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I like the three-tiered tiara myself, never having seen a pope wear it. The sedan chair seemed a bit much,

I can learn to live without the tiara, but I really do miss the sedia gestatoria. I don't think there's any coherent reason to reject it. Its chief function is to provide visibility: the popemobile and JPII's more recent rolling platform provide the same function but with far less poetry and beauty. The platform in particular is undignified, a sort of parade float that makes the Holy Father into a pageant queen. The sedia is preferable precisely because it is supported by men: it underscores the unique dignity of the papacy and affords the faithful a participation in the -- literally -- basic symbolism of lending their bodies to uphold the papacy. There are ancient traditions of beloved dignitaries receiving similar honors: Roman commanders were "exalted" on the shields of their soldiers. Leaders in carriages or chariots had their horses taken away and instead were drawn through the streets by enthusiastic young men. In our own time and country, it's not uncommon for a sports hero to be hoisted to the shoulders of his teammates, to demonstrate their respect and gratitude. Catholics are an incarnational people; it's good when they resort to physical ways of acting out their faith. That our age reduces all of this to a myth of papal pride and folie de grandeur only points out how shallow and ignorant we are.

the popemobile and JPII's more recent rolling platform provide the same function but with far less poetry and beauty. The platform in particular is undignified, a sort of parade float that makes the Holy Father into a pageant queen. The sedia is preferable precisely because it is supported by men: it underscores the unique dignity of the papacy and affords the faithful a participation in the -- literally -- basic symbolism of lending their bodies to uphold the papacy. There are ancient traditions of beloved dignitaries receiving similar honors: Roman commanders were "exalted" on the shields of their soldiers. Leaders in carriages or chariots had their horses taken away and instead were drawn through the streets by enthusiastic young men. In our own time and country, it's not uncommon for a sports hero to be hoisted to the shoulders of his teammates, to demonstrate their respect and gratitude. Catholics are an incarnational people; it's good when they resort to physical ways of acting out their faith. That our age reduces all of this to a myth of papal pride and folie de grandeur only points out how shallow and ignorant we are.

Beautifully put.

The only argument against the practice is the opportunity for misunderstanding and the occassion for derision it would present for anti-Catholic bigots.

Overall, it's a tough call. But your argument in favor is stronger, IMO.