[Aquinasfan]

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.

[ArrogantBustard]

occassion for derision it would present for anti-Catholic bigots.

The anti-Catholic bigots will exercise their bigotry regardless of what we do.

[theFIRMbss]

>The only argument against the practice is the opportunity for misunderstanding and the occassion for derision

If we all just dressed
normal, there'd be no chance of
misunderstanding!

[TaxachusettsMan]

One of my cousins was an Archbishop in the Vatican diplomatic corps, beginning as a junior attache in the reign of Pius XII and retiring as an Archbishop under John Paul II.

He told us a funny story about the Sedia Gestatoria and John XXIII. "I don't like it at all," he said to my cousin. "It reminds me of a very bad boat ride - I'm always feeling seasick when I'm in it."

And - one of the first acts of his pontificate - again, this is according to my cousin, was to double the pay of the Papal Gentlemen who had to carry it. "It's only fair," he told my cousin, "I weigh at least twice as much as Pius XII !!!!"