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Pope Benedict the dictator

Francis X. Rocca

“With his right hand immobilized in a cast, Pope Benedict XVI is using a voice recorder to put down his thoughts and ideas,” CNS reports from the site of the pontiff’s vacation digs in northwestern Italy.

Let’s hope that doesn’t push Benedict’s admirably clear prose style in the direction of the late Henry James.

The pope also has a new laptop, but doesn’t sound too interested in it. His spokesman says he “isn’t very technological” and prefers to use a pen.


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