Break-Dancers Perform For The Pope, Get His Blessing

AP ^ | January 26, 2004 | The Associated Press

[Francisco]

VATICAN CITY -- In an unusual spectacle at the Vatican, Pope John Paul II presided Sunday over a performance of break-dancers who leaped, flipped and spun their bodies to beats from a tinny boom box.

The 83-year-old pontiff seemed to approve, waving his hand after each dancer completed a move, then applauding for the entire group. He watched the performance from a raised throne.

"For this creative hard work I bless you from my heart," he said.

During the show, one dancer -- part of a Polish group that helps poor and marginalized youths -- planted his head on the inlaid marble floor of the Vatican hall and spun to loud applause from his group and from Vatican officials. Another performer flung his body around in a series of spins and handstands.

"Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it," John Paul said.

Earlier Sunday, members of an Italian Catholic youth organization enthusiastically cheered the pope's weekly remarks in St. Peter's Square. A few were invited into his papal apartment and helped him release doves from his window.

The pope, who suffers numerous ailments but appeared relatively strong Sunday, called out to the other children cheering below his window.

"I love you all. I love you very much," he said.

[pgkdan]

I saw that on the news last night...one of the weirdest spectacles I've ever seen.

[Francisco]

You are not kidding. Maybe one of the trads can provide a picture.

[RightWingAtheist]

Who said the Catholic Church isn't lagging behind in the times? Breakdancing is sooooo 1684

[Francisco]

Picture here:

http://www.wftv.com/slideshow/2691965/detail.html?s=1&qs=1

[sheik yerbouty]

Does the Pontif know that breakdancing got started by teenagers stealing hubcaps from moving cars?

[sirshackleton]

I hear the Pontif always throws this on the turntable to get him pumped up before mass:

[anonymous_user]

Yikes! Looks like blackmail material.

[joesnuffy]

The Pope needs to stop drinking beverages from aluminum cans ..imo

[searchandrecovery]

Yea, this sh-t easily gets the Pope's blessing, but "The Passion"? Big problems. Somethings wrong here.

[A Navy Vet]

One word: Stupid.

[Francisco]

LOL! That explains a lot.

[Sacajaweau]

How does crap like break dancing even GET an audience with the pope? If these kids spent as much time on their studies, they might get a decent job someday. Not a lot of calls for break dancers in any of the industries in our area.

[Jaded]

Amazing innit?

As far as the Passion.. I suspect the person who recanted wasn't anywhere near when the movie was viewed. That's just my opinion.

[Lockbar]

Break Dancing at the Vatican? This is CRAZY! Next thing you know somebody will show up with an accordion and a Polka will break out!!

[presidio9]

Yea, this sh-t easily gets the Pope's blessing, but "The Passion"? Big problems. Somethings wrong here.

No problem there. John Paul II loved "The Passion of Christ." He just didn't want to be quoted for promotional purposes. The Pope is not a movie critic, and advertisements that had

"'It Is As It Was' - Pope John Paul II"
juxtaposed with
"'Two Thumbs Up! Way Up!' -Siskel and Roper"

would be tacky and inappropriate.

Or do you think the Pope did not approve of the film?

[drjimmy]

Yea, this sh-t easily gets the Pope's blessing, but "The Passion"?
After watching the break dancing demonstration, the Pope was heard to say, "What it is!"

[Loyalist]

This sort of sordid display can only hold the Pope, the Vatican and the Church up to ridicule.

[TheSpottedOwl]

"I love you all. I love you very much," he said.

At the risk of being completely disrespectful, that's what Ozzy Osbourne says after his concerts!

[TheSpottedOwl]

Break Dancing at the Vatican? This is CRAZY! Next thing you know somebody will show up with an accordion and a Polka will break out!!

Oh no, I just got an image of Weird Al performing at the Vatican!