Hell hath no fury like a pedant scorned? ::

Thank you Mirablis for this fascinating footnote to (very recent) history, from the Globe and Mail. Father Reginald (Reggie) Foster has served four popes over the last 36 years, speaks classical Latin fluently, but has a scholar's temperament:

When Karol Wojtyla began signing papal documents in Latin as "Joannes Paulus II," instead of "Ioannes Paulus II" after being elected pope 26 years ago, Father Foster quickly pointed out to a papal adviser that there is no letter "J" in Latin. "I said, 'By the way, friend, there's no J,' " he recalled. "And the answer kind of came back that the pope said 'Well, now there is.' Well, fine, fine. He's the boss. And if you look at his tomb, the J is gone. One of my brethren said, 'Well, he enjoyed his J for 26 years, and now it's gone.' His tombstone has 'I'"

Wise advice for the week: Do not, oh best beloved, cross a scholar in the performance of his duties! ¶ 11:35 AM [to Del.icio.us]

Post a Comment