September 23, 2006

Extreme Makeover: Pope Edition

After the recent controversy surrounding the comments Pope Benedict XVI made in reference to Islam, the Vatican finally responded to the crisis with concerted effort. In addition to inflame many in the Islamic community worldwide, credibility within Western countries also took a hit. After calling an emergency conclave, high ranking Vatican officials are rumoured to have flown in world-renown style guru, Finja A'Pessoa, author of the best-selling book "Pimp Eye For The Papal Guy". Despite their bests efforts, after his last public appearance (seen above), polls on the popularity of the Holy Father (introduced as Big Papa Benny) were only slightly up. The College of Cardinals is baffled.

Ok, so that didn't REALLY happen. However, given all the buzz about the comments Pope Benedict XVI made, I thought we could use a laugh. Here's my take on the issue: Given the highly sensitive nature of his position, combined with the climate in the Islamic world, there is no way that they couldn't see this coming. At best it was a diplomatic failure that could and should have been avoided. That being said, the current Pontiff is known for his hardline approach on many issues, so it all should come as no surprise. By now the situation has gotten so far out of hand, however, that figuring out who's right or wrong is impossible and, frankly, a waste of time.

At any rate, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Posted by Jamie Arpin-Ricci at 23:14:53 | Permanent Link | Comments (11) |
Comments
1 - LOL -- thanks, Jamie!

BTW --that pic would be perfect for having people submit crazy quotations to go with it.

- Chris (Comment this)

Written by: Chris Monroe at 2006/09/25 - 12:04:38
2 - Chris,

Good idea! Care to add one yourself?

Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)

Written by: Jamie Arpin-Ricci at 2006/09/25 - 12:33:02
3 - "I am Santa Claus and i come bearing gifts!" (Comment this)

Written by: Existential Punk at 2006/09/25 - 18:17:00
4 - i think his ipod ought to be gold, dontcha think?? More papal looking!! LOL!!!!! (Comment this)

Written by: Existential Punk at 2006/09/25 - 18:18:13
5 - Adele,

LOL! Nice. My graphic skills are self-taught on old software. Making the iPod gold is beyond me! Alas...

Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)

Written by: Jamie Arpin-Ricci at 2006/09/25 - 18:31:35
6 - "Don't even think about coveting my 'secret stash', you devil, you!" (Comment this)

Written by: Chris Monroe at 2006/09/25 - 18:38:08
7 - Chris,

How about:

"I ASKED for a Heineken, yo!"

Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)

Written by: Jamie Arpin-Ricci at 2006/09/25 - 21:00:50
8 - What does Big Pappa Benny have on his iPod?

I had to review that speach for a class. The latest sanitised version omits the offensive statement generalizing Mohammad and his followers as violent. I was not impressed with the whole thing. (Comment this)

Written by: Frank Emanuel at 2006/10/02 - 09:01:36
9 - Frank,

Good question. Georgorian Chant Techno Remix?

Yeah, it was a sad affair indeed. Easily avoided.

Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)

Written by: Jamie Arpin-Ricci at 2006/10/02 - 09:43:28
10 - Jamie Arpin-Ricci,
I am a Prov student. I was tipped off to this article because the same day you published it, I wrote a piece for our school publication entitled 'Benedict XVI: Fashion Icon?'
I have also written on his love of cats as well, and am glad to see that others beleive in giving him this strange attention.
(http://sparrowcenter.blogspot.com/2006_10_08_sparrowcenter_archive.html) (Comment this)

Written by: K. Wilson at 2006/11/12 - 23:48:19 in reply to: 9
11 - Hey there K. Wilson,

Thanks for stopping by and sharing the links.

Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)

Written by: Jamie Arpin-Ricci at 2006/11/13 - 09:08:50
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