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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 273
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 273 |
Perhaps the line is blurred because, in the case of the Vatican, the church is the state? The basilica is not merely the primary church, it is also the seat of government, is it not?
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,788
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,788 |
Good point, VC. John Paul was not only the pontiff of the whole Roman Catholic Church but also the "head of state" for the Vatican City, under some exotic extraterritoriality agreement with the Italian government.
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
Besides, 'lying in repose' sends the wrong message.
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,757
Carpal Tunnel
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OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,757 |
Yep, since the church somewhat predates any Italian government, I guess that seems a just description.
I'm sure your maths is sound, Fong - but I didn't go that near the Vatican thanks* ~ dja think I got <idiot> tattooed on me forrid?! I heard in the last 24 hours that they closed the queue off by the time it had got to a million strong!
* the closest was a quick trip on the metro to ascertain on Monday that the museum was indeed closed and the throngs flooding the train by then getting off at the previous stop (for the square) was a serious warning of the mayhem to come.
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