Leading Article: A cross to bear
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.IT'S NOT easy being Pope. All those difficult doctrines to defend, failing health, tricky cardinals, turbulent bishops and windy outdoor Masses.
And then, yesterday, Bono. And Bob Geldof. To be sure, their audience was all in a good cause - world debt - but it nevertheless sharply demonstrates a cross that this Pope has had to bear like none before him. In the Age of Celebrity, the Pope has to meet Them. We can present you with only a selected list here, but, still, just let your imagination range over the meetings of minds that have taken place between the Supreme Pontiff and Diana, Princess of Wales, Shola Ama, Jack Charlton, The Corrs, Dr Josef Venglos and Coronation Street's Vera Duckworth (though, sadly, not all of them at once).
Who, too, can forget his Bologna double act with Bob Dylan? Quite. But, on the whole, we have to say that the Holy Father's take on celebs seems pretty shrewd. He left the stage five minutes after Bob D started; he has refused to see Madonna; he is supposed to have turned down $1m to hear Frank Sinatra's confession; and he has reportedly declined an interview request from Clive Anderson. Good call, Your Holiness; we advise holding out for Des O'Connor.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments