joe being cursed to see Trump wherever he goes... If you cannot find enough holy water to break a curse in Vatican City of all places I am afraid you are stuck with it.
Holy water? You need an Exorcist!
😂
Would one be enough?😳
Donald Trump doesn't reflect on much of anything outside his grievances and golf game.
Pope Francis was a beacon of light in a fraught world. Calling for bringing people together, not tearing them apart, is the true message of Jesus. That message has been battered almost beyond recognition in our present day. You do not have to be Catholic to grieve for this courageous and spiritually generous man.
You do not have to have been born yesterday to disbelieve every word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth.
The contrast between these two men couldn't be starker. Pope Francis will be a model for what I consider spiritually important and beautiful for the rest of my life. May he rest in peace.
It is surprising that Trump is willing to skip something as profound and important as a round of golf just to honor the Pope's life and death. (Maybe Trump heard that the Vatican has a championship level 18 holes.)
Probably. I think he's thrilled to be around so many famous, important people, many of whom will be in deep grief. What a crass, pathetic humanoid.
This is it. It's not a serious event unless he is there, and I'm sure nobody called to see if he was coming (I can hear the collective groan from Rome sitting in my kitchen). He needs the validation.
Maybe he wants to build one. Look at that wasted space out the front. And what a clubhouse the cathedral would make. All that gold !
I think he is going to take notes on all the funeral rituals that will be in place. He's only going for show so expect some heads of states to ignore him.
I hope they shun the hell out of him. Remember how angry his MAGAts were when the Bushes ignored him at Carter's funeral? That's why he hates them so much, because he knows they think he is beneath them. This will be exponentially worse. I also hope they give him a bad seat.
Greenland has one week to train the Continent on cccoooolllllddddd.
I wonder if he will sit in the front. I hope not. I suspect his bored face will make an appearance. It won't be a short service.
And it won't be in English. Trump doesn't speak any other language. Though some might argue he doesn't even speak English, at least not above a 6th grade level.
The worst part to me is that he will be there, representing the US, and being part of the story. I can only hope that reporting keeps his presence to a minimum. No mention of him would be great, but unlikely.
I hope not and hope they stick him towards the back.
Yep, he is not good at being human for anything longer than a New York minute.
Thank goodness there are a few Americans (you) there with the grace and dignity and yes eloquence to convey the respect this decent, humble, intelligent, loving man’s life work deserves. Our current President neither understands nor values any of those qualities. If only he would have the decency to stay silent and away. Alas not a chance. Thank you for your words and of course many congratulations to you and your wife.
Joe,
Trump’s tweet almost sounded like he was dancing a jig in celebration. He would be the ultimate funeral crasher if he wasn’t actually invited.
All the best,
Steve Dundas
I know. It sounded like he was happy to be going to a party.
Yeah... sure did sound like that...typical, tone deaf and Trumpian
He probably was...same enjoyment for an upcoming golf tournament at one of his courses where he can cheat his way to winning the club "championship".
And Melania gets another opportunity to play dress up.
ABSOLUTELY!!!!
Perhaps she will wear her "Hamburgler" black outfit...black being apprpriate for a state funeral.
https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=melania+hamburglar+outfit&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#vhid=TG7jgwBhC-qlZM&vssid=_JgEIaIqyBqHK0PEPr7uLsAI_41
Thank you for keeping us up to date. Congrats on your wedding. I have to try and remember that even Pope Francis would forgive Trump. Still, the thought of the spectacle.
Beautiful reporting, Joe. Sorry about the curse. (I hope you're still able to get in some honeymooning.)
several people have asked and I've answered "yes, I think so," but could you confirm that the president has been invited to the funeral? seen a bunch of comments saying he's probably crashing. but I figure no matter how odious, his position gets him an invite.
The Vatican is a city-state and has diplomatic relations with over a hundred countries. The US maintains an embassy in Vatican City so Trump would have an automatic invite. I'm actually surprised he's going, but it wouldn't be his first trip either.
thanks. I'm not surprised he's going, he's hitting his fake Christian happy talk pretty hard the past few days. really bugged me he had an audience with Francis during his first term, to him it was nothing but a celebrity scalp for his collection.
I've never had the honor of meeting a Pope, but I know several people who met John Paul II. They all said it was a transformational experience. For Trump, I'm sure it was no different than any other celebrity photo-op, complete with Trump criticizing everything about him behind his back after he left.
I wonder if the Vatican Embassy will be one of the ones being closed, perhaps after the funeral.
I'm sure it will be a lot like the funeral of Vito Corleone scene in The Godfather - all the rival Dons who wanted him dead there to "pay their respects".
When Trump dies, I won't be shocked if the Bushes and Obamas don't even go to the funeral. Biden will certainly be dead by then, and I wouldn't put it past the Clintons to show up just to make sure he's actually dead.
I'd vote for a crucifix on his chest, to make sure he stays put.
I'm guessing the only head of state who talks to him is Orban, who may actually show up since he has a reactionary cardinal in the race to replace Francis. Who I doubt has a chance in hell….but hell does seem to be having the upper hand lately.
Peace and comfort to you and your family.
I cannot thank you enough for your thorough, candid and emotionally honest words.
I'm disgusted by Trump's self aggrandizing attendence. Pope Francis stood in resolute opposition to all that Trump represents.
Joe,
Thanks for your reporting and insights.
Hopefully, you and your wife (or soon to be☺️) can carve out time for yourselves during this historic next few weeks.
Lift a curse? My friend, I'm ready to start a pool to gather enough money to send you to live on one of those penguin islands. Sure, maybe it's just coincidence and it won't work, but the chance he'll follow you somewhere beyond cameras is too tempting to pass up.