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.

[stainlessbanner]

I was hoping to see the Pope bust out his parachute pants and do the jig-a-lo with Turbo.

[N. Theknow]

Saint Antwan de Hiphop of the KFC Friars.

[TradicalRC]

It is not the lack of joy so much as the lack of reverence.

I find the contemporary services with their guitars utterly lacking in both joy and reverence.

But I am a mere Traditionalist and therefore an unimportant sideshow to "real" Catholicism.

[cyborg]

LOL oh good grief

[cyborg]

Nice pic!

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

The Church is also a "hospital for sinners".

But in this case the problem is the "doctors" probing where they shouldn't.

[cyborg]

I am not impressed by contemporary services either. However, this was a kid displaying a talent before the Pope. If the Pope is supposed to represent Christ on Earth, I can't imagine Christ being interested in kids who only play the violin or piano.

[Ant_biter]

"But in this case the problem is the "doctors" probing where they shouldn't."

“Doctors” are humans too and they do get sick just like us specially when they do not observe the rules of “good health” or are addicted to some vices. Remember “doctor” Judas was trained by the best of best “doctors”. Very sick doctor needs another doctor for treatment too.

[Ant_biter]

"I can't imagine Christ being interested in kids who only play the violin or piano."

Great point! My Protestant friends always remind me of the phrase, "What would Christ do in this situation."

[Ant_biter]

"But in this case the problem is the "doctors" probing where they shouldn't."

Any sinful person is the "patient" and the healer is Christ.

[TradicalRC]

You are quite correct in your assessment of the young man and his talent; I was addressing your comment on why people have left the Church.

[evets]

It is as it was.

[cyborg]

I think people are leaving church for a number of reasons, but not for the reason people think (the child abuse situation).

[Salvation]

**I am shocked at the posts regarding the young people breakdancing. **

Everyone has different gifts/talents; thanks be to God!

[cyborg]

I agree :)