Considering

Dare they elect a Pope Willy
though technically papabile?
But “William” could be capable
Of being grandly papabile.

.
(hopefully the Italian enunciation swings naturally into place....)

Good news

You tell me your son is a serial rapist?
Well, that’s a relief, I thought you said “Papist”.

One Foot Beyond
 

One Foot Beyond

Perhaps a younger pontiff, one
Who's not for God too soon,
Might stand a chance of getting done
Some work before he's hewn;

Else why not have the Eastern Pope
As Boss-Man in the West? -
The Schism solved may signal hope
That clergymen know best.

I guess the Roman Catholic Church
Will act as it sees fit
(You'd think another Borgian lurch
Should bring some spunk with it).

.

for Roger

It could be cool to have a Jewish pontiff.
Come Passover I’d wish him a Gutte Yontiff !

THE SHADE OF EMILY DICKINSON WEIGHS IN ON THIS DEBATE

The Pope - could be - a Jew?
I know that isn't true -
I am the spirit who dis-
covered he's a - Buddhist.

The Pope a Buddhist or a Jew?
Dear Em, you’re quite mistaken.
These stirring times, I’m telling you,
Have left him rather shaken.

He’s seen the writing on the wall
And since religion is sham,
It doesn’t bother him at all
Converting now to Islam.

I do not want to be the Pope,
and so I say here's hoping
they do not pick me cause I think
I would not much like poping.

Velvet gowns would make me itch.
I like my clothing tighter.
I fear my sweaty head would soil
the Pope's majestic mitre.

I beg you then, pick someone else.
There must be lots of folk
who wouldn't mind to be the one
anointed by the smoke,

and if you pick some other guy
I won't regret or rue it.
What's that? You mean I've got the job?
Okay! That's great! I'll do it.

for Roger

Sorry to interrupt this metrical outpouring, but I've always treasured the 'take' on the election of a Pope which we owe to one of the Medici popes, Leo X in 1513 - "Since God has given us the Papacy - let us enjoy it!". The remark dates from the same year in which Machiavelli - betrayed, tortured and exiled by the triumphantly returned Medicis - published Il Principe. The current hierarchy have nothing to teach their genially corrupt predecessors.

1513 - 2013 Hmmmm ... 500 years, on the button. Maybe this should be the next Comp. for one of the mags?