Yup, She's Still Here...

Zadok the Roman presents an impressive account of the Corpus Christi festivities in Rome this past Thursday.... Admittedly, I'm biased, but I just love this exchange between its author and a friend while watching it unfold at the Lateran:

'Is that her?' I asked my friend.
'Who?'
'Stampa, Ingrid Stampa. Ratzinger's secretary.'

This was another novelty. Previously we would have spotted Archbishop Dziwisz, Pope John Paul's right hand man amongst those assisting him. Now Benedict's right hand man is a woman and sits with the other members of the Papal family who take care of the Holy Father's personal arrangements.

From the shameless self-promotion desk, you all might enjoy knowing that "The Pope's Right-Hand Woman" was Beliefnet's most viewed piece of the last month. Grazie mille to everyone who blogged and read it!

*CORKPOP*

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