A Pope Seen NOT Wearing Papal Vestments Is V. Rare, But 'Pope Francis' Might Not Have Been First.

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Yes, I was pretty amazed to see pictures of 'Pope Francis' in (rather haphazard) mufti a couple of days ago.

I, however, had a hunch, given all the research I have done into popes that this though EXTREMELY rare might not be another first ('for modern times') that Francis would get credit for. [To be fair, Francis has racked up a few of those without needing this.]

I had read the stories about how Pope John Paul II used to go skiing. You can't ski in papal robes. So that is where I went looking for first. BINGO. I found the above picture. While it is known for a FACT that John Paul II did indeed go skiing while pope, we can't be sure whether that picture is from when he was pope. The age looks right, i.e., around the time he was pope. But, it could have been taken when he was still a cardinal. What I am trying to say is that I don't VOUCH for that picture. OK?

Then there is GOOD POPE John XXIII. It is widely reported that he, as pope, would regularly go out at night, into the streets of Rome (from the Vatican), dressed in a dark suit, to CHAT with his flock. I thought I might be able to find a picture of him on one of these walks, at night. I haven't found one yet. A very different era & that pope commanded HUGE deference & respect. So it is possible that no photos were taken, or that those that were are still kept closely under wraps.

So, that is where we stand. I wanted to share that with you to keep us all on the same page. OK?

😇