To ease fatigue, pope uses wheeled platform to navigate long aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica [Washington Post]

[The_Scott]

"VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI began using a wheeled platform Sunday to navigate the long aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica, adopting the device employed by his ailing predecessor to reduce fatigue.

As the platform, pushed forward by aides, glided up the marble floor toward the main altar, Benedict gripped his pastoral staff with one hand and the device’s support bar with the other…"

Read more here: washingtonpost.com/world/europe/to-ease-fatigue-pope-using-wheeled-platform-to-navigate-st-peters-basilica/2011/10/16/gIQAZVm9nL_story.html

 

[Alix1912]

I’m not sure why this is even news. He’s 84, the fact he gets around as well as he does is actually more news worthy.

 

[twopekinguys]

It was just a couple of years ago, when that woman knocked him down at Midnight Mass,by jumping the barrier, so this adds an element of protection. Plus it helps those in attendance get a better glimpse of him during the procession.

The article did say that he didn’t have any trouble with the steps to the High Altar, or walking around, so I don’t see what the big deal is.

 

[YoungTradCath]

I really wish they’d use the sedia instead of this thing. The sedia is more dignified, and it raises the pope so he can be seen by even more people. This thing is a terribly-done, over-glorified hospital walker that a middle school art class got hold of. Carpeted posts, the crests and the papal gentlemen don’t make it any more attractive. This thing, even more than the sedia ever would, emphasizes the “obviousness” of the pope’s aged body, it looking so similar to one of those ugly, undignified grey walkers. It’s so starkly out of place, such a modern thing in such an old, glorious setting.

 

[JKirkLVNV]

I really wish they’d use the sedia instead of this thing. The sedia is more dignified, and it raises the pope so he can be seen by even more people. This thing is a terribly-done, over-glorified hospital walker that a middle school art class got hold of. Carpeted posts, the crests and the papal gentlemen don’t make it any more attractive. This thing, even more than the sedia ever would, emphasizes the “obviousness” of the pope’s aged body, it looking so similar to one of those ugly, undignified grey walkers. It’s so starkly out of place, such a modern thing in such an old, glorious setting.

The Sedia might be problematic in terms of security. The Holy Father would be a far easier target; if there were an accident, that’s quite a distance for him to fall; as he becomes older and possibly even more infirm, it might be difficult for him to remain IN the sedia (in the long twilight of his reign, I cannot imagine Blessed Pope John Paul II managing to sit in the sedia terribly well), though I suppose something along the lines of a safety belt might be possible.

I never thought thought it was appropriate to use the sedia inside buildings, though I think it was fine for public processions.

I don’t care much for the looks of this particular platform. We CAN do better than that, I think. You could have the same thing, but more classic looking.

 

[The_Scott]

I really wish they’d use the sedia instead of this thing. The sedia is more dignified, and it raises the pope so he can be seen by even more people. This thing is a terribly-done, over-glorified hospital walker that a middle school art class got hold of. Carpeted posts, the crests and the papal gentlemen don’t make it any more attractive. This thing, even more than the sedia ever would, emphasizes the “obviousness” of the pope’s aged body, it looking so similar to one of those ugly, undignified grey walkers. It’s so starkly out of place, such a modern thing in such an old, glorious setting.

I don’t think the sedia is that safe, to be honest. Like JKirkLVNV said, I do see more risks than this platform. Imagine if, for example, one of the men holding up the sedia fell, was tripped, or attacked. All weight would shift to that end, and the Holy Father will fall around six or so feet - certainly dangerous for an elderly man!

I do wish they could incorporate it somehow, but I can’t think of any safe way.

Peace.

 

[JKirkLVNV]

I don’t think the sedia is that safe, to be honest. Like JKirkLVNV said, I do see more risks than this platform. Imagine if, for example, one of the men holding up the sedia fell, was tripped, or attacked. All weight would shift to that end, and the Holy Father will fall around six or so feet - certainly dangerous for an elderly man!

I do wish they could incorporate it somehow, but I can’t think of any safe way.

Peace.

 

[Alix1912]

I don’t know what the fuss is about. When you are 84 years old, still fairly agile and leading the entire Catholic Church…you can pretty much decide how you want to go down the aisle. It’s not about what we think is best, it’s about what works for him.