The Hindu Business Line : The papal encounter

I WAS in Rome chairing the UN Committee on World Food Security in April 1979. On Palm Sunday, I went to the Vatican and stood engrossed, watching thousands from all over the world streaming into the famous St Peter's Square clutching bunches of palm leaves in their hands. I was dressed in a dark suit with the closed coat, reminiscent of a venerable Bishop's habiliments.

At the Basilica end of the Square, I saw a podium on which were seated the Cardinals in their resplendently red attire and the invited luminaries from far and near.

There was also the richly carved throne at the centre meant for the Pope who was shortly expected to arrive to lead the prayers. Everyone was naturally keyed up to have a look at John Paul II who had assumed the papacy just a year ago and have his blessing.

Suddenly a shadow fell on me, and there I was, looking up at this huge Cardinal towering over me with all those eye-catchingly impressive accoutrements proclaiming his authority.

In an appropriately booming voice, he said to my consternation, "Good morning and welcome, Father! Where are you from?" I was barely able to splutter that I was from India. The Cardinal said, "Why are you standing here, Father, come to the papal enclosure!" In a state near to fainting, I said I had no invitation. He said, "Does not matter, come with me!"

In a moment, I found myself helplessly being steered to the podium by the Cardinal, overruling my feeble and perhaps inaudible protestations, and seated in a chair not far from the papal throne.

Soon the Pope arrived, and moved towards his seat accepting the obeisance of each of the temporal and spiritual big-wigs who fell on their knees and kissed his ring. I was all at sea in the Holy See, benumbed, breathing heavily and bathed in cold sweat.

It was the worst crisis I have had to face in my life, since I did not have the foggiest notion how I was going to get through the unfamiliar rituals without mishap.

I had not a scintilla of doubt that my involuntary impersonation as an itinerant Bishop from the Orient was soon going to be exposed with dire consequences of deportation coupled with imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the Pope was (in my eyes) menacingly advancing towards me.

(We will continue after a short break. Do not go away!)

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