Pope Pinion IV

So the Pope is in America, which is a big topic of conversation throughout the nation.  That's not a picture of him above though - the picture above is in fact of Pope Pinion IV, who was last seen in the movie "Cars 2."  Okay, this was a great little moment, getting to see the Popemobile actually made into a car from the movie, along with an actual Pope car inside.

Daddy and Mommy used to be Catholic once upon a time, so we know a little about the Popes, which of course date back all the way to Peter, who was the first head of the church after Jesus.  Peter did not have a Popemobile, a Vatican City, a long white robe or a little white frisbee on his head.  In fact, I sort of remember Peter saying at one point, "Silver and Gold have I not."

Which is not to say that there is anything necessarily wrong with the tremendous amount of pomp and ceremony surrounding the Catholic leader.  Although it has been pointed out that in his lengthy speeches today, he did not mention Jesus or God.  This of course created a bit of buzz in one community, while those in political circles were looking to spin comments or visits in whatever ways that they could.  Meanwhile, there are millions wanting to see they guy, and he seems really wanting to see them as well.

Daddy was born during the 'reign' of Pope Paul VI.  Some quick research reveals he was a pretty busy guy, removing a lot of the pomp and circumstance that had been there before, such as an official crowning.  The man even sent a message to the moon:  "To the Glory of the name of God who gives such power to men, we ardently pray for this wonderful beginning."

A month after Daddy was born, somebody tried to kill Pope VI.  Which is of course a commentary in itself about the world we live in.  The obvious question is "Why?"  The world hates the light.

Mommy was born during the reign of Pope Pius XII, who had the unfortunate task of leading the Catholic church when Italy - that's where Vatican City is - was fighting on the wrong side of history in World War II.  Of course, when we factor in what Germany did during that war, the magnifying glass comes out and we start analyzing statements and actions even more so, with critics and praisers pondering, "Did he do enough?"  Based on research, I think he did all he could.

The Pope that Mommy and Daddy knew best was Pope John Paul II.  This was the guy who was Pope during the Reagan years, the Bush years, and the Clinton years.  We read that he was instrumental in bringing down communism, and like Pope Paul VI, someone tried to kill him.  He was in fact shot.  Daddy remembers this.  So does a lot of the world - and again there is the question, "Why?"  Again, the world hates the light.

But now we have the Popemobile, a car that's almost as iconic as the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile.  Almost.  It has the windows and a chair, and lets the Pope safely wave at folks without fear of some sniper wanting to take a shot at him.  As ridiculous as that concept sounds.

So, who was Pope when Madison was born?  The answer is Pope Benedict XVI, not the current Pope. Pope Benedict XVI was a good guy, and the answer to a pretty good trivia question now:  he retired.  Most Popes end their careers as they pass away, but Pope Benedict XVI wanted to retire, as he didn't think his current health would permit him to fulfill the responsibilities of the office.  In doing so, he was the first to do that since Pope Gregory XII in 1415 (although that Pope didn't actually want to resign).  Anyway, this retirement led to a new Pope, the very one that is in the United States right now, Pope Francis.  I think he's the 266th Pope, whereas Peter was the 1st.

Again, we're not Catholics.  But it's interesting nonetheless.

Dramatically changing the subject, today was speech therapy, and our last for about a month.  We're cutting back to once per month due to insurance coverage.  Simultaneously though, Madison's speech therapy is now starting at school, so we'll see once-a-week there.  Although communication isn't the best when it comes to her school and that aspect of her education.  Still, we feel like we're seeing some progress with some of her letters, particularly the letter 'r.'

Tonight we watched the first of the live-action "Scooby Doo" movies, and were reminded of how well written the dialogue is.  Madison was laughing out loud a few times, and assurances were passed around that we'd watch this second movie tomorrow night.  We've already watched quite a few of our "October" movies, and we're not even there yet. But we have quite a few, so we'll see ourselves watching more than usual this year.

School featured science, which featured a bit of geography as well - rivers and tributaries.  Madison knows the Hudson River, the Mississippi, the Rio Grande, the Ohio, and the Colorado.  Oddly enough, the Missouri River did not come up.  I guess the longest river in North America isn't all that important?  Daddy sat Madison down and we looked at a map - he showed her the Missouri, and she showed him all the others listed above.  She's smart with knowing where all these states are - some day I hope to take to all of them, where she can see the rivers for herself.