We the Papal

Sadly almost forgotten nowadays is Pope John Paul I, the sweet avuncular pope who preceded John Paul II and died after only 30 days in the papacy. Carla and I had special seats in the stands atop the steps of St. Peter's Basilica for the mass at which he was installed. The stands flanked the altar, and we sat facing Princess Grace and then Vice President Mondale. The previous day Carla had accompanied her mother to a doctor appointment, and Carla had mentioned to the doctor I wanted to attend the mass. He told Carla he could get us passes. I asked Carla where in the world he got them, and she said that all she really knew was that the doctor's father had a villa at Castel Gondolfo, where the papal summer residence is located. The explanation fell short, I thought. The new pope surely hadn't had time to meet the neighbors. I found out later the doctor's father was the top civilian in control of Vatican finances. In religion like anywhere else, just follow the money.

Yesterday, on the eve of Pope Benedict's visit to the U.S. I received the happy news, along with an invitation to the wedding, of my friend Maria Roncalli's upcoming nuptials in Chicago. She's the grandniece of Pope John XXIII. I wish her a long and happy marriage. She's a delight, and deserves it.